Possible Hip Dysplasia in Labrador Retriever

Question
QUESTION: Hi Mell,

My four-month old lab has been limping since last Thursday.  I don't know if he fell or if he just had sprain from following me up a stair.

Today I brought him to a veterinarian and he said that it is possible that he has hip dysplasia (he said he heard the hip joint popped when he moved it).  But he also said that it may be just muscle strain.  Unfortunately, their clinic does not have its xray operational yet so he advised me to go to their other branch.  I plan to get the xray next week if his limp does not improve.

I don't know much about my Lab's parent (he is a gift from a friend) but I know that both parents are working in a farm.

My questions are:

- If this is just muscle sprain, how long does this usually last before my Lab walks normally?
- Is there a benefit from having hip dysplasia diagnosed at an early age (he's only four months)?
- Is there anything I can do to help my dog recover or at least cope with this?  He is already on the slim side so weight is not much an issue.

Thank you very much.

ANSWER: Hi Elmer,
If this were just a sprain I would have expected him to show signs of improvement after 3 days. Having said that, if he is still acting like a puppy and running around like crazy then this will lengthen his recovery time. Definately keep him as calm as possible (i know it's hard!) you may need to even confine him to indoors only or buy a crate. Resting is essential for his recovery. Do not let him run or jump.

The benefit in having hip dysplasia diagnosed at a young age is that you are aware of the condition so you can continue to monitor his weight and diet. Feed ONLY a premium quality large breed puppy food such as Hills science diet puppy large breed, DO NOT add calcium supplements to his diet. Excess calcium could prove very detrimental to his bones. If this is hip dysplasia do not allow him to jump or participate in things like dog agility.

The only curative treatment for hip dysplasia is surgery, if this is hip dysplasia and is causing problems at this age I am afraid that without surgery the dog may not be able to have a very long life. Surgery can only be performed once the dog has stopped growing so I suggest you start saving your money now so that you are prepared for the surgery when the time comes. In the meantime he probably requires anti-inflammatories from the vet and non strenuous exercise.

In the mean time the only thing I can suggest is good diet and rest. If the leg has not improved in the next 2-3 days then you really should have the x-ray done.

The xray will definately be beneficial, without this, nothing can be diagnosed. Once the x-ray has been done, the vet can discuss options with you.

Because hip dysplasia is a genetic condition it would be very much recommended to try to contact the owners of the parents and advise them. If your puppy has hip dysplasia, chances are so do the parents and other littermates and these people need to be made aware of this so that they will hopefully stop breeding. For future reference, whenever considering a large breed dog it is very important to purchase from a reputable breeder who has had hip and elbow scores done on the parents.

Good luck, let me know how things go xx

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your prompt reply.

Since I got him to the vet and the vet moved around his leg and joints, he has been able to put the foot down.  But my Lab still can't put weight on that leg.

I'll observe if he gets better and if not, I'll have him x-rayed.

My follow up question is:  Usually, how much is the surgery to correct hip dysplasia?  

I live in the Philippines and I don't know if there are doctors who do this type of surgery here.  I just want to get an idea of how much this surgery will cost.

The dog is a gift from a good friend (who got it from a breeder who's their family friend).

Thanks.

Answer
Hi elmer,
Generally most clinics will do a femoral head excision which could range from $1500-$2000 AUSD (for both hips)
If you cannot find normal veterinary clinics to perform the procedure ask your vet for a referral to an animal specialist centre, I am sure there would be one in your state.
here is a useful link with more information on the procedure:
http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/fho.htm

without this surgery you will most likely need to euthanase the dog at an extremely young age.

my advice would be to definately shop around and call all the clinics in your state for an estimate. It is amazing how much the price can differ from clinic to clinic. You would also be wanting to have him castrated at the same time as surgery which will hopefully calm him down a little.

and as I said, start saving now :)
thanks