Hip Arthritis – How can you tell your Lab suffers from Hip Arthritis?

If your dog has hip dysplasia, a form of hip arthritis, you might notice an abnormal gait, reduced function or lameness. Your young dog may exhibit a “rolling” hind leg gait, in which the hips appear to slide up and down. Your pet may also be reluctant to exercise too far or have difficulty going up and down stairs. There may be overt lameness on one or both hind legs. Your older dog may show greater exacerbation of these signs and may struggle to lie down or get up from a lying position.

If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, consult your veterinarian:

• Hind leg lameness (one or both legs)

• Swaying or staggering

• Discomfort when attempting to lie down or stand up

• Reluctance to run and jump

• Difficulty rising

• Abnormal gait

• “Bunny-hopping gait”

• Changes in jumping behavior/reluctance to jump

• Decreased activity/exercise intolerance

• Some dogs can have a clicking sounds that you can hear when they walk or rise to get up

• Diminished muscle mass in rear legs (in chronic cases)

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