popping hips

Question
My 6 month Border Collie has popping hips and occasionally favors one leg .  
I did take her to the vet for a X-ray, he found nothing wrong and provided no
other explanation for the popping.  I don't want to run her to every vet in
town,$$$.  Can this be normal for a growing dog, or should I be concerned.

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Matthew,

Thank you for writing to me about your baby Border Collie.  She must be absolutely adorabel!

I do think that your dog has a problem and it should be addresss by an orthopedic specialist.  You don't have to run to every vet in town..just find the best orthopedic specialist you can.  If you live within driving distance of a teaching vet college, that would be the first choice.  Otherwise, ask your vet to recommend an orthopedic specialist or search on google for the society of orthopedic veterinary specialists.

What you have described can lead to arthritic problems from the popping and if your dog is favoring one leg it indicates that she is in pain.  I would guess that this can only get worse if left untreated.

In the meantime, I would suggest using glucosamine and D-Phenylanaline for pain and mobility.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis