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My senior Rat Terrier has hip knots and tight muscles. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Rat Terrier | Female | spayed | 9 years and 5 months old | 20 lbs

I have a 9 year old female Rat terrier who has what looks like knots right on her hips and everything I've looked up so far says hip dysplasia or arthritis but I don't think either are what's wrong. It feels like the muscles are just super tight and I've tried giving her Benadryl and an anti-inflammatory but nothing seems to help. I'm just curious on what could be the cause of it.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 23rd, 2017

I'm not sure why you gave Flower a Benadryl as that does not help with arthritis or hip dysplasia, and I would not give her anymore. I also wouldn't give her any anti-inflammatories that aren't specifically prescribed by her vet. You can do great harm to her by giving her OTC human ones because there are many that are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I would have Flower seen by a vet on Monday for this problem. At her age, arthritis is a common problem and that could be the cause of her symptoms. The vet can do a physical exam, lameness exam, and x-rays to diagnose what is causing her symptoms so she can be treated. The vet can also prescribe safe medication as needed.

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