[fameb]

I was playing tug with Yogi yesterday. I noticed when he got up from a lying down position a slight clicking sound. I know that it could be nothing, but it could also be a sign of hip dysplasia.

Being the paranoid freak that I am. I decided to take him to the vet to check it out. Our vet tested him out and said that she heard a slight click from certain positions as well, but said it sounded like it was coming from his knee. She decided to do an X-Ray to take a look.

From the X-Ray she said both knees and the right hip look absolutely perfect...No problems at all. The left hip however looked a little too straight. She said it's probably not dysplasia yet but to be careful with him jumping on his hind legs for awhile. He's not in any discomfort or pain and is active as any dog can be. Since he's only a year old she suggested to wait a year and then we can send X-Ray's in for certification.

Now I'm worried that his left hip is dysplasic or will become dysplasic. At the same time she didn't seem to concerned about it. So I don't know if I should be worried.

What would you do in this situation? Or have any of experienced something similar? Maybe I should see a specialist just in case?

 

[mylissyk]

He actually will still be growing between 1 and 2 years old, so it could improve. If he is active and has no problems I wouldn't worry, no sense in borrowing trouble, especially when he may never have any trouble at all. There are a whole lot of dogs that have bad hips and never miss a beat their entire life.

 

[Ljilly28]

If youre really worried, it can't hurt and might help to give him a Dasuquin supplement.

 

[fameb]

If youre really worried, it can't hurt and might help to give him a Dasuquin supplement.

I actually heard a few people talking about Dasuquin.

Isn't it a fairly new supplement? Is it known to work well?

 

[Ljilly28]

I actually heard a few people talking about Dasuquin.

Isn't it a fairly new supplement? Is it known to work well?

It's expensive, but it makes a world of difference in my youngster who had bilateral elbow surgery.

Oddly, one of my vet actually takes it himself bc he thinks it is such a good product and well-quality controlled.

 

[fameb]

It's expensive, but it makes a world of difference in my youngster who had bilateral elbow surgery.

Oddly, one of my vet actually takes it himself bc he thinks it is such a good product and well-quality controlled.

Interesting... I've been using Missing Link Plus with him for quite some time. Maybe that's why he has never had any discomfort I don't know. But I might switch supplements now for more preventive treatment just in case.

Is it used mainly for dogs that already have joint problems? Or is it ok to use as a preventive supplement? Do you need a Prescription for it?

 

[molsonsmom]

what about starting him on glucosamine and chondroitin,won't hurt and could possibly help. I know it did for Molson

 

[Karen519]

Glucosamine/chondritin

BOTH of our dogs, Smooch and Snobear, get the Glucosamine/Chondritin every morning.

 

[arcane]

I know a product here in Canada Flexicose has been used successfully
http://www.flexicose.com/order-flexicose/order-pets.html

 

[tippykayak]

How is his weight? Keep him at the low end of healthy; that's the most effective thing you can do to reduce the risk of symptoms, even if a hip does end up being malformed.

Also, did you have a board-certified veterinary radiologist look at the x-rays, or just a GP vet? There's a huge difference. If the vet isn't sure about the hip's formation, have those x-rays sent to a radiologist.

Edited to add: definitely do those joint supplements too. There's good evidence that they can help prevent degeneration. I meant to push healthy weight as the most effective action, not undermine supplements as a good thing to do as well.

 

[arcane]

How is his weight? Keep him at the low end of healthy; that's the most effective thing you can do to reduce the risk of symptoms, even if a hip does end up being malformed.

Also, did you have a board-certified veterinary radiologist look at the x-rays, or just a GP vet? There's a huge difference. If the vet isn't sure about the hip's formation, have those x-rays sent to a radiologist.

I totally agree! Positioning is also paramount as well in getting a true picture of the hips. I have one girl here that my vet couldn't get straight, and her one hip looks worse than it should, If I was to re-do the rads I would only go to Dr. Carol Graham in Hillsburg, for re-evaluation!!!!!!!!! Keeping the dog, lean and in great muscle tone is very very important if you are dealing with a questionable case of HD. Swimming is the best for this as it doesn't overly stress the joints!