Bella has a recurring limp in her back left leg. She's only 13 months. Rest seemed to ensure recovery but a month later it's stated again.. Always on her big free group walks. Vet thinks a) her hip or b) her spine..... he said her gait was off. She's going under general anaesthetic tomorrow for x rays. I'm so worried , don't care about the money , more worried about the outcomes. I purposely bought her from a breeder in derby on champ dogs and drove from Leeds especially ... Vet said that IF it is hip dysplacia and we of course must and need to check everything out before jumping to any conclusions , it means nothing these days and either scores could be incorrect or just bad luck. I'm praying and hoping it is not this, I daren't even ask the long term prognosis .....
The very worst prognosis might be that she needs a hip replacement. I had a GSP who damaged his hip and he had one and was absolutely fine afterwards. I also saw a Collie running as Collie's do and she had had a hip replacement, fit as a fiddle. However, I am sure it isn't that bad, just wanted to take one worry away for you. Some dogs have enormous hip scores but continue to lead a useful life.
Everything crossed for you here. I'm sure once the vet knows what he's dealing with you'll feel more in control.
Hoping for a good result for you both. Lilly has severe bilateral hip dysplasia and hasn't needed operative input - she seems to cope really well with her anti-inflammatories. Certainly doesn't stop her hoofing off after the wildlife. She does grumble a bit at times, but hasn't limped for such a long time now - 2 years at least. Fingers crossed here too. xx
I don't have experience of hip dysplasia but have been through elbow dysplasia. I won't say don't worry because you will, and try not to imagine the worst case scenario although we do! One step at a time, see what the x-rays show and discuss with your vet the next steps. There most certainly is life after dysplasia you just adapt as does your pup. As Jacqui says her Lilly has severe bilateral dysplasia but lives a perfectly normal doggy life. Will be thinking of you and Bella tomorrow and sending wishes for a positive prognosis and we'll be here to support you.
So sorry to read this, I totally understand how you feel. I shan't say don't worry. Best of luck for tomorrow. I can't offer any advice on hips my only experience is with elbow Dysplasia. X
I'm sure that whatever happens it will be totally manageable. It's definitely not life-threatening - you are going to have your lovely Bella for many, many, many years and a hip issue won't have any effect on that whatsoever. We had a 'hip scare' with Obi when he was about 10 months old and had x-rays. While we were waiting for the x-ray appiontment I was really stressed and naturally imagined the worst. So I did lots of research on hip replacements (the 'worst case scenario') and found that it's actually a hugely successful operation that totally resolves the problem and that artificial hips are much better than the real thing (much more durable) and are also totally pain-free. As it turns out Obi has great hips and the limp we were seeing was just a soft tissue injury... But, as Stacia said, I found that even the most dramatic hip problems can be totally resolved these days with the dog living a completely normal life afterwards. I know you are really worried right now with the uncertainty but once you've got the x-rays done you will know much more. Hope it all goes really smoothly (I'm sure it will). Give Bella a pat from all of us
Best of luck, I hope it goes well. Like I said in another post, most limps and problems do not turn out to be serious. Get them to check her cruciate ligaments with a draw test while she is under GA. It's the most common cause of hind limb lameness, more common that hip dysplasia - and so many people go through tests for hip dysplasia only to find it's a cruciate ligament. Particularly with younger dogs, and part tears, because it's not obvious as a cause. And sometimes can't be detected at all without the dog under sedation. I nearly didn't post this, as don't want to add something else to your list of things to worry about - and everyone who has had problems, sees their own experience in what people post - usually wrongly. So, sorry.....but.....if someone had mentioned it to me, I'd have been better off and Charlie would have been diagnosed sooner. So I mentioned it.
Fingers crossed for a positive outcome. I have no personal experience of hip dysplasia in dogs - but I do suffer from it myself and after many years of pain and increasing immobility I had a hip replacement two years ago and have never looked back! No more pain and feel at least ten years younger.
Thanks all. I left in tears, she used the word 'I'm worried' and that she thinks its both her hips. I'm, in complete shock, I did everything by the book and as I said picked out a breeder that had a good reputation and did everything by the book, little walks when young, good food etc etc. Apparently there's little muscle on her back legs as well. it really doesn't sound good. She did mention hip replacements if necessary further down the road if needed. she wasn't happy with her gait. Vet did mention the ligament too Julie so she is going to check that, thanks. Going back later, just got to try and hold it together today
I feel really sorry for you having this worry, and I still hope for good news for you today. I know it won't feel like it right now, but things will now get better, not worse. Either today you'll have good news, or you'll know what you are dealing with and can work out a plan to move forwards. Modern vet treatments are amazing, and there will something that can be done to help your dog. Chin up, but I know it's hard.
I'm so sorry for you and lovely Bella Thinking about you today. Let us know what happened if you can xx
I can only echo Julie T's comment and try not to imagine every worst case scenario. Once the x-ray results are known you can start planning to go forward. I know how you feel about carefully selecting a breeder, checking their hip scores etc. and waiting for your pup, I did exactly the same with Juno; unfortunately hip and elbow scores are only good indicators and not a guarantee of no future problems in a puppy. Shedding a few tears is perfectly normal. I got home after seeing the orthopaedic specialist and bawled my eyes out and vividly remember typing a post on here with tears streaming down my face. Hang in there, Bella is still Bella and will be even more precious to you as you face these problems with her. Rant and rave on here as much as you like, the support is truly amazing and kept me sane Will be looking out for an update - thinking of you and sending support
I can't add anything to the advice already given but wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and Bella.
