I'm worried....

[Hailey and Oliver]

  Oliver hasn't been doing so well.....  when it comes time for bed, he only gets his front paws up on the bed and i have to help him get up the rest of the way.  Since he is a big dog, it could mean hip dysplasia, but i REALLY  hope not.  as fellow doodle owners, could you help me shed some light on this?  he is only 2 (turning 3 in about a week) so i dont know what it could be.  PLEASE help!!!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

How is he going up stairs? Is he bunny hopping? That is a sign of a problem but it could be several things.

[Hailey and Oliver]

  He is having a little trouble getting up the stairs.... at night he sometimes chews on his foot though. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think this really requires a vet evaluation and it is not something we could advise you on wisely.

[Hailey and Oliver]

Thanks.  ill definitely look into it.  I don't mean to be that parent that takes their kid to the doctor every time they sneeze, but i'm worried. 

[nate]

This isn't a sneeze.  He's having trouble getting up the stairs and up into a bed and sometimes chews on his foot (on a regular basis).  Call the vet in the morning.

signed, a guy who hates going to the vet and avoids them as much as possible.

[Wendy and Myla]

I agree with F. -  I would definitely take him to your vet and figure out what is happening - three years old is very young to be having trouble getting on the bed.  It could be one of many things and hopefully, something very simple!!  Good luck!

[Heather]

You need to take him to the vet and get him checked out, just for Peace of Mind!!! It's an aweful feeling when you know something isn't right!!! Keep us posted. Good Luck~

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I can't add anything to this discussion, but I will be following it for an update.  I am so sorry that Oliver is having this problem.  Our Springer often has difficulty from over use, but we know his is the result of two previous CCL tears. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

The best thing is to get a vet evaluation and X-rays.  My guy has mild HD. The physical examination was normal; it took X-rays to diagnose the problem.  Finn was able to be x-rayed without sedation.  There is so much that can be done today to help a dog with HD that I would urge you to get Oliver checked. It will put your mind at ease, if there is no problem.  If he does have HD, there are treatments ranging from supplements to surgery.     

[Heather]

I also get my Doodles the Zuke's hip action Suzanne!!! They are Great and they Love the chicken flavor!!!

[Pam & Trixie]

I have nothing to add on all the vet suggestions here...

Hoping that he will be fine

I will watch for updates too.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

My vet prescribed Dasaquin - a high dosage form of Glucosomine Chondriton.  GC doesn't work for every dog (or human) but after being on it for a month, FInn was taken off Rimadyl and has been symptom free for the past year. FIngers crossed that he continues to do well.  I changed his food to Acana which has a better Omega ratio and includes yucca --a supplement I used to give to my horses.  Oliver may not even have HD though, and I hope that's the case.