[Zumie05]

That sounds the exact way that my Gary gets up when he is laying down. It is like he is trying to put all of his weight on his front legs so that he can use the rear ones the very least possible.

At 7 I agree with observer that your guy may have developed some arthritis. I would still have x-rays done just so that you can determine the exact cause of this for your own peace of mind, although I don't think they would be 100% necessary at this point. He doesn't sound too severe so I don't think any surgery is needed for him. If your buddy does have HD, my guess is that the treatment would be the same if he only had arthritis which would be pain control and joint supplements.