Hi all, I popped Leo to the vets today as he has been holding up his right front paw on occasion at present. I'm completely hypervigilant when it comes to the possibility of him being injured so assumed there was no problem.. HOWEVER... when I was there, the vet checked all his legs and when he extended his right rear leg Leo REALLY told him off.. He's overexcited and mouthy anyway but this was a clear growl as if he was in pain.
The vet suggested it may be hip dysplasia and suggested that I have let him run up and down stairs too much when he was young. I quickly corrected him, telling him that Leo has never had access to stairs until 2 weeks ago when I took the stair gate off. He's put Leo on anti inflammatories for a week and then has asked to see him again.
My questions are:
Is hip dysplasia only caused by running up and down stairs whilst young?? If so it can't be dysplasia as he never climbed stairs!
What are the implications for his short term/long term health if it is dysplasia?
Should he be showing pain?
If anyone's got any info on this I would greatly appreciate it, the vets, although lovely, don't really give much explanation!