Puppy slow, drags leg, bunny hops. Is it hip dysplasia or growing pains?

Yes, this can be a sign of poor hip conformation or hip dysplasia. Usually dogs with hip joint laxity run with both rear legs together or bunny hop. As Coco is still growing the pain also could be due to panosteitis which is pain in the bones from growing too fast. I recommend switching her to adult large breed dog food so she will grow slower. She will still reach her full size, it just may take a little longer. Adult food is fine for all ages so you do not need to be worried, she will still get the nutrition she needs. Your veterinarian can feel her hip joints for laxity, but X-rays are not conclusive until she is six months or older. It is best to exercise Coco on a leash and prevent running and jumping. Your veterinarian may also prescribe pain medication to make her. more comfortable. While hip dysplasia can cause arthritis later in life, many dogs go through short painful episodes, then they are pain free for long periods of time. If she has poor hip conformation she shouldn't have puppies as they may have bad hips also. Keeping Coco active, thin and well muscled in addition to joint supplements and pain medication when needed will give Coco the best chance to live a normal active life. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Coco.

Hello. It can actually be rather difficult to diagnose hip dysplasia in a puppy this young with x-rays. Often we need to be able to diagnose laxity in the joint under anesthesia or see pain when the hips are manipulated, Lameness when walking or bunny hopping when running are classic signs, too. I am not sure I would be doing the Osnate - d ( Vitamin D ) or the Xobix ( anti-inflammatory medication ) as the Vit. D can cause imbalances & if there is no pain or lameness, the anti-inflammatory is not going to do any good. I think you need another opinion, perhaps with a veterinary neurologist, to make sure there are no spinal cord lesions affecting his gait. If this is hip dysplasia, unnecessary supplementation with the Vit. D may make things worse as most dogs seem to get much better on their own by the time they are 12-18 months of age. If you can have Ghost reevaluated, that would be the best thing to do. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach..

At this age, it’s hard to say- it could be either. Bernadette will need to start or continue her puppy vaccines around this age anyway, so have your vet do a good exam of the hips while you’re in for that. We really can’t diagnose hip dysplasia without xrays (unless it’s so severe that the hips are popping out of their sockets) but your vet could certainly do that at any time. Hope this helps and best wishes to you and your big puppy girl!

Hi and thanks for posting! Bunny hopping in dogs can be a sign of hip dysplasia but not always. An x-ray can be taken of the hips to determine if signs of hip dysplasia is present. Bunny hoppingn or a awkward gait can also be a sign of luxation of the knee caps (patellar luxation). If you are concerned you can always get a few x-rays done to check. Patellar luxation can be daignosed by palpstion if the knee during an exam. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

That is possible. It is best to have Dace examined by your vet. X-rays are usually performed to determine if there is hip dysplasia present so that preventive measures can be taken to help protect the hip and keep it healthy. If Dace was from a breeder, asking if they have records of any dysplasia tests, etc can also help.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Dexter! Since it has been going on for 3 weeks already I think it is time to have him seen by your Vet. Common causes of hing leg lameness are: hip dysplasia, cruciate (ACL tears), Lyme or other tick borne disease, immune polyarthropathy, HOD, panoseitis, or simply a strain or a sprain. If you haven't strictly rested him (leash walks, no running or jumping) for a week you can try that first. But if he is still having problems he should be seen. I hope this helps and I wish Dexter the very best!

Hip dysplasia can only be positively diagnosed with x-rays. There are certain indicators that can be noted on a physical exam, but they can only be considered supportive of the actual radiographic diagnosis. I would have his leg looked at and examined for fractures, evidence of soft tissue injuries, or as you have mentioned, evidence of hip imperfections. Based on the nature of the injury, the solution to the problem maybe something as simple as rest or medical therapy, or as complex as surgical procedures. Hope this helps.