Our 3 year old Labrador Duke, has recently been diagnosed with hip dyplasia. We are treating that with weight management, painkillers and supplements. Duke front legs often tremble when we are out walking. He has been checked by the vet for elbow pain, as so far he hasn’t found pain or lameness in his front legs. I am worried about the trembling legs still. Another feature when is out for a walk is Duke has a pacing gait. I’m told this can be a sign of back pain. This has been diagnosed by the vet in the past. Dr Google did say however that a pacing gait can be normal for Labradors. I’m not sure since Duke has hip dysplasia, whether he is any more likely fo have elbow problems.
Hi Anna, So sorry to hear that your dog has hip dysplasia. Whether or not that increases his risk of elbow dysplasia seems uncertain. There is a Dutch study that has looked into the association between the two conditions and and concludes that there is only a minor correlation between HD related traits and ED related traits. Hopefully the trembling is something innocuous, but maybe if it continues another trip to the vet or at least a phone call, is a good idea.
Thank you Pippa for your reply. I have taken a video today to show the vet and have come to the realisation that the instability is more at the wrist. Some have suggested it is just the way he stands without his full weight on the leg. I shall try the vet again. Did you (or anyone else) have any insights on a pacing gait when walking? Thanks Anna
I'm afraid I don't know any more about the implications of a pacing gait than the possibilities you've already identified. It would be interesting to know what the vet thinks when you see him.
Hi @Anna Boyd I'm not an expert by any means on lacing gait and only know what I have read in various online articles. From my understanding a pacing gait can be a 'normal' gait and is sometimes seen in Labradors. Another article also mentioned that the pacing gait can be indicative of back pain with the dog adopting this gait to help reduce discomfort. So taking in view the HD I think I would be going back to the vet for a chat and seeing if Duke still has discomfort which is affecting gait. On the ED question it I don't think it's really possible to say. Although there may not be any direct correlation we kmow that ED doesn't have just genetic causes, there is environmental impact as well so it is possible that a change in gait could have an impact as it could put more stress on a joint which will impact over time.
The leg trembling is a little concerning along with the other symptoms. I would be going back to the vet with some videos to show what's happening. My previous dog suffered a spinal injury and had very similar symptoms. Turned out to be an herniated disc in his neck compressing his spinal cord, which was in turn was causing the trembling. Please let us know how you get on.
