Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 10/3/2008

Question
I have a 14 month old Labrador retriever mix, since she was about 6 months old i have been seeing Labrador worsening lameness in her hips. when she stands up after laying down she begins to limp and the strange thing about this situation is that it changes hips on me one minute its the left the next time its the right one. i can never really tell which side hurts her the worst. when she is laying down and say you were clipping her nails, and you had to raise one leg up, she would yelp in pain. i have read about hip dysphasia... but for some reason i don't think it is that, she never really limps after exercise. just if you lift a leg or she is standing up after laying down. my question is if its not hip dysplasia or a dislocated hip what could it be? is there any other hip problems in dogs? what kinds of remedies help alleviate the pain in her? i would really like to get her help and i am shorty (money issues) going to. i just want to read up about other issues. thank you!

Answer
Brittany -

You should have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian.  Alternating hip pain can be  interpreted as a sign of hip dysplasia.   Your vet can give her pain medication and physical therapy to help her overcome her discomfort.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM