darnell barber

Hello everyone, I have an 11wk old American Bulldog
and although I really don't see it (or possibly) don't want
to.

I have someone who has bred Great Pyrenese for many
years that says this pup is showing signs of a hip problem

Can you determine something like this this early in his
development?

I have a strange feeling that my wife mistakenly left him
alone on the bed and he jumped off and this may be the
cause for what she is seeing.

BUT! I do intend on showing him in the future and would
like to know what the true possibility that this is or will be
a permanent problem.

Thanks in advance

Darnell Barber

diana

If you have any reason for concern that he could be in pain, your very first
duty as a responsible owner is to get him checked out by a vet.

Diana

darnell barber

Hello Diana, no he does not appear to be in any pain. It is just that our
neighbor and experienced breeder of Great Pyrenese noticed that his stride
is a bit off when he walks.

As if he is favoring a leg.

But, other than this he is as healthy as a horse. Runs plays tears up like
any other 11wk old pup.

Again, it must really take a trained eye because I simply
don't see it. But, considering who it is coming from I do
find the need to do further investigating.

Thanks

dreamspinner3

We can't diagnose your problem here! You have to take this pup to the
vet and have him checked out to find out what is going on!


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Kim (Dreamspinner3)
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zpl

It might be a good idea to have his hips checked on his next booster
appointment.

Now, about the "line backer" dogs. They do have a different stride than
many dogs. Your neighbor may be great at the Pyrs, but bulldogs are just
different. Unless you are used to seeing them on a regular basis, their
walk can look funny.

supergoof

Murphy's always had a sightly crab-like gait when she trots, though at a
harder run she straightens up (and flies right ... )

She has some English Bull Terrier in her and it seems to be that such breeds
do have a unique gait - their rear lower legs kinda go up and in instead of
straight out backwards when they trot. Her sister has the same gait, though
she doesn't walk crabwise like Murphy does (with Murphy her front half is
offset a little to the right from her rear end when she's at a trot). Murphy
is now 11 and has developed mild arthritis in her left hip, but I don't
think it's related to her gait.

If you're worried or think he's in pain it's probably a good idea to get him
checked out by a vet, though I understand they can't really diagnose hip
displaysia until about 12-15 months of age. Does he appear more stiff after
a wild play? Especially when he first gets up from a nap?

Rachel & Murphy
(New Zealand)

darnell barber

Yes, during his running or jogging the neighbor I referred
to sees nothing. Only while walking.

And there is no noticable stiffness after play etc...

I guess only time can tell. The earliest they can diagnose
hip displaysia (as far as I can remember) is atleast a year.

Again, Thanks everyone

Darnell

suja

If it is only the gait that looks funny to someone, it might be nothing
- just normal for the breed.

Actually, I know at least 2 dogs (a GSD, a Coonhound mix) who were
diagnosed at around 6 months. Their hips are so bad that they were
pretty obvious by that age, and when they were under anesthetic for the
neuter, the vet also took hip x-rays. But, positive confirmation (via
OFA, for example) that the dog is not dysplastic cannot be obtained
until the dog is 2 years old.

Suja

zpl

PennHip can be done earlier - some say 4-6 months. But, still much earlier
than 2 years.

dreamspinner3

My friend's Airedale puppy began limping at around six months & was
diagnosed at the U of MN vet hospital as having hip displaysia. He's
since had surgery and is doing better.


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Kim (Dreamspinner3)
http://members.tripod.com/dreamspinner3/
ICQ: 48547727
YAHOO: dreamspinner3
AOL AIM: coolkmm