Limping After Sleeping

[Jane & Gunner]

Hello Everybody - longtime lurker, very first post! You have all been a massive source of wisedom and as a first-time dog owner this has been invaluable.

Gunner will be 6 months on 6th Dec, a longhaired dark sable monster (I mean entire GSD!). Since last wednesday after sleeping he limps on his rear legs whichever one he has been lying on. He sleeps on the floor - he refuses to sleep on his bed, blanket, towels or even my duvet - on his side with legs stretched out. The limp lasts only a few minutes (always gone in 5) and when I squeeze it or when he is walking he does not yelp/whimper and it does not stop him doing whatever he wants!

At first the limp was only after a nap of at least 45mins, now it is whenever he lays down and today it has started even after sitting (which he does by slumping to one side for prolonged sits).

I am not sure if I am overreacting and paranoid or if I am correct in worrying enough to book him into the vets - although snow conditions mean I am holding off for a bit. I thought at first he might be getting a dead leg or pins and needles like humans but now I am increasingly concerned! Obviously I am aware of Hip Dysplasia (Mum's hips are 8, Dad's Hip score 4, elbows 1) but reasearch has thrown up all types of conditions.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated!

Many thanks
Jane & Gunner

[zetstaff]

Hellooooo + welcome

Can't advise you but I'm afraid it would be the vets for me xx

[RstuS]

Well his parents hip scores are good, maybe its a little too much exercise lately for his age?, and has a sprain or pulled his back or something, or maybe just growing pains? See how he goes and let the vet check him out

[wildmoor]

When looking at the hip scores it is not just sire/dam you look at but also their sibblings and ancestors: very high or extremely uneven hips will often jump a generation.
At that age he should not be stiff after lying down no matter how long for, nor after sitting.
I would suggest a trip to the vets quite often if its severe they can tell by manipulating the joints although at some stage xrays would be needed for confirmation.

[Stuart]

Welcome to the forum Jane.

I would also see the vet, it is best to know, if only for peace of mind,... Just remember that if it is Dysplasia its not the end of the world,..most dogs get along fine with no change to their lives at all

[gloriab]

Absolutely agree with all - see the vet cos if there is anything wrong, it will be caught early and so more treatable/controllable.... if nothing else, it will put your mind at rest.
Good luck with it and really hope puppy is OK.
Please keep us informed on how it goes.

Very big welcome to the forum Jane - don't be frightened to ask anything on here. There are some great folk and the forum is a collective tower of experience and advice. I have had gsds for over 30 years and still learning things on here.

Gunner looks gorgeous - polar bear cub comes to mind
Gloria
xx

[Jane & Gunner]

Many thanks for all your advice.

Gunner has been to the vet and we are booked in on Monday for X-Rays. The vet said that he is "sore" in the hip area - as he was manipulating the hip Gunner yelped and tried to bite him!

Gunner is KC registered and looking on his 5 generation pedigree the dogs all have good even scores so we will have to see what the results are. Not sure how I will cope without him all day on Monday though. I will post an update when we come home.

Gunner is currently asleep on the front door step with his head hanging off it and snoring!

[LOVEGSD]

Hello and welcome

Let us know how you get on at the vets, sounds like you need to get that checking out.
xx

[Jane & Gunner]

Gunner has Hip Displasia. I am heartbroken but trying to be calm and practical but sometimes it fails and I sob my heart out as he has/is/will be in pain. I fear that it is all my fault. He is Kennel Club registered, looking at his pedigree most hips low and are even, and he is lifted in and out of the car (I have back ache but who cares), doesn't go up stairs and we have never taken him for very long walks. Now I fear that the balls and the weeds/stones I have thrown and the playing that I have done has caused his HD and I am gutted that I caused a lifetime of pain.

The vet said the only way to test for pain is to put him on painkillers for 2 weeks and see if he changes or when he comes off them whether there is a difference. She says she doesn't think he is at the moment and so we are not giving him anything but what if I miss the signs and he is in agony and I do nothing?

We are going on tuesday to an Orthopeadic Specialist for consultation and possibly surgery (although they can't tell me what type/if viable until the appointment). Research on the net is both terrifying but hopeful. Has anoyone here had surgery for HD or know of anyone that has?

I will update you all as soon as I can.

Hope you and all your beautiful dogs are well.

Jane and Gunner

[Poly]

Im so so sorry about Gunner...xxx