Is my puppy's limping a sign of hip dysplasia they were born with?

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  Answered By Dr. Davis

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 23rd, 2017

  That's a good question. Yes even if the parents have been certified the pups can have hip dysphasia. Just because Summer is limping though doesn't mean she has it. There are many other reasons for limping in a young dog including panosteitis which is bone pain from growing fast, a ligament strain, luxating patella, muscle injury, bone chips in the joint. To get a correct diagnosis X-rays are usually done and the veterinarian should feel the muscles, bones and joints for any problems. Hip dysplasia means that there is poor hip conformation. That can lead to arthritis later in life and those dogs should not be bred. Many dogs though with dysplasia show discomfort when they are growing, then are pain free and normal when full grown. Keeping these dysplasia dogs thin and well muscled reduces the hip laxity and bone rubbing in the hip joint which will reduce the amount of arthritis as they age. Joint supplements and omega 3 are also important to use. I recommend sedation and X-rays to be sure of the cause of the lameness then you can make sure you are doing everything needed to reduce Summer's lameness. Please request a consult with me if you have questions about her care once you get a diagnosis. I'm a rehabilitation veterinarian and this type of problem is my speciality. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Summer.

  

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