Puppy slow, drags leg, bunny hops. Is it hip dysplasia or growing pains?

Question

Dexter doesn't try to jump on couches/people -which we first took as good behavior- but noticed he's also hesitant/slow going up/down the little step outside Doggy Door & often drags a leg going through the DD. Sometimes slow to stand up, other times spunky & springy. Tends to bunny hop back legs when running around the yard. We chalked it up to laziness or puppy silliness, but I'm getting concerned. No obvious pain. Considering his age, should I be worried about HP? What else could explain it? Pet's info: Dog | Belgian Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 8 days old

Rodrigo Roca, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, sorry to hear about Dexter. He is still very young to tell accurately, but he could have early signs of hip dysplasia. One way to tell for sure is by having Dexter evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon no later than by the time he is 3 months of age. They will then schedule him to have a PennHip study to confirm more than normal joint space in his hips. If so, they can talk to you about certain types of procedure which can aid in decreasing the possibility that he could have full hip dysplasia. Other causes of this is that he is a growing puppy this could just be associated with him growing. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Puppy slow, drags leg, bunny hops. Is it hip dysplasia or growing pains?

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