hip x-rays @ 6mos...worried

[Zora]

Zora, 6 mos old, has been limping after one chase of a ball, a romp around the yard with the other dogs, and short walks (all of which I have seriously reduced, even though she doesn't let the limp slow her down). I tried keeping her from playing in hopes it would get better, but decided after a week to take her to the vet. She seemed a little uncomfortable when her elbow was bent (looked painful to me, just by how far the vet bent it) and she wimpered when he stretched her rear legs . She goes back in the morning for x-rays. I am really concerned. 6 mos seems awefully young to have hip issues. I have read other posts about puppies and hips and it makes me worry more. I know I shouldn't worry until we get the results tomorrow after the x-rays, but....what can I say, she is my baby girl!!!

Has anyone else had pups with problems limping and it work out ok? Vet said it wasn't Pano, as that is long bone and she showed no discomfort in those areas.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Many vets aren't good with diagnosing Pano so wouldn't rule that out yet.

[wolfstraum]

Pano is pretty obvious on x-rays....sounds like Pano....but - here is another thought - happened to me...

Immune system reaction to vaccines - presented extremely like pano, but pano ruled out by x-ray....lupus considred, but cells "barred, not stippled" according to specialist vet...and a friend who was an MD suggested that it was related to the vaccination...

Lee

[onyx'girl]

I agree, Pano would be my first thought for the age. My former vet said Onyx had severe hip dysplasia when really she only had a bout of Pano(and that was after he viewed x-rays!)
Vitamin C(citrus bioflavonoids) will help reduce inflammation and shorten the bout so I'd start supplementing now. C is a great supplement regardless even if the pup isn't suffering from Pano. But EsterC isn't recommended for young pups, too much calcium.
500mg of natural C to start, and then over a weeks time go with 1000/split between meals. You can go as high as 2000mg in a day as long as the dosages are spaced and with meals.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by Zora

6 mos seems awefully young to have hip issues. I have read other posts about puppies and hips and it makes me worry more.

Yes, hip dysplasia can cause pain and mobility problems that young. I had a pup that suddenly started acting weird around 4-5 months of age... I chalked it up to a behavioral stage, but upon a hip x ray at 11 months of age, she showed several dysplasia and bone changes already... it seemed to explain the weird behavior; I believe pain was causing it.

Not trying to scare you, but it does happen.

[Gloria]

Nikita had her hips x-rayed at 3 months because she broke a toe; the vet noticed her left hip was not going into place properly and suggested Cosequin twice a day for 6 weeks and then only one a day. She also suggested some muscle strengthening exercises by having her walk up and down the stairs in a controlled manner. Nikita had her hips x-rayed again recently (at 18 months) and shows no signs of hip dysplasia; she had hips, elbows and knees done and everything is perfect! Our vet said she wouldn't even consider Nikita as having dysplasia and was very surprised that the hip corrected itself...apparently that never or rarely happens.
Hopefully it's nothing serious for you but I now believe if caught early enough and the pup is young you may be able to correct any dysplasia if treated promptly and properly...at least it worked in my case.
Good luck!

[Zora]

We just got back from the vet. Zora's hips, though not "perfect" look good, no disphasia. Her front elbows, however, both have UAP. Has anyone had any experience with that? The vet said it is genetic.... Getting ready to start some research now!

Thanks all for sharing your experiences with me.