Dog Community

Hip problems?

Posted : 9/20/2009 9:15:27 PM

I have been watching Lex very closely lately and I am starting to fear that he may have some issues with his hips. I first started to notice when I would throw the ball for him, he runs to catch it and then then turns back round to bring it back to me. Right after he turns it almost looks like he does skip? Maybe I'm not sure. Then tonight DH threw the ball for him, we were standing outside and he threw it up a hill Lex went after it, caught it then limped around looking very confused. DH and I ran to him and he just lay down. I walked him around a bit and he seemed to be uncomfortable. I tried stretching his back legs and on both sides he was very tense, more his left. I am really worried, maybe its just nothing? We do exercise him a lot swimming, running, jumping - maybe we just need to cut back on it? Well I guess I was just looking for advice. Thanks for any comments. I really hope its nothing =(

JackieG

Posted : 9/21/2009 6:36:54 AM

I would rest him completely for ten days. He could have a soft tissue injury. If he's not better after a rest, I'd have him checked at the Vet. How old is he?

zatchbell322

Posted : 9/21/2009 7:21:48 AM

He will be three in December.

zatchbell322

Posted : 9/21/2009 3:06:59 PM

Called the vet and got a quote for x-rays. Not as expensive as I feared. Will rest him for 10 days and see. Can I still take him for short walks or is that too much?

samshine

Posted : 9/21/2009 4:32:17 PM

A "skip" could be a sign of a luxating patella. The kneecap slips out of place causing the dog to limp until the kneecap slides back. Sometimes the dog will straighten or shake the leg to help the kneecap shift back.

zatchbell322

Posted : 9/21/2009 5:24:17 PM

samshine
A "skip" could be a sign of a luxating patella. The kneecap slips out of place causing the dog to limp until the kneecap slides back. Sometimes the dog will straighten or shake the leg to help the kneecap shift back.

Ok, I'll make sure to mention that.

JackieG

Posted : 9/22/2009 5:36:42 AM

zatchbell322
Can I still take him for short walks or is that too much?

I would tend to say yes, as long as the walks are fairly short and you see no sign of lameness during or afterwards.

zatchbell322

Posted : 9/22/2009 5:41:37 PM

Ok made an appointment for Oct 3rd. Hopefully its nothing and I am just over reacting.

kpwlee

Posted : 9/27/2009 11:54:41 AM

Melinda I have just started getting Bugsy back into action after nearly 5 weeks of little to no activity. It was really hard but he seems to be doing really well this week. Had his first real test this morning so we'll see if he is OK. I have had the hardest time trying to find recommended places to get hip xrays but now have two to look into this week. I TOTALLY know how disconcerting it is to not know and to have a gut feeling that hips are involved. Hopefully neither of our boys is suffering from hip problems!

I started this post to say that Bugsy was NOT happy the first couple of weeks with his new regime but he got better so hang in there. He had his first real walks this week and was soooooooooo happy. You can do it and Lex will adapt.

zatchbell322

Posted : 9/30/2009 8:52:45 AM

Reading your post this morning made me feel a little better about the whole situation. I am glad I'm not the only person with a gut feeling. I decided to take him in this morning, I just don't want to wait any longer.

kpwlee
; I have had the hardest time trying to find recommended places to get hip xrays but now have two to look into this week.

I called EVERY vet within like 20 miles and asked about xrays and the procedures involved ( prices, sedation) I narrowed it down to one - which actually turned out to be his regular vet. I also have a couple back ups just in case. I hope our boys our going to be fine too. Let me know how Bugsy is doing.

JackieG

Posted : 9/30/2009 8:57:10 AM

Melinda, fingers and toes crossed that you can find out what is causing Lexi's limp. I saw in MC that you are getting in earlier than planned and I don't blame you. The not knowing is so hard.