HD Perhaps??

[sezpet]

Hi All
I have noticed that shey is running with both his back legs together,a bit like bunny hopping but at speed if you know what i mean!!
He seems fine in all other respects with no outward signs of pain when standing from a lying/sitting position and he walks ok with what i would call a slight waddle on his back end.
He is due a booster very soon and i intend to mention all this to my vet then but i wondered if anyone thinks that this could be a degree of h.d.He is 14 months old and quite a big dog already.
Any thoughts welcome
Thanks in advance
Sarah

[Caryll]

It could be, but there's others on here would have a better idea than me!

[Maddie]

I'm certainly no expert, but like a lot of shep owners i also worry about HD.

Does he also bunny hop up stairs?

When hes running fast, it might look like hes bunny hopping but there could be a very slight difference in when his paws actually touch the ground.

Fingers crossed for you.
x

[sezpet]

He keeps both back legs in sync when climbing stairs or running,however he can do both at lightening speed with no apparent pain or ill effects. It is only when he runs that i notice it really and it is more apparent as he runs with the other dog,his run seems different altogether to hers.He seems fine in all other respects but i cannot help but worry now i have noticed it!!

[Tookey]

It could be, my Zephyr has a 'waddle', but IF it is it can't be severe if he isn't struggling or in pain.
I was told by a vet when Zeph was around 4 months old that his left hip was showing early signs of HD. I spent the following few months upset, paranoid and stressed as his exercise was at a minimum and he was becoming difficult. Eventually I took advice and put it to the back of my mind, upped the exercise and began letting him off lead. We were all far happier after that. He has a wiggle to his walk but shows no sign of pain and runs around like a greyhound!
You're right to speak to the vet but if he isn't in pain I wouldn't worry too much about it. Lots of people say to restrict exercise, don't let them do this and that, but the dog would rather just be a dog and have fun! There are different supplements as well, a good diet, and exercise is important!

[sezpet]

Thanks Sarah, i will of course mention it to the vet but i am perhaps worrying unduly at this stage.His parents had good hip scores and he is fed on arden grange but he is a big boned dog and i have to keep a careful check on his weight as he is very greedy.Whilst he seems to be painfree i will try to relax but i cant help but worry about him,he is only a baby and he loves nothing more than to run around and chase a ball.I dont want to retrict his exercise without a good reason at this stage because he loves to be active, that said, i would hate to do him further damage by ignoring potential problems.
Thanks again x

[Maddie]

It's very understandable to be worried. Like others have said, if hes not showing signs of pain, it may not be something you need to act on straight away. Your vet will be able to advise i hope.

I don't have any first hand experience but from what ive read on here, the only way to know for sure is via x-rays.

Even if he does have HD, many dogs with HD can have very active and full lives before intervention is needed, and some get by with supplements etc. I think the fact he wants to run about is a good sign.

I wish you all the best.

[Zak]

Hiya,

As others have said if your bubba seems fine and is pain free I personally wouldnt do anything. Plenty of exersize though to build up the muscles which will only help x

[sezpet]

Thanks all for your replies,i will let you know what(if anything) the vet has to say when he gets his booster.

[Su-C]

Originally Posted by Zak

Hiya,

As others have said if your bubba seems fine and is pain free I personally wouldnt do anything. Plenty of exersize though to build up the muscles which will only help x

You could also try hydrotherapy - that will build the muscle without straining the joints.

Good luck at the vets.

Sue
x