Sheba may have Hip Dysplasia : (

[Ann Kendig]

Yesterday I took Sheba to the vet because she was limping on her right front leg.  (She has done this before but vet didn't find anything torn or broken).  She plays pretty hard and she's the kind of dog that doesn't stop, always has to be busy.  

Recently I noticed some slight changes in her walking and trying to stand up from a sitting or lying down position. It didn't happen all the time, just when she had played hard.  I thought maybe it had more to do with her activity level and how hard she would play and that it was probably was due to sore muscles.

I did some reading on hip dysplasia on the internet and became more concerned.  I also checked into Lyme's Disease as I have found a couple of ticks on Sheba, but that was last year.  The vet said that when Sheba got her yearly heartworm test they test for Lymes and she was negative so her mobility issues were probably not due to Lymes.  

Vet put Sheba on Previcox (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) for 7 days to see if that helps her.  If her limping on her front leg gets worse I need to take her back in.  The plan is to get her hips and back x-rayed soon along with her front leg if the problem persists.

It would just break my heart if my sweet, beautiful, athletic, happy-go-lucky girl has hip dysplasia.

 

I know there are other members here that have dogs with this condition.  Anything you could share would be helpful.  I'll keep you all informed. 

 

 

[Jessica and Jake]

Good Luck Sheba!!!!!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Ann, I am confused.  If Sheba is limping on her front leg what makes the vet think that she has hip dysplasia?  I know that some sporting breeds can suffer from elbow dysplasia.  If you have x-rays done make sure you use a vet that has heavy experience in doing OFA x-rays (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals).  I had a bad experience with Harlow where my vet (whom I love dearly) did her original x-rays and because of his inexperience he did not position Harlow correctly.  As a result her first x-rays came back showing mild dysplasia in one hip.  I later took her to a vet who has deep experience in doing hip/elbow x-rays (and without having to sedate the dog).  Harlow's result came back showing no dysplasia and were in fact rated a Good by OFA standards.

Definitely wait to see if the anti-inflammatories work.  And also try the glucosamine as Jane recommended.  You will want to rule out all other possibilities before jumping to the HD assumption.

Sending lots of positive thoughts Sheba and your way.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad you posted this Nina, because while I don't have any experience with this, the limping on the front leg didn't make sense to me either.

Your advice sounds very good to me.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

BTW, OFA hip ratings are Excellent, Good (most dogs), Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate and Severe.

[Ann Kendig]

Nina, I re read my post and can see where there may be confusion.  I took Sheba to the vet because of the limping on her front leg.   When we finished discussing Sheba's front leg I then brought up the issue of possible HD (nothing to do with the limping on the front leg)  because of the slight changes I have been noticing with Sheba's walking and rising from the sit/lying down position. 

 

Thank you so much for telling us about your experience you had with Harlow and her hip x-rays. (I'm so glad she is OK!)  I will be sure to check into the OFA x-rays!  I really don't like the idea of sedation, the vet mentioned this and said that he thought Sheba may not have to be sedated as she was very calm and didn't fight him in any way.  It is hard not to think the worst but I will be very surprised if it isn't HD.

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Sheba, Clifford and Cloud send huge hugs and kisses to make it all better.  Call if you need anything and let us know how things are going.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I don't have any experience but I am hoping for the best for Sheba. Keep us posted.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Oh Ann, sorry to hear of the possibility that would be heart breaking....we will keep good wishes and thoughts for you. Hopefully she is better after these 7 days.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Sending our prayers, love and hugs to all.  Hope you feel better soon Sheba!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Sheba-I hope it's not as bad as you think! Poor baby! Youjust like to have fun. Ann, try not to worry too much yet. A friend of my dad's has 2 doodles (brother's) and they were pretty young when they discovered they both had it. He was going to sell his vacation property to afford surgery on both dogs, the vet said that they would try the meds first. So far no surgery needed and I guess one has it worse than the other. Thinking of you, keep us informed please?

[Carol and Banjo]

Sheba - You're an incredibly beautiful girl.   Sending positive thoughts your way.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

oh no!! Hopefully she is just having a moment of pain...   but we will be keeping Sheba in out thoughts and prayers!!!!