Hips.

[Urika]

Should I suspect hip problems from the way my pups gets up from laying. Diesel comes to work with me every Friday. My boss told me today that she thought he got up kind of funny, and has thought so since I've brought him to work the last three months. I have noticed it myself. It's more of a lazy way of getting up, and he's slow. Unless he see's something that catches his eye. He seems fine to me. Could the lazy slow way that get gets up be a sign of hips problems. He has a really nice square sit, runs, plays, and I have never heard one complaint out of him. He'll be 6 months in two weeks. THanks in advance.

[rottiluver]

With the hips you can never be sure until you get him x-rayed. Some show signs of HD and they don't have it, others that don't show any signs could possibly have it. Get him x-rayed, it's always good know 100% rather than just guessing from movements, but yes it's possible unfortunately.

Mine never complained about his hips till recently, and he's a year now, I just hear a lil cry now and then when he jumps or runs without his lil bunny hops!

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by Urika

Should I suspect hip problems from the way my pups gets up from laying. Diesel comes to work with me every Friday. My boss told me today that she thought he got up kind of funny, and has thought so since I've brought him to work the last three months. I have noticed it myself. It's more of a lazy way of getting up, and he's slow. Unless he see's something that catches his eye. He seems fine to me. Could the lazy slow way that get gets up be a sign of hips problems. He has a really nice square sit, runs, plays, and I have never heard one complaint out of him. He'll be 6 months in two weeks. THanks in advance.

Urika -
The fact that your boss has noticed something "funny" in the way that he rises and because you also suspect there may be a problem, I wouldn't hesitate to have an x-ray done as soon as possible. It could turn out to be nothing, but if there is something going on you'll want to know as soon as possible. Early intervention is key.

My pup didn't show any pain but was slow upon rising. He ended up with HD. Again, this may not be your case at all. An x-ray will give you some piece of mind.

[Urika]

Thank you. I've already made him an appt. I've been worried about it all day now!

[Stubby]

Out of curiosity, what type of floor is the dog laying on while at your work?
And does he display the same symptoms at home after lying down?

[Urika]

Originally Posted by SonnyRott

because you also suspect there may be a problem.

I noticed he was slow getting up but never suspected a problem. If he's in a regular sit he's able to spring right up. If he's laying, and he likes to lay with his paws straight out, and his hind legs to one side. So, when he's ready to stand he has to push his legs under himself to get up... which seemed normal to me. I thought well if I were squatting, I could spring back up if I wanted to stand. If I were laying, I would need to sit up get my legs in the correct position to stand just as he does.

I just spoke with my neighbor who has a Dalmation with hip dysplacia. He see's Diesel daily. I've even taken walks with him, and he said that nothing about Diesel has lead him to believe he may have hip dysplacia.

[Urika]

Originally Posted by Stubby

Out of curiosity, what type of floor is the dog laying on while at your work?
And does he display the same symptoms at home after lying down?

At work we have a concrete floor with burber (sp?) carpet.

My home is fully carpeted with the exception of my kitchen which is tile. I've noticed he does it in the kitchen.

[Stubby]

Sounds to me more like he's getting stiff from lying on a hard floor for too long.

Try taking a dog bed or blanket to work with you and making sure he lays on it. See if that helps..

[Urika]

My Vet phoned me this afternoon to have a chat with me regarding Diesel's hips. He said he happened to look at his for schedule next week and noticed that I made an appt for HD testing. I'll give you a brief description of our conversation or else this post will be extremely long.

He asked what encouraged me to make the appt? I said, well, my boss thought the way Diesel rose after laying was strange. She thinks he may have hip displasia.

He asked me a series of questions. Is he limping? No Is he running without problem? Yes. Is he acting normal? Yes. Do you have stairs in your home? Yes. If so, does he run/walk up/down the stairs without problem? Yes Does he jump when playing or when need be? Yes Does he hop? No Does he drag any of his legs? No Has he shown any signs of stiffness or pain? No Does he avoid stairclimbing/exercise? No.

He said I have seen Diesel of serveral occasions. I've noticed him walk, sit, stand, and play with others dogs/pups in the lobby. I have played with him myself. I haven't noticed anything unusual regarding his hips that would make me recommend a HD test. I have checked him from head to toe. In fact, I went over his file before calling you. When you see or suspect something that is actually alarming then we can test him. Right now, I feel there's no need. And, do not allow anyone to diagnose Diesel unless they are a professional just as you would with one of your children. You can get a second opinion if you choose but hopefully any Vet you call will not suspect HD based on what your boss has noticed.

[diddybopper04]

Point taken.

However, none of us knows our dogs better than we do. Tell your vet you want an OFA preliminary exray for your own peace of mind.

IF that's what you want to do. This way there is a certain prescribed manner for doing the films. I would send them in, that way he gets into the data base at OFA as well.

If there is nothing wrong, you get peace of mind. If there IS something wrong, you have time to formulate a plan for what to do.

If it were my pup and I had any doubt, I'd have the films, and I'd tell my vet "It's my dog and my money, and I want these films done and sent in".



You can also ask around. There are MANY vets who use no anesthesia to do hip and elbow films, and I would find one of these even if I had to travel.

[moondog]

Urika,

It sounds like you have a thoughtful, sensible vet to me.

[Ilovemypuppy]

I agree...your vet sounds like a thoughtful professional and does not want to do unnecessary x-rays...that's a good thing ! Keep your pup slim and keep an eye on him for any changes..consult back with your vet if there are changes and RELAX and enjoy your puppy