Bad hips in young lab

[slimjim86]

I've recently got a new dog walking client who's got 2 8 month old labs (litter mates), they both look like they have what i would describe as "rolling hips", I mean that's what's it looks like when they move so I expect that if they were x rayed it would show poor hips. Is there any exercises or physio that can stave off / prevent these hips being an issue when they get older?

 

[skinnydipper]

First of all the owner needs to get them assessed by a vet and find out what the problem is.

 

[slimjim86]

First of all the owner needs to get them assessed by a vet and find out what the problem is.

I did raise it with her in a casual way, especially is one of them is quite big and heavy for a lab but she didn't seem too interested, I thought if there was a suggestion of something preventative she could do now it might be worth raising again for her to look into???

 

[Clodagh]

they need to be slim and fit and no jumping or going upstairs on onto furniture. Tbh even with good hips they shouldn’t be doing that at 8 months.
Joint supplements maybe help. If she doesn’t care though it’s not your problem.

 

[MurphysMinder]

The soundest bitch I ever had , who was still winning veteran classes at 10 years old, had the most atrocious hips. She was diagnosed before hip scoring was a thing but was scored aged 6 and her total was mid 90s, so movement is not an indicator of hip status.
Agree with everything Clodagh says, 8 month old pups should not be overweight, steady exercise is good, and hydrotherapy would help with weight loss and if there is any sort of hip issue, but if the owner is happy to have overweight pups they probably won't want to pay for hydro.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Hydro is recommended for HD, far less impact than running or chasing a ball. We swam Zak a lot. A good joint supplement, I used salmon oil (still do) and green lipped mussel on Zak when we discovered his HD. Oddly, he had the most beautiful trot, much like Mitch-dressage pony. I echo @Clodagh , keeping the weight off is key. When we discovered Zak’s issue, someone on here mentioned walking him uphill and through sand to help build muscle.

 

[twiggy2]

No ball chasing, jumping or stairs

 

[skinnydipper]

Is there any exercises or physio that can stave off / prevent these hips being an issue when they get older?

As I say, first of all get a diagnosis.

If it is hip dysplasia there are exercises to help build and maintain supporting muscles.

Regular hydrotherapy. Underwater treadmill is best. Extension of joints is greater in treadmill than swimming and they use their hind limbs more. Swimming is primarily forelimbs.

Stepping over cavaletti poles to get them to lift their hind limbs. 6 poles, shoulder height apart, poles wrist height.

Down to stand. Sit to stand.

Exercises to strengthen their core. Spin both directions; roll over both directions; stand lift one paw at a time, start with 5 to 10 seconds; walk backwards, balance cushion.

Ramp, or lift in and out of vehicle.

Low impact exercise.

If they need pain relief, give them it. Controlling pain and inflammation as early as poss to prevent or delay progression to central sensitisation caused by chronic pain.


edit, spelling.

 

[CorvusCorax]

HD can be diagnosed via x-ray from 12 months onwards using a vet who know how to assess the plates and with the dog positioned correctly.

This is a thread about managing older dogs but a lot of it applies to caring for a dog with HD.

Golden Oldies - hints, tips and advice

As I don't think the other discussion is going anywhere other than round and round in circles and there are multiple threads with various advice, I wanted to start a central post where people can drop in information about how to help older dogs with mobility issues and also how to put in...

forums.horseandhound.co.uk

 

[slimjim86]

HD can be diagnosed via x-ray from 12 months onwards using a vet who know how to assess the plates and with the dog positioned correctly.

This is a thread about managing older dogs but a lot of it applies to caring for a dog with HD.

Golden Oldies - hints, tips and advice

As I don't think the other discussion is going anywhere other than round and round in circles and there are multiple threads with various advice, I wanted to start a central post where people can drop in information about how to help older dogs with mobility issues and also how to put in...

forums.horseandhound.co.uk

Thanks, I'm not sure how much they will do / investigate nut if there is some preventative things they can start doing I guess its worth mentioning

 

[CorvusCorax]

Also, feeding is important.

 

[Prancerpoos]

From what you have said on your other post, it sounds like they are just bad owners and you will just be wasting your breath and upsetting yourself. If they can’t even be bothered to watch their dogs’ weight and adjust the diet accordingly then it is unlikely they will bother with anything else.

Very sad and quite common.