"Loose" hips and knees

[celloyogi]

Over the last week or so, I'd noticed that Olive had become a bit sensitive around her hind legs during grooming, and occasionally had a very minor limp or hitched gait when we were out for walks. So, I took her to the vet for a check-up. The vet did a thorough exam, manipulating Olive's joints, observing her move through different gaits, etc. She did said Olive was in generally perfect health, but did mention that Olive's knees and hips were "looser than [she] would like them to be." Her recommendation was to keep an eye on Olive's movement and if the changes persist or worsen, to bring her back in for x-rays. She said that sometimes she sees this type of "looseness" in hip dysplasia but that Olive's issue was not suspicious for dysplasia yet. (We've used this vet practice for years; I'm not questioning the vet's judgement.)

I'm continuing with Olive's regular activities as directed, and watching her for any changes. She hasn't had any accidents (no falls, etc). Olive is from a very reputable breeder, had all the recommended testing for health issues and was clear for everything (same for her parents). I am not hugely worried at this point, but still... Has anyone had similar issues with their shelties, the joint "looseness"? Maybe it's a puppy thing - she'll be a year old in a few weeks, or maybe she needs better and/or more focused conditioning? Any ideas would be appreciated.

[corbinam]

If it were me, I'd take her to a specialist. "Loose" needs to be quantified (at least in my opinion). I know in terms of loose knees, that means luxating patellas. They can be quantified from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Each has its own treatment.

Is there an orthopedic vet near you?

I know that you trust your vet, but I've found that while local vets are good, a specialist that deals specifically in like issues can really share a wealth of knowledge. A specialist may also be able to give you exercises or recommendations that can help Olive to tighten the muscles around the tendons/bones to keep them in place better.

[2GoodDogs]

I really didn't want to open this thread, but had to. Justus is going in to be evaluated. I hope our dogs are going to be just fine. I expect they will be, but I'm concerned... and a little scared.

[celloyogi]

Originally Posted by 2GoodDogs

I really didn't want to open this thread, but had to. Justus is going in to be evaluated. I hope our dogs are going to be just fine. I expect they will be, but I'm concerned... and a little scared.

Well wishes for you and Justus. My pet-less friends have never understood how I can feel so much for my four-legged family members. It can be scary when something's up. I hope everything goes okay, and keep us updated!

[BarbV]

How old is Olive?

One of the less known side effects of hypothyrodism (which is relatively high in Shelties) is the wobbly leg syndrome.

Bacca who is hypo, gets it from time to time.....sometime, he can barely support himself on a hard slippery surface. He was diagnosed at less than 2 years old. We were lucky.

There are many, many more early warning symptoms to look out for which I won't go into now.

But if Olive is still not a senior dog, I would ask my vet to do a full thyroid 5 test on Olive.

[celloyogi]

Originally Posted by BarbV

How old is Olive?

One of the less known side effects of hypothyrodism (which is relatively high in Shelties) is the wobbly leg syndrome.

Bacca who is hypo, gets it from time to time.....sometime, he can barely support himself on a hard slippery surface. He was diagnosed at less than 2 years old. We were lucky.

There are many, many more early warning symptoms to look out for which I won't go into now.

But if Olive is still not a senior dog, I would ask my vet to do a full thyroid 5 test on Olive.

She'll be a year old on Nov 13. I'll keep the possibility of a thyroid issue in mind. For the next few weeks, I'm working with her outdoors or on carpet for better traction. I'm hoping the looseness is just her needing better muscle tone/control. ISWP, we're off to the vet (If Symptoms Worsen or Persist)

[2GoodDogs]

I just booked the appt. on the 13th! Your pup will be eating birthday biscuits, and I'll be anxious to have the results from the inital exam. :)

[BarbV]

Originally Posted by celloyogi

She'll be a year old on Nov 13. I'll keep the possibility of a thyroid issue in mind. For the next few weeks, I'm working with her outdoors or on carpet for better traction. I'm hoping the looseness is just her needing better muscle tone/control. ISWP, we're off to the vet (If Symptoms Worsen or Persist)

Please do! Hypothyroidism is more common than we want to know in Shelties. Bacca was finally diagnosed at about 18 months old.

Other early warning signs.....Coat funk...dandruff, dry, lifeless coat, any swelling in the facial area, loss of appetitie/adversion to food, behaviour (overly aggressive or overally dull)