Teena what age was Cooper when you started noticing the criss cross walking and was he experiencing pain or discomfort after exercise? My willow is 6 mths and over the past few weeks I have noticed the same gait but pain after exercise which wasn't there before. I am also thinking it's hip dysplasia which is very worrying - is it normal to appear quite suddenly? Jacqui did you say your dog has HD, how are they doing? My big lad passed in Nov 2011 with very painful arthritis in his hips and spine and I dread to think she will be the same :'( She is due to be spayed this month so I was going to have a hip score done while she was under but maybe I should have this done asap, anybody got advice? Shell
Re: Hip Dysplasia Shell - I hope you don't mind me splitting this topic - Teena's post about Cooper's Criss-cross walking is pretty long already. Lilly was no more than 6 months old when she started limping - intermittently at first then a bit more regularly. We couldn't at first decide which leg it was and in fact thought it was an elbow or a knee to start with. Took her to the vet and suggested rest to begin with and some anti-inflammatories. Its a bit of a long story really but we were on pretty restricted exercise, and our own vet thought it was a cruciate ligament and referred her to a specialist ortho vet who we are lucky enough to love quite close to. These guys tend to plan an admission and surgery on the day if they confirm the referral findings, but in Lilly's case they examined her really thoroughly and subsequent x-rays showed her to have severe hip dysplasia rather than either an elbow OR knee problem. As she had adapted quite well they deferred surgery and gave us an exercise programme working up from 5 mins twice a day on lead to 60mins twice a day (excrutiating to fit into my day ). When they reviewed her at 3 months they felt she was doing well enough to discharge her until whenever we felt she needed surgery. Currently, at 3 and a half, she has a daily half dose of ant-inflammatory, and an omega-3 capsule twice a day. She clicks A LOT but if you have read any of our other posts, she is a master wild-life chaser so it doesn't seem to hamper her much. She is a bit of a grump if you invade her space when she is comfy on her beanie or a bed which we put down to being a bit sore. Think that sums up our story, really, and I hope Teena will add her experiences with Cooper to the thread. We asked for hip x-rays but the vet was so sure it was her knee - I would be persistent if you are suspicious. x
Re: Hip Dysplasia Penny is 11 months old and for the last month in have noticed her having stiffness in her hind legs, particularly after exercise. At the moment she is on a week of metacam and rest, we then have to gradually increase her exercise and see how she goes. If no improvement (as my vet thinks likely) she will see an orthopaedic vet and have X-rays. I'm about 90% certain she has hip dysplasia. The vet mentioned it as a possibility but only in passing, not as a real concern. My diagnosis comes from the number of dogs I have seen come through the kennels I worked at with varying degrees of hip dysplasia. The two most similar cases to mine include a nine month old springador exhibiting a tiny amount of stiffness in one hind limb, he was xrayed and found to have - to the quote the vet "totally screwed up hips". The second case was a 12 month old mastiff x who bunny hopped when walking any fast than a trot (just as Penny does). Her X-rays revealed her hips were only 40% in the socket. Symptoms of hip dysplasia can appear at any age, if in doubt get an xray. However be aware that your pup will still be growing until at least 18months old so any results from an X-ray at 6 months could be totally different from an X-ray done at a year or two years of age.
Re: Hip Dysplasia Barring any diagnosis in the meantime I'd definitely get an x-ray done while she's under if you're worried. It wont count as a hip score for breeding purposes unless she's over one year old I think. Good luck, let us know how you get on
Re: Hip Dysplasia Thanks everyone I did bring her to the vet 2 weeks ago and got an anti inflammatory and painkiller jab plus tablets for a few days because she had had an accident with some barbed wire fencing (sheep fence had collapsed on the sand dunes on beach during a storm and she tried to jump over!) but unfortunately it hasn't improved after rest and limited exercise for 2 weeks. Today was first time back on beach and she is now wimpering everytime she gets up. Will def take her back on Monday for another exam and take it from there :-\
Re: Hip Dysplasia Shell, that is so worrying for you, I do hope it's ok. I had a recent HD scare, I know how worrying it is. It turned out to be something else, but I pushed the vet to do the x-rays right away, so I didn't have to worry any longer. Charlie's problem turned out to be something else entirely. As I reviewed Charlie's history with the orthopaedic vet, and then the orthopaedic surgeon, I showed them videos of Charlie running (before he injured himself) - I always thought he had an odd gait, and bunny hopped a lot when running (but his hips turned out to be perfect). They said it was just puppy stuff though, and nothing to do with anything. So I think you do need a proper diagnosis before worrying yourself further. That said, getting a full set of x-rays done on Charlie was a fantastic thing to do, I now know the state of his joints, and don't have to worry and wonder. You can't get a hip score before the dog is a year old - but that doesn't stop your vet evaluating the state of joints for problems that may be evident now.
