Hip Dysplasia in a 3 year old dude???

[Veronica Lackey]

Hi everyone, Our Brody is 3 and 1/2 and is a big boy at 105lbs.  He may be showing possible signs of hip dysplasia. I dont want to jump to conclusions, but I dont want to jump into the college funds of my vet's children either. We dont have pet insurance.

He is awkward sometimes in getting up and has a limp that comes and goes with no ryhme or reason. but he can still jump into bed, on the furniture, chase a ball, etc.

My husband did some reading on petmd.com and Brody can do certain movements to check with no signs of discomfort, but he's no vet and doesnt know if he's doing it right. 

 

What can a pet parent do at home to know? 

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

I don't know what at home tests you can do.  The definitive test is an X-ray.  Mild hip dysplasia can be managed with anti anflamatories and weight management.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sorry to hear this. I don't think there is anything a pet parent can do at home to know. I would at least have the vet do a physical exam. That's not very expensive, and might show that Brody doesn't have HD, which would certainly be news worth the cost of the exam. And if the vet does feel that further testing is warranted, you could go from there, but at least you would have more information.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Not much you can do at home. I just had hip xrays on 3 year old Calla and consulted an orthopedic surgeon. I don't think just a physical exam would be diagnostic.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/don-t-ask-don-t-tell-or-ma...

But just what you are describing could be other things including Lyme Disease I would think. You could try to immediately get Pet Insurance but I am not sure if they would go for you immediately going for an evaluation. I know Pet Plan, which I have, required a knee physical exam clearance or knees would have been excluded for 6 months.

[Kevin Lackey]

Veronica and I are sick over this. Brody is like one of the kids to us.  I called a friend who's active in rescue who also suggested Lymes, and I talked to Adrienne from the DRC via text as well. We have to keep "Auntie Ade" in the loop... :0)

 

One thing Veronica didn't mention was that two years ago, almost to the day (5/11/2010) Brody was hit by a car. I blogged about it here and fortunately he only had cuts, scrapes and a punture wound all on his right side. If these superficial injuries are all on his right, then it would make sence that the car struck him on the left and that they are "road rash" Maybe it could be just be a touch of arthritis from that accident. We love our hairy boy, and are fearing the worst, but hoping for the best.

 

We have a call in to our vet, and we're waiting for a call back.

[Ellen Patrick]

Basically I've found that the only way to cover any bit of a preexisting condition is with a vet discount program (you can Google around for them); though they'll usually only pay a small percentage it is still better than the big fat ZERO you'll get from a "regular" insurance company ... just my thoughts.

[Penny, Comiskey & Beemer]

Please, please, please get a vet's opinion.  Our Beemer (at just 1 year) started with a limp.  Our vet did the x-rays and immediately sent us to an orthopedic surgeon....now I will say we had a very small window as we wanted to the TPO surgery done (for maximum results) and they don't like to do that over 1 year.  End result....1 hip done on Valentines Day, 1 hip done on St. Patricks Day....no insurance....Beemer...perfect!  Good luck to you and your family....this is a tough one.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Any news on Brody?

[Bev and WILLY]

Willy had hip dysplasia before he turned one year old! We noticed he seemed to be in pain at different times - panting when resting and not wanting to jump or run like he recently had. But at first it was only occasionally. Then it became clear there was a big problem. At 11 months he had a Titaneum Hip replacement, as Xrays showed this was needed.The surgery was very successful.

Now at 3 1/2 years he has to have surgery on his other hip. We first noticed his pain this time at a recent dog romp when he was 'surly' with the other dogs. Not like Willy, as he has been going to romps since 5 months old. Anyhow, this Friday he will be on the road to total recovery.

Pleas keep Willy in your prayers that this is as successful as his previous surgery. No More Painful Hips!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Bev, thank you for doing everything possible to help Willy live a pain-free life. You are a wonderful doodle mom.

JD and I will be thinking of you and Willy and hoping for an uneventful surgery and a fast, perfect recovery.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I knew there was a reason that handsome dood was grumpy.  Willy is one of my favorite guys and we will all be pulling for an uneventful surgery and recovery.  I think you and I must support the OC Surgical place.  Hopefully neither of us will need them again.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so sorry to hear Willy needs the surgery. But you have the experience of a successful one behind you. I hope everything goes smoothly.

[Penny, Comiskey & Beemer]

Just wondering how Brody is?...putting those paws together and sending up prayers every night....