Problems with hind legs

[*Jay*]

A few weeks ago, I noticed Dallas had a peculiar gait from the back - kinda like a waddle and definitely not walking like the other 2.  I poked and prodded, manipulated limbs etc and he didn't react to anything. He is such a wimpy dog that he would definitely let you know if he was sore. Over this weekend, he has been lifting his right hind up as hes walking. He can lift it every other step for a bit and then he can be fine for about 40 steps then it starts again. Sometimes it looks like he does it with the other leg too although thats quite subtle (therefore I could be imagining that!). He isn't stiff on rising but he does give the impression that the legs are a bit weaker than they were - they seem to buckle slightly sometimes when hes standing and when walking it looks like his back end has dipped (for want of a better word) down as if he can't fully straighten his legs for support    There is nothing to be seen between his pads or his toes on either paw but with his left leg, I can't flex it out fully. He isn't making a noise when I'm trying to do it but there is definite resistance there.  Because its affecting both hind legs, I thought along the lines of HD as there was no sign of back pain etc but I would have thought that would be quite painful if its at the stage of affecting mobility? He is a potter about type of dog so I know he hasn't injured himself - I'm a bit baffled    He has a vet appt for 10.30 tomorrow but just wondered whether anyone had any other ideas in the meantime?

[bibathediva]

It could be something simple as a pulled muscle  but Lola was recently diagnosed with HD and had the same symptons as Dallas...a funny gait and her rear end waddled/swayed from side to side when she walked...it was more noticeable after a long walk and she was lifting her right leg up for a couple of steps when running and then putting it back down...infrequent to start with but it became more often and she would lift her left leg up the same but not as often....she has mild HD ,worse in the right hip...she also went lame a couple of times ,first on her right leg and then her left....she was also very unsettled at night as though she couldnt get comfy and she had and still has a distinctive click in her hips when she lays down or gets up  Lolas back end seems to slope slightly as well and she doesnt like her rear legs being brushed 
Lola also has a resistance to her right leg being extended 

I think dogs have a high pain tolerance and it takes alot for them to show that they are in pain  and they do tend to compensate in the way they walk/run so it isnt so painful for them...hence the waddle and leg lifting 

Hope the vet is able to get to the bottom of it 

[louis mum]

Sorry no advice, just lots of hugs for your boy  Keep us posted 

[laurenollie]

Ollie had this at a similar time to when Lola above was being diagnosed, same syptoms as dallas - we called it a bunny hop! Up to now we still don't know what it is. He's been t the vets had been examined, treated for a sprain, when that didn't cure it had a x ray tried to dislocate and it seems hip and knee joint are fine. The vet suggested it could be his ligaments I've tried him on so herbal ligament tablets. He still does and has good and bad days -  In fact this weekend its been very good - maybe we are turning a corner??? Someone did suggest it could be habit after hurting it???

We are still in the don't know stage but one thing I'm sure of is it doesn't pain Ollie!!! So it could turn out like this! let us know how you get on i would be curious to see what other vets say!!!

L&O x

[Colin]

Good luck at the vets with Dallas tomorrow Gill, fingers crossed it's nothing serious.

[*Jay*]

Well as luck would have it, it was the orthopaedic specialist who was on morning consults today so that was handy!  He's not quite sure what the problem is - he did say he had bilateral gluteal atrophy and that his left hip was causing some discomfort when he was flexing it. He thinks its one of 3 things - HD, osteoarthritis of the lower spine or lumbosacral disease. He has metacam tabs to take for 10 days then he has to go back next Friday for a re-ex and possibly book in for x-rays.

Poor dog - half-blind and crippled at 6 years of age - the straw he drew was certainly not of any great length   

[MacTavish Boys]

Poor ol Dallas, he certainly has drawn the short straw, at least you managed to see the Orthopaedic specalist, i hope the Metacam helps Dallas' discomfort, fingers crossed it is better news next Friday.
Give Dallas a gentle squidge from us 
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx

[Colin]

Sorry to hear you didn't get a better verdict Gill - poor Dallas, he's certainly had a rough time of things.  Fingers crossed they can get to the bottom of the problem on friday and things aren't as bad as the possibilities you've been given so far.

[speedyjaney]

Sorry to hear about Dallas...fingers crossed it isnt anything too serious...poor boy!!

[Annette]

Oh poor Dallas.

I hope the tablets help him. Wouldn't it be great if it was just a sprain or something?

[louis mum]

Lots of positive thoughts from us   

[Helen]

everything crossed for your poor boy