My golden retriever limps on front legs. Is it muscular dystrophy?

Question

My 1-year-old golden retriever developed a limp when he was about 6 months old. The limp impacts both of his front legs. He has a hard time getting up and down. He is a large dog. The vet x-rayed him and saw small evidence of possible trauma to his shoulders. We tried a month of anti-inflamitory medication and rest. That did not help. She tested his thryroid and it came back with nothing. After reading a study she is now suggesting he may have muscular distrophy. Please help. Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | neutered | 135 lbs

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA · Accepted Answer

Muscular dystrophy is very rare but not impossible. I would recommend repeating the x-rays to determine if the shoulders or elbow structures have deteriorated as this would make developmental bone issues and arthritis more likely. A muscle biopsy could be taken under the same sedation if the x-rays do not show any significant changes explaining the ongoing lameness

My golden retriever limps on front legs. Is it muscular dystrophy?

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