My Shorkie-Zu limps intermittently; X-rays are clear. What's wrong?

Question

these are X-rays of my 1.5-year-old Yorkie Shih Tzu Mix or a Shorkie-Zu, his name is Freddie. He sometimes limps but mostly he doesn’t. He has as you can see muscle built up on his left leg. It seems like he limps on both of them when he does but he doesn't do it consistently. He had a cryptic orchid that has been removed. I have been told they don't know what is wrong with him. Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 1 year and 6 months old | 8 lbs

Anna M., DVM · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear about Freddie Harte's limping. I am not seeing any obvious defects on this x-ray. The challenge is that the findings on exam are extremely important in trying to diagnose orthopedic issues; it would help to know if Freddie has proprioceptive deficits in his hind end, decreased range of motion, muscle atrophy, medial buttressing, etc as well as trying to localize any pain that may be contributing to his limping - all of this information would be combined with findings on x-ray to try to reach a diagnosis. Small dogs such as Shih Tzus are prone to luxating patellas, which may not always be evident on an x-ray but would be detected on exam. Did your vet discuss the option of referral to a specialist for a more concrete answer? I'm happy to give you my input on the x-ray - but referral to an orthopedic specialist who will be able to put their hands on your dog, as well as look at these x-rays, will give you much more beneficial input. I know its frustrating to have a chronically limping dog without an answer! I hope this helps!

My Shorkie-Zu limps intermittently; X-rays are clear. What's wrong?

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