My 4-year-old German Shepherd is limping. Is it hip dysplasia?

Bella can definitely have hip problems with her symptoms. With the X-rays provided it is not the most appropriate way to determine hip dysplasia. The best X-rays are sedated X-rays with the hind legs being extended straight and tilted slightly in. I would recommend when you spay her Bella you have them X-ray her hips at the same time to determine this. Once you have these X-rays if hip dysplasia is found, you can talk to a surgeon to find out what is the next step for Bella. Here is a link to a photo that shows you how the legs should be to evaluate hips. http://www.azpetscan.com/uploads/2/3/8/3/23831955/8701405.jpg?377 Thank you for using PetCoach.

Legally, I am not allowed to give you a diagnosis, but based on the x-rays you posted, I suspect that your vet told you that Sly has significant hip dysplasia and arthritis in both hips. I'm sure that came as a surprise to you since Sly is only showing some limping after resting. Dogs are very stoic and do not show us pain as we would expect. Since you have just started Sly on a glucosamine and chondoitin sulfate supplement, you certainly could wait and see how he does on that, but I suspect you will need to add some additional supplements or medications to resolve his limping, so don't be afraid to talk to your vet about those. We frequently use fish oil, MSM, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and many other drug combinations for arthritis. I also highly recommend physical rehabilitation and acupuncture. Although we expect our dogs to cry in pain, most dogs with arthritis pain act exactly like Sly and only limp after getting up. Our goal with treatment is to get them to the point that their pain is so well controlled that we don't notice them limp at all. I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This is probably due to hip dysplasia, a chronic knee problem or arthritis in her joints. She also could have a bulging intervertebral disc causing the symptoms. I recommend using a Help em Up harness on her so you can easily assist her to stand up. In addition speak with your veterinarian about giving her pain medication. I also like to give an omega 3 supplement to reduce inflammation. If she’s overweight reducing her weight will reduce the strain, stiffness and pain in her joints. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tiara.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry that Gem isn't feeling well! From what I am understanding is that Gem has been on and off limping on different legs at different times. There are few things that could be going on: Panosteitis or Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy, both occur in young, rapidly growing dogs. I see Panosteitis a lot in German Shepherds. Both are diagnosed on X-rays and physical exam. Another possibility is lyme disease. I recommend taking Gem in to your Vet when she is actively limping. Have her tested for lyme and some X-rays done. Since we can not examine Gem, we are not allowed to prescribe medications or provide doses of human medications. Human medications are not recommended for dogs. Dogs metabolize drugs differently then people and the medication may interfere with what your Vet prescribes based on their diagnosis. I hope this helps and you get to the bottom of Gem's limping!

Hi there. If Lilly used to jump onto the bed easily and now seems to be struggling more, this is definitely concerning for a medical problem of some kind. She may have hip dysplasia, a problem with her knees or back. or some other type of joint problem. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can do a complete orthopedic exam to see if she is painful anywhere and check her range of motion, and may also recommend x-rays or other testing if needed to help determine what's wrong.

Large breed growing dogs can develop a common problem called panosteitis. This is caused by fast growing bones. However, German Shepherds are also known for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. I would encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon to make sure that there are no other concerns. Panosteitis can come and go for months. Canine anti inflammatory medications are usually used for comfort. Best of luck and I hope that Princess improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

There are many possible reasons but especially in German shepherds, hip dysplasia would be a serious concern, especially if she is reluctant to jump up or stretch. Most muscle injuries would be expected to be improving over 3-4days and xrays would be advisable if not settling