2007-05-30 03:29:46 · 10 answers · asked by joche1986 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If you know what to look for, you can most likely tell yourself if there's a problem. Bunny hopping when running is an indication of a problem. Lameness. Never sitting, always laying down. But the vet is the expert.
Your vet can do an exam. It will involve manipulating their hips or elbows, watching them walk, run and usually radiographs (X-Rays). This is the only true way to tell.
The regular vet then sends the x rays to the orth. specialist we have in the area if there's doubt. He's amazing. You decide on treatment from there. Get a specialist referal. You want the options.
This is not a death sentence for your dog if he has (hip or elbow) dysplasia. There are a variety of treatment options. Some forms are very mild. Others require surgery. It's not the end of the world - for you or the dog.
I've been through this with numerous labs with our rescue. We've done everything from no treatment, glucosamine, to complete hip replacement to FHOs. The dogs are all fine. Everyone has been placed in great homes and are all happy, healthy and thriving.
My father adopted the worst dog we've ever encountered. 2 completely trashed hips at the age of 1. We replaced her hip and she is a new girl. She's 3 now, happy and doing very well. If the other hip gets worse, we may have to consider an FHO. She's on glucosamine and off all pain meds.
Hang in there and good luck.
2007-05-30 03:40:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take him to the vet. They will watch the way he walks and most often you can tell because their hips look like they are wobbly or it will look like they are waddling. They will most likely do some x-rays with something called a Penn-hip that will show whether he has hip dysplasia. The Penn-hip is used to keep the dogs hips straight and kind of put some pressure to his hips while doing an x-ray. By doing this the vet will be able to asses how severe it may be. If he does have hipdysplasia it doesn't mean he cant live a good life. Sometimes they can do a surgery to help with the pain. Granted he'll never be a running or hunting dog he will be a good member of he family. Good luck
2007-05-30 03:34:29 · answer #2 · answered by Alicia G 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can just take your Lab to your vets and have them do a series of x-rays with the dog in different positions. From those x-rays your vet will be able to see the hip joints and determine if your dog will be prone to hip dysplasia.
2007-05-30 03:41:00 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is difficult to say with out seeing the dog. Take your baby to the vet so that they can give him and exam, they will be able to tell you for sure.
I have had a couple of larger dogs that had it. Both seemed to have difficulty getting up after laying down. They seemed to be stiff when attempting to walk after laying down.
When they run, they often run different than they use to, when they have hip dysplasia they seem to run like a rabbit. It is difficult to explain. If you see it you will know it.
My dogs vet diagnosed both of the dogs that I had as having hip dysplasia. It can be really hard on them, especially in cold or damp weather.
Take your dog to the vet to have it properly diagnosed. The vet can give you medication for your dog to help it with the pain.
2007-05-30 03:58:55 · answer #4 · answered by Cindy 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
By the way it walks.
Vets can usually do an X-ray and know before it shows.
My neighbor has a German Shepard, and lately I have noticed his walk. I told them about this, but, not sure they have taken him to the Vet. They may figure there is not much can be done, but, a Vet may be able to give him a Pill or Shot that will make his life a little more pleasant.
2007-05-30 03:40:59 · answer #5 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can start with your vet doing an x-ray. A prelim x-ray (vet diagnosis) can tell you if your dog might have hip dysplasia.
I would recommend having your vet do an OFA x-ray, and send them off to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). 3 specialist look over the x-rays and come to conclusion (status).
2007-05-30 03:39:26 · answer #6 · answered by Pam 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your dog may appear lame but only the Vet can tell by X-Ray if the dog has HD or not.
There are many things that can be done these days so be brave.
2007-05-30 03:38:28 · answer #7 · answered by Collie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have the vet examine the dog.
2007-05-30 03:32:46 · answer #8 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
take him to the vet
2007-05-30 03:38:01 · answer #9 · answered by jen 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You will notice it if you check his hips are not Parallel.
2007-05-30 04:05:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