Hip problems?

My 2 year old - almost 3 - max went to the vet last week to have a few things checked out, one being a small limp in his rear leg. He does not whine or anything when he plays, or if I move his joints around. He had the same thing in this leg last november. At the time we thought it was just a pulled muscle of sort due to him doing a split on my floor with a scream one day when he was overly excited to go outside. It got better in a week, but now its the same leg. The vet that I met with that day asked me to come back next week to see the other vet that specializes in joints etc (He was out with a back problem when I went in). She also suggested X-rays, which we all know involves putting the dog on drugs. He had x-rays when he was about 6 months and there was no sign of hip dyslixia (can't spell), but she said it could be a sign with the same leg bothering him. He still slips and slides on the floor and him and miller are constantly horsing around and they will have their legs slide out on the hardwoods. I am hoping its not a hip issue, but was wondering if anyone has had anything like this with their sheepies.........
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Emma and Panda both had x-rays done and didn't require any sedation. Kaytee, my blind sheepie, did although if there is a next time I will assist so they won't be used (she's a special-needs sheepie that seems sensitive to meds sometimes).

The x-rays should tell whether there is hip dysplasia... here's an example of a lousy set of hips (Panda's)- http://www.pomeroys.com/EmmaDarby/MadisonXray.jpg . There's very little of the "cup" that should hold the head of the femur in place so the joints are sloppy.

We had a sheepie-mix that would turn up lame on occasion and we always feared it was HD. But she would walk fast with her head down so we knew she was in pain. We think it was actually muscle pulls because her x-rays were fantastic for an 11 year old.

You might seriously consider putting down some scatter rugs or runners. We had to do this to help ensure Panda wouldn't slip and hurt herself. All of the girls would slide all over when they run for the door. We have hardwood floors in about 1/2 of the house so I know what it's like. :?

If they do find it's hip dysplasia, your vet may prescribe a daily glucosamine supplement like Cosequin DS or GlycoFlex. You will see no short term benefits but over time it's said to help cushion the joints. Panda has improved with one Cosequin DS 2x a day and 1 adult buffered aspirin in the morning to start her day.

But the first thing is to get the x-rays to help pinpoint or rule out the source of the problem. Please keep us posted!
Interesting.

My first had bad arthritis from Hip Dysplasia and also a nerve problem called Degenerative Myelopathy. The first problem he had was after doing a split on the kitchen floor. This dog had a HUGE tolerance for pain, never a whimper from anything, but that time he screeched. He was probably 7 or 8 when he did the split, and survived until 13 1/2 with lots of pain meds.
Speaking of limping and pain...I am taking Panda to the vet on the 28th for xrays because of this....she hasnt done the splits, but she did catch herself trying to jump over a 2' fence..she yelped but seemed fine minutes later...anyway about 7 months later, I swear she limps (sometimes)...I feel so bad for not taking her before this, but she really did seem fine...sigh, Ill let you guys know what happens....Im just sick about the whole thing :(
Thanks for the info. We go back to the Vet on MOnday so the other dr. can feel it, etc. But he's not limping anymore, so who knows. I will take their advice on the X-rays though and see what he suggests. But tomarrow they are getting their summer haircuts....cant wait....clean dogs!!!!!
Hi Shelly,

Glad to hear it wasn't dysplasia! Hey now how about some new pics of their summer clips?????

Betcha they look cute!

Marianne and the boys
Good News! Well went back to Vet today and he didn't think at this time x-rays were necessary. He did say his one hip was sore, but it could just be a sprain or something. Since the last time he limped was Nov, he advised me just to keep an eye on it. So, so far all okay.
Thanks for all your feedback.
Glad you had good news. :)
That's wonderful!! Glad he's doing better!! :lol:
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