Great Dane hip problem

Question
I own a 5 year old great dane male. In the last 5 weeks I have noticed a problem with his left rear leg. In recent days he has been displaying signs of great pain and has gone lame on his left leg. This usually occurs when he goes to get up and move suddenly. Then there are times we he gets up without any problems, runs about, jumps and rolls on the ground without any problems.

We have had him at the vet twice already and x-rays have been done showing no problems with joints/bones. He is being given anti-inflam medication and taking it for the last week. There is still no change in his condition and seems to be getting worse. I have just forked out $550.00 AUS and the vet wishes to try other medication. I am concerned and not sure where to take him. Are you aware of other problems with the breed or what I can do to help treat him.

Regards,

Michael
NSW Australia

Answer
Usually just taking him to the vet will solve the problem because only a veterinarian can see what is going on underneath through an x-ray. Sometimes there may be a sprain or a tear in the muscle(which will take time to heal but can be very painful) which would not be detected in an x-ray. If he is in pain he should have been put on painkillers, which you can only get through the vet with a prescription.

I would look for a specialist in Extra Large Breed dogs and pet orthopedics if you are going to spend anymore money. Most local veterinary clinics do not have the necessary tools or training in that field to be able to tell you exactly what is wrong with his leg.

Either way if the condition does not improve he will have to go back to the vet, and unfortunately that is pet ownership. Whether it costs $100 or $1,000 it comes with owning a XL Dog. I would also check and see if it is not a condition that other dogs in his pedigree have suffered from in the past, if you still have the breeder as a reference if he was purchased from a breeder. Otherwise if he is a rescue there is not much you will be able to find out.

Sometimes you have to experiment with treatments on dogs as well, which is why pet insurance is also a great option for things that become costly to this breed such as bloat, hip problems, heart disease ect. This might also be something you want to look into in the future.