Question about Hip Dysplasia

[GoCards82]

So i was on a walk with Wacha and someone said "Does if have hip problems or is that his nature?" He is four months old and I have never even thought about hip problems. I know he has a pretty big bully waddle. What are early signs to look for?

 

[Baxter Tiberius]

I'm no expert, but to parrot some things I have heard - back legs not moving independently of eachother i think was one. The bunny hop? Another was pain or wincing when he's laying on his back and you slowly / gently press his leg outwards. The bone specialist did this with Baxter.

An X ray isn't too expensive, and you can easily get one at any vet to see if there's a problem. In the end they all told me the same thing: Keep his body fat/weight down to a minimum, and you will eliminate 80% of the risk of hip dysplasia (outside of genetic). I remember when Baxter had all his rear joint issues, I read some published studies that said the same thing. The biggest risk factor for hip dysplasia is body weight.

-B-

 

[2BullyMama]

Kevin gave you good points to look for, but an xray is best way to know for sure. my girl was diagnosed at 8 months with HD, she is now 9 years old and nothing has stopped her running, playing, stairs, jumps... she does it all

 

[Davidh]

You can also sometimes hear or feel popping in their hips too.

 

[hulses5]

[MENTION=2894]2BullyMama[/MENTION] how did they treat your bully? My boys hips are popping, he doesn't appear to be in pain, although he has started to grind his teeth now and again which I presume is due to pain, this noise has appeared all of a sudden, when you watch him walk you can see the pop not just hear it, I'm keen to know the best treatment. I'm waiting for a vets appointment.

 

[2BullyMama]

[MENTION=2894]2BullyMama[/MENTION] how did they treat your bully? My boys hips are popping, he doesn't appear to be in pain, although he has started to grind his teeth now and again which I presume is due to pain, this noise has appeared all of a sudden, when you watch him walk you can see the pop not just hear it, I'm keen to know the best treatment. I'm waiting for a vets appointment.

Banks is on several meds for pain management --- glucosamine since around a year old, Deramaxx, Tramadol and Gabipetin for the last two yrs, the biggest impact is weight management... The better the weight the less they have pain/issues.

 

[nycbullymama]

Blue was diagnosed with mild hip dysplasia as per an orthopedic vet. his x-ray showed it was so mild, the regular vet at the animal hospital said he didn't have it. Just goes to show you really need a specialist for reading these damn x-rays.

The orthopedic vet said the majority of bullies have it so some degree. Depending on how mild to severe it is, it may be asymptomatic, or your bullie may show symptoms early on, or later in life. You'll never really know unless you get an x-ray though.
The best you can do for a bulldog with hip dysplasia is keep their weight down, and muscles around the hips working. You want to make sure they get some mild exercise daily, and you want to keep them away from steps, and jumping.