Re: Hip Dysplasia I am so sorry to read that you are going through the worry of this. We've had a scare and I know how worrying it is. If there is anything that puts me off Labradors as a breed it is this. but then saying that, even working cockers aren't completely immune (far far rarer of course) but I know of one with HD. Why are we still seeing this so commonly in labrador puppies when hip testing has been around for 10 years now. the average hip score is not decreasing either. i'm keeping everything crossed for you.
Re: Hip Dysplasia Hey Shelly im so sry for the late reply and im so sry to hear abt your puppy i noticed Cooper's gait wen he was 6 months old i ges not sure and it was my trainer who pointed out its emergency nd im thankful to him now Cooper did not and still doesn't show any discomfort or pain during the walks or excercise and was diagnosed with HD though minor by my vet and it occured accidently wen he bumped himself into wooden chairs and slipped on the tiles wen he was a baby and i regret it and blame myself for it even now i knw how painful and worriesome i would be for u now but its better to take Lilly to the vet as soon as possible as u tld me tat she shows discomfort and pain u cannot rule out the possibility unless u get her checked Cooper is on medication for his joints and hip and has kibble tat is specially formulated for mobiltiy in dogs. I was asked to take him for walks regularly as it may help him and might be able to heal it to so don wry im keeping my fingers crossed for u hoping to hear from u soon love Teena and Cooper
Re: Hip Dysplasia Shelly please get the xray done quickly and yes it may differ wen he grows of age jus like Penny suggested but nuthing is gonna be a waste and u may be relieved and it may be a relief for Willow as well so don wry let me knw wen ur back from vet
Re: Hip Dysplasia Hi just a newbie here. I have been lurking for a while but joined at the weekend as I love reading all the good advice on here. I have a7 month old gorgeous black lab called Rosie (was going to be willow!) she is adorable and very calm. A week after she was speyed at 6 months she suddenly started holding her R hind leg off the floor when eating and stopping to sniff. She was reluctant to walk and stiff when rising. The vet advised a weeks strict restriction and anti inflamm suspecting HD. She improved with this but after first trip back to the woods she was again stiff and reluctant to exercise. We are now on a months half dose anti inflam and two short lead walks a day. She seems loads better with this but still bunny hops when running in the garden. We go back to vet in 3 weeks and will decide wether to x ray then her parents both had good hip scores. So sad about this as she is so lovely and doesn't understand all of this sudden restriction. We are doing lots of training in the house and hide and seek the ball is a winner too! Just fingers crossed its just a puppy thing, for her and willow too.
Re: Hip Dysplasia Hi ssolan - welcome from me too. Hoping its not HD Good luck with the restricted exercise - you are in good company just now. jac & Lilly
Re: Hip Dysplasia So we had x-rays done yesterday and her hips are quite bad, the right one being worse than the left but both only have a portion (dont know exactly what the percenrage is) of the ball joint is in the socket. My vet has put her on 2 weeks of anti-inflam and NO EXERCISE!! Now she did sympathise with me about this part after having her for only one day lol - she is a bit hyper when she doesn't get her walk She will re-evaluate after the 2 weeks to see if Willow should be referred to a specialist but also said how some dogs with severe hip problems don't show much in the way of symptoms while others with minor problems can have major pain etc, personally I don't think I would want to wait to see if something can be done now. I also took Penny & me advice about the change in x-rays as she is only 6 mths and asked the vet if things may change as she grows but she said that things don't usually improve as dogs mature - I took this as this is the best its going to get for miss willow! Now as with Penny's experience, she also said that she doesn't think HD comes on so quickly (as she really only started showing probs 3 wks ago after the accident on the beach) and that it may be ligament damage (which x-rays dont pick up)?? So now I'm really confused - even I could see the probs on the x-ray. Finally, has anyone any advice on food - is there a good kibble that she could be on as iv read that puppy food is too high in protein for her 'condition', how can I get her to release energy without exercise (before she drives me and Jack -my older lab of 9.5 yrs- crazy). Any advice on the use of vit c as a supplement and has anyone tried CSJ's 'calm down' supplement? Thanks everyone, she may be a monster but she is my monster and I want to give her the best and longest life she can have
Re: Hip Dysplasia Can't offer any advice on how best to manage things - I just wanted to say that I am sorry, this is obviously not the news you were hoping for. I know that (sadly) plenty of people have got personal experience and will be able to offer you something much more useful than my best wishes... Clare
Re: Hip Dysplasia So sorry to read the x rays didn't look good. Rosie is only 7 months and not confirmed with HD yet. Waiting a couple more weeks of rest and anti inflamm before doing x rays. I recently changed her onto royal canin lab junior food as that's what the vet advised. Reckon they should have the right balance of ingredients for the price! I have also cut her back by 10% as she is restricted. We are doing lots of bursts of training and playing hide and seek indoors but still not the same as a walk. She does crazy laps around the garden and kitchen which I think must be worse than a slightly longer lead walk? Also she wakes at 5.30 now howling! Never did that before! Is willow allowed any lead walks? Does she have to be taken out into garden to wee etc on the lead? It's tough isn't it!?
