Why are my puppy's back legs splaying out? Vet cleared hip dysplasia.

Question

Hi, I have a gsd pup of 4 months old. Recently about a month ago i noticed that he started walking differently with his back legs. They were moving outwards with every step. I took him to the vet and they took x-rays to see if it was hip displasia, reports came clear and i was told to give him osnate-d and xobix 7.5mg. I am worried cause his legs are not getting better, hw is active and looks well but those legs trouble me that they might ruin his adult life. Can you suggest something please? Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 5 days old | 56 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. It can actually be rather difficult to diagnose hip dysplasia in a puppy this young with x-rays. Often we need to be able to diagnose laxity in the joint under anesthesia or see pain when the hips are manipulated, Lameness when walking or bunny hopping when running are classic signs, too. I am not sure I would be doing the Osnate - d ( Vitamin D ) or the Xobix ( anti-inflammatory medication ) as the Vit. D can cause imbalances & if there is no pain or lameness, the anti-inflammatory is not going to do any good. I think you need another opinion, perhaps with a veterinary neurologist, to make sure there are no spinal cord lesions affecting his gait. If this is hip dysplasia, unnecessary supplementation with the Vit. D may make things worse as most dogs seem to get much better on their own by the time they are 12-18 months of age. If you can have Ghost reevaluated, that would be the best thing to do. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach..

Why are my puppy's back legs splaying out? Vet cleared hip dysplasia.

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