My golden retriever limps on front legs. Is it muscular dystrophy?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | neutered | 135 lbs
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.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 17th, 2019
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
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 26th, 2017
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Wilson's symptoms do sound a bit strange. It sounds like he is having weakness, that tends to get worse after a period of activity. I'm not sure exactly what tests your vet did, but I would also consider doing some x-rays to make sure that there is nothing wrong with the bones/joints. Your vet can also do a test for a condition known as myasthenia gravis, which basically means a muscle weakness. It occurs when the muscle fibers are not able to properly get inputs from the nerves so that they can move and typically affects younger Golden Retrievers. Other signs to looks out for are regurgitation or trouble swallowing, as these can be signs of muscle weakness as well. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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