Re: Hip Dysplasia My sympathies to all who have had to deal with hip/elbow displasia in their pets; it is a dreadful condition but whilst I can't help, you maybe interested to learn of my experience with Benson. Two years ago when he was 1, I decided to have him xrayed for breeding purposes. My vet quoted me £450 which included a general anaesthetic. I thought that the price was expensive and I was not keen that he should have a GA. A local farmer ( I live in Winchester) put me in touch with a lady who breeds Dogue de Bourgoines and was fed up paying huge vets fees every time her dogs needed an Xray. I made an appointment for Benson and on arrival at her home I was surprised to find many people from all over the country with dogs of various breeds. A registered vet and qualified radiographer were in attendance and when my turn came Benson was examined by the vet and I completed the necessary forms for the British Veterinary Association. I was then directed to an outbuilding where I was given a lead apron and held Benson down on his back and the Xray's taken. Five minutes later I was shown the results of the Xray's and paid my bill for £200! Two weeks later I received his report and scores from the BVA. Anyone interested please send me a pm for details. Roger
Re: Hip Dysplasia Oh Shell,I'm so sorry about your news.... There is nothing I can help you with in terms practical advice as I'm only just learning as I go with my first dog,a yellow lab.There are a lot of energetic young dogs on here on restricted excercise at the moment and I've read all their stories so I know it's going to be a challenge so really,just wanted to offer some sympathy and support...I don't know enough about HD ....parents hip scores are not an indicator of it developing? that's a worry. I used a product called Calmex...a herbal pill when Dexter was recovering from a tail operation and was having really restless nights.....to be honest I started using it a fair way along the recovery time so I don't know if it coincided with things settling down anyway but after 2 particularly bad nights...we had good nights going forward....I live in Dubai so I don't know if 'Calmex'' is a brand you recognize? I gave the remaining few pills to my friend when her GSD was castrated so I haven't got the packet to look at to tell you more x Best wishes Angela x
Re: Hip Dysplasia I am so sorry here that, Shell. It will be so difficult for you right now. Lots of dogs do lead happy lives with HD, I know you'll do your best for your girl. My boy is on restricted exercise right now and I've recently investigated the puppy/adult food question. You should ask your vet about whether things like glucosamine supplements, or other specialist joint supplements would help at all. There are lots of people who think that high protein puppy foods accelerate growth undesirably, and puppies should be moved off them onto adult food. I recently asked 2 orthopedic specialists about this and they both said there is no evidence that this is the case but they were aware it's something people talk about. I have failed to find any evidence - that's not to say there isn't any, just I haven't found it. But so many people seem to think this is the case, talking it over with your vet is probably a good idea. In terms of keeping your dog occupied on restricted exercise, this is what I did: Write down everything you can do with and for your dog - eg 10 minute on lead sniffs round the garden, packing up meals in frozen kongs, clicker training, allowed safe chews, teaching tricks, massages, find kibble in boxes, tearing up paperback books, teeth cleaning training. Write everything down. Then stock up on what you need - kongs, save packaging etc. Then look at your schedule and work out how many activities you can fit into a day, and spread them out as much as possible - or grouped around the times when your dog is least likely to settle and go to sleep. Then stick to that routine. In between activities, if the dog won't settle put her in a crate or pen, if that's necessary - it certainly is for us - and they just have to learn that means quiet time. (I have recently crate trained Charlie at 10 months). The only other thing - you might ask your vet - is whether she could swim? If there is doubt about whether she has ligament damage the answer might be no though. Good luck. Wishing you all the best.
Re: Hip Dysplasia Hi Shell, I can't offer any help but just wanted to let you know I am very sorry you have had this diagnosis for Willow :'( There are quite a few members that have recently experienced the same diagnosis and hopefully they will be along to offer their expert advise. Take care Helen x
Re: Hip Dysplasia Shell, you could try Burns Alert which I think is a misnomer as it is for assistance dogs who need to be calm! It is also zero vat rated as it is for working dogs so is not too expensive.
