My 8 year old, 120 lb German Shepard was tested for hip dysplasia when he was a puppy. The xrays came up negative.
Now that he is older I've noticed that it takes him a few extra seconds to stand up and walk.
Can his hips develope dysplasia or could it be arthitis? (sp)
He takes walks everyday and loves to pass the ball around but I am becoming a bit concerned.
Thanks

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, September 14, 2008 - 11:26 am:

Annie, we're about to leave to visit with my granddaughter (and her parents). I will tell Scott about your post.

By Annie2 on Sunday, September 14, 2008 - 12:09 pm:

Have a great day!!!!

By Scott on Monday, September 15, 2008 - 12:30 pm:

8 years isn't too young to develop arthritis. Nor is it too young for dysplasia. Although he came up negative when he was a pup, that was years ago. Between then and now, there's plenty of time for his hips to come undone. A negative dysplasia screen as a pup is NOT a guarantee that he'll never get it as an adult.

120 pounds is big for a Shep. What's his body condition?

By Annie2 on Monday, September 15, 2008 - 01:15 pm:

Wow, Scott, we have you busy here!
He is a big dog. He is a German German Shep so he does run larger than the American breed.
His mom, of course, was a bit smaller but his dad was huge, too.
I just tried to send you a photo of him to your mom's email.
I was afraid of what you stated. It has to be something. He goes for his check up next month. I will address my concerns with his dr.
He has a huge head, snout and his shoulders are large. He is lean but not skinny. His front paws look like tiger paws and he sheds constantly. His skin is in good condition. He hates rain and thunder storms.
He is a great dog just a "bull in my china shop".
Thanks for getting back to me.
Annie

By Scott on Monday, September 15, 2008 - 08:02 pm:

I got that picture you sent me. I was hoping for a shot of his side, but I understand that dogs have a tendency to face their owners. But since you say he's a German German Shep, it makes a bit more sense. The American German Sheps are a bit lighter.

If your vet says that your DD* is in good body condition, i.e. not too lean and not too chunky, then there's no need to be worried about his weight. That said, there is a tendency among middle-aged mammals to pick up a few pounds as they slow down. Many owners put down the same meal for their dogs throughout their lives and fail to realize that an old dog no longer has the metabolism of a young dog. That's when dogs get fat. But that's apparently not the case with your dog.

It's good that you'll be telling this to his vet. It could be an orthopedic issue, or it could be something else entirely. I can think of a hundred things that could cause joint / muscle problems. What's your tick preventative program?



* DD: "darling dog"

By Annie2 on Monday, September 15, 2008 - 08:51 pm:

Too funny, Scott. I think I was able to send another pic of his side view.
I'm new at sending emails with pics.
It might be slightly blurry but you can see his sides.
Thanks so much
Annie

By Scott on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 02:36 pm:

I just got a picture of the lateral view. @.@ That's a big dog you got there. He doesn't look at all fat.

So..! What's your tick program?

By Annie2 on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 03:24 pm:

Both Bandit and my Phalene papillon are on a once a month Sentinal pill. It controls fleas and ticks. Bandit should take two a month, because of his weight but I can not afford it. But he never has so I am complacent with the fact.
I really don't have a problem with ticks but the mosquito bites worry me.
Thanks, Scott.
Annie

By Scott on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - 04:25 pm:

The issue with mosquitos is heartworm, but those don't typically cause lameness or fatigue (until they get into the advanced stage, at which your dog would be coughing, wheezing and generally acting like resurrected road-kill). The reason I mention tick control is because some ticks carry Lyme Dz, which can cause joint inflammation --> generalized lameness and fatigue.