My 2 year old labrador has always had hip issues. When he was a newborn puppy he could walk. The vet told us that his femur was underdeveloped. However, he did walk but was a very late bloomer. Now he is limping badly. He cannot put any pressure on his leg. But he will let me touch it. Is it hip displasia or something worse?
2007-07-22 16:51:19 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
By the way he's 120 pounds.
2007-07-22 17:04:49 · update #1
Best thing to do is go to a vet and find out EXACTLY what's happening.
It could be the femur, it could be hip dysplasia, it could be a strained muscle, or a bruise.
Vets can tell you what's happening and what to do to fix it, and give you the proper pain meds.
Good luck to you and your doggy.
2007-07-22 16:58:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first year of dog ownership is already expensive enough. The fact that she is already spayed and vaccinated is great and helps you a lot (and she is trained!). I think if you had the money to take care of the hip, I would do it, but I wouldn't expect a person to spend that much on a dog they don't know yet. I payed about that much for my dog when he had to have an emergency surgery last summer, but that was my dog, my responsibility, and it was worth it to me. Had I not known my dog, I may not have made the same choice. I may just wait until there is another dog that is healthier than Cherry. She sounds great, but knowing that I would need to pay $5,000 right away would be a turn off. Dogs with arthritis and joint problems are also often on medications all of their life which can be costly too. It would be different if you already owned the dog, but right now I would go for a dog that is going to hopefully cost less those first few years. Now if you fall in love with this dog, maybe it will be worth it to pay $5,000. Talk with your vet. If he thinks that she is going to fully recover and be able to be a healthy, active dog, and you can afford that price, it might be a good idea. A one year old is probably a better candidate for surgery and has a better chance to recover and grow normally. It's all up to you though, meet the dog and see where it goes!
2016-05-20 22:08:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well he could have hip dysplasia but it could be from the femur also. I would just take him to the vet and have your vet take x-rays because this is the only way to know for sure. Also has your vet ever said that your dog was overweight? 120 pounds sounds like an overweight Lab to me. I own 4 labs and breed them. My Labs weight ranges from 75-95 pounds. I am not saying that their are not bigger labs but usually that is about the range. If he is overweight then that will create a lot of hip and joint problems in Labs. Ask your vet about that also and if so ask him about ways to drop his weight a little. Good luck
2007-07-23 00:24:15 · answer #3 · answered by lisa c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your vet said his femur was underdeveloped, that does not sound like hip displasia. You can give him temporary relief from the pain with baby aspirin, or hartz makes an enteric coated aspirin designed for dogs. You really need to get in a vets care. Steroid injections can give him a great deal of relief,
2007-07-22 16:57:50 · answer #4 · answered by Darla G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like it could be hip dysplasia. If your dog doesn't use his leg he will lose the ability to use the muscles.
As sad as this may be for you, amputation isn't a bad thing. Dogs can get around on three legs. One of my tutoring students lab had her leg amputated due to dysplasia and she did fine, she kept up with the other lab that was a lot younger.
Have you taken it back to the vet recently? You don't want your dog to be in pain.
2007-07-22 16:58:43 · answer #5 · answered by Labradorables Rock! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only xrays can 100% determine hip dys. you must find out what it is as it might be able to be cured under surgery/therapy.in meantime,give dog glucosamine with chondritin pills,or pure shark cartilage,you can find these at fine pet stores.this will greatly reduce inflammation and add lubrication to joints if needed,but i really say to get those xrays asap.wish you luck:)
2007-07-22 16:59:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would have the doctor check it out for sure because my dog did sorta the same thing but she doesnt have hip dysplasia she had a torn acl but either way the doctor needs to be aware of your dogs problems
2007-07-22 16:56:40 · answer #7 · answered by angie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what kind of ailment your dog is suffering but you could buy him a dog wheechair for his leg that is having problems. Many dogs with back leg problems use these but they are kind of expensive.
Below is one of many links on how to buy a dog wheelchair
2007-07-22 16:55:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be knee problems. my dog had TPLO on both hind legs. she is fine now. 2 years later.
google tplo
2007-07-22 17:25:58 · answer #9 · answered by feedmethai 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