Bunny Hopping Cocker Spaniel

[MissyT]

Hi everyone,

Hoping someone here can help.  I have had Tia since June last year when I adopted her she was 10 months old, and was from a pound. I have rang the vet in the town that she came from and they couldnt tell me where she came from so I have no idea of her parantage. The only Cocker breeder in town was the one that put me on to her and she didnt recognise her. :roll:  

Today when we were out playing with the dogs we noticed that Tia when she is in a full run bunny hops.  She bounces along instead of the normal running that our other dog does, she walks normally and slow trots normally. I hadnt taken too much notice before it was my partner that picked it up.

Could that mean that she has hip problems?  She is only 18 months old, and Its a scary thought.

Thanks
Colleen                    

[Jane S]

Hi MissyT

A bunny-hopping gait can be a symptom of hip displaysia but only a vet can diagnose this for you so if you're worried take Tia along for a check-up & get your vet to put your mind at rest Even if Tia's hips are less than perfect, she may still not experience too many problems as it all depends on the severity of the HD.

Jane                    

[MissyT]

Jane

Thank you for your reply and I realised after I posted this message that I should have gone into the health section.  The other Forum I go to doesnt have as many categories as this one everthing tends to get lobbed into General.  

It had never occured to me that she had a problem, she had always run the same way.  She will be going to the vets in the next couple of weeks I dont want her to deteriate.

thanks
Colleen