Hi, I have a 6 month black Labrador called Buddy. About 2 months ago we noticed that he had a slight limp on his front right paw, it only occurred occasionally while walking, we thought he had pulled a muscle as he had his nails clipped and was quite wriggly during this, so didn't take much notice, we thought it would get better. We have now noticed that he is limping when he has had a rest after a walk and was particularly bad this weekend after a trip to the beach, he loves swimming! I have spoken to the vets about this, buddy was given metaformin once a day for a week, but this caused him to vomit and have diahorrea,, and restricted walks. The vet mentioned elbow displasia, and I have looked at a few articles about this. Is it possible for a puppy to get this at such a young age? Has anyone else had a puppy with elbow displasia? I would be grateful for any advice to help Buddy!
Puppies can be born with elbow displasia, so, yes, it's perfectly possible that's what Buddy has. I would be pushing for an X-ray as soon as possible, so you get a plan of action; without this, if it is ED, your puppy's joints may worsen very quickly, and he could be put in a position where he gets arthritis at a remarkably young age. If you suspect ED, it's very important to get a diagnosis ASAP. There are a few people on here who have experience of ED with their dogs; it doesn't have to be the end of the world, by any means, but it does need you to know what you're dealing with, to limit the long-term effects.
Yes, my boy was 7 months when he was diagnosed with ED, he was on very strict exercise for a few months.
Elbow dysplasia comes in many variants and is usually diagnosed by x-Ray. It is perfectly possible for a 5 month old puppy to have ED as it can be congenital/inherited. My dog was diagnosed at 7 months and operated on at 8 months but first limping incidence was at 5 months. Please see your vet again and discuss the options of x-raysome and/or referral to an orthopaedic specialist.
Thank you for your support, I will contact the vets and get an x ray sorted so that we can get a diagnosis and get Buddy better.
My boy is 4 weeks post surgery for ED. We noticed it at 5 months. X-ray ASAP as we were debating waiting until he was 12 months old, and I am so glad we had it done sooner rather than later.
Its horrible for us as owners , worrying over our beloved dogs , but just wanted to wish you all the best at the Vets and for a good outcome x
