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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think my dog has something wrong even though everyone tells me I’m paranoid?

27 replies

ThornsWithin · 12/10/2019 08:32

When I first got my puppy at 8 weeks she walked fine. As she started growing she started walking weird - swinging her back legs out to either side. Sometimes she’ll walk normal, she runs well and jumps around with no obvious pain but when she’s walking at a certain pace she really swings her back legs out. It’s so bad now that she looks disabled when she walks. Vet is unconcerned. Trainer is unconcerned and my friend says I’m paranoid and that she walks fine but then why does she walk so strange?? People keep telling me it’s because she’s growing and it’s common in lanky breeds as their bones grow before their joints or something!

Am I being paranoid?

OP posts:
StrongTea · 12/10/2019 08:35

How old is she now? Can you video the funny walking to show the vet?

CurryAndCobra · 12/10/2019 08:38

Could be hip dysplasia. My dog was the same and no one took my concerns seriously. I kept switching vets until I found one who referred me to a specialist immediately. His x rays were taken and diagnosed with Dysplasia. Had he been diagnosed quicker, they could have fixed without surgery. We still haven't done the surgery, but we can manage it with Hydrotherapy and reduced exercise.

Original poster
ThornsWithin · 12/10/2019 08:42

I did show the vet a video and he said she was too young to show signs of dysplasia. The breeder said her dad walked the same way and it was down to too much protein making him grow too quick and he said she’ll grow out of it. She’s 20 weeks old and shows no signs of it getting better. But, she doesn’t seem to be in pain! It’s so odd.

OP posts:
Moondancer73 · 12/10/2019 08:46

What breed is she? Some breeds are prone to hip displaysia so it's worth keeping an eye on. The other thing is how much exercise is she getting? A pup might be energetic but it's very easy to over walk them and do lasting damage that way. Did you get the pup from a breeder?

Hederex · 12/10/2019 08:47

I would trust the vet, wouldn't occur to me me not to.
But I have no experience with dogs!

Moondancer73 · 12/10/2019 08:47

Sorry, posted too soon. Did you get your pup from a reputable breeder and did you see Mum?

Original poster
ThornsWithin · 12/10/2019 08:48

She’s a Doberman. She’s all legs and paws.

OP posts:
StrongTea · 12/10/2019 08:49

If you are worried no harm in getting a second opinion. Better than having a problem which can’t be sorted later on.

CurryAndCobra · 12/10/2019 08:50

That's the trouble. I was fobbed off with the same "too young for dysplasia" line. The specialist told me that there is no such thing. If they're diagnosed early you can fix it really easily. Mine was finally diagnosed at 8 months after a lot of struggle. If I were you, I'd take a second opinion. One of the vets told me that my pup has a "behavioural problem" that manifests itself as the squiggly walk.

Original poster
ThornsWithin · 12/10/2019 08:51

@CurryAndCobra did your dog show signs of pain in the early stages?

OP posts:
Pharlapwasthebest · 12/10/2019 08:56

My dog walks like this, people laugh at him, he appears perfectly happy (he’s 6), and the vet is happy he isn’t affected by dysplasia.
What about seeing a dog chiro?

CurryAndCobra · 12/10/2019 08:56

Not pain but visible discomfort.( If he was in pain, he never displayed it bless him.) He used to almost wince as he sat down and always looked out of control while running and chasing a ball.

Fucksandflowers · 12/10/2019 09:01

Is this the same dobermann that fights with other dogs...?

I'm no vet but my immediate thought was hip dysplasia, I have seen videos of puppies as young as 8 weeks showing it so I don't agree with the vet who would seek a second opinion.

Dogs often don't 'show' pain until it's gotten really very severe and from what I understand dysplasia is an excruciatingly painful condition.

Maybe her hip issue is behind her horrible behaviour with other dogs?

HappydaysArehere · 12/10/2019 09:05

My friend’s Labrador had problems with her walking which were dismissed several times by her vet. She eventually got a second opinion and displaysia was diagnosed within minutes. She was referred to the clinic run by the Super Vet on tv. She had the op but was told that she would have arthritis due to the delay. They were right and she has hydro therapy and tablets when necessary.

Sohololopopo · 12/10/2019 09:16

Personally I WOULD NOT entirely trust vets. They’re running a business and have targets to meet. But that’s just my personal opinion. My girl goes to the vets when I can’t treat holistically. And 99.9% of the time, what a vet would just give antibiotics, I can treat. I’ve had a few bad experiences with jumped up unprofessional professionals.

But, it does sound like possibly dysplasia. Search specialists in or around your area. As PP has said some of the shit they come out with is unbelievable. Trust your instinct OP. Do not get fobbed off.

MaitlandGirl · 12/10/2019 09:16

Do you know what the hip scores of the parents are?

You can check here if you have their full kennel club names. The bred average for Doberman’s is 9.6 so both parents should be under that.

www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/mateselect/test/Default.aspx

Has a vet ever mentioned panosteitis? It’s known as growing pains in dogs and could explain some of the symptoms.

Sohololopopo · 12/10/2019 09:17

And try and do it soon OP. Not only is it much more expensive in the long run, it can be very very painful for the poor baby. Very best of luck to you and your baby OP xxx

Ylvamoon · 12/10/2019 09:25

My first thought is Hip Dysplasia as well. It can present in many forms.
Are the parents health tested? Hip scored? If yes, I would do some digging. The animal health trust or kennel club is a good start. Find out what is right / good score for your breed.

But it could also be that your dog is just going through a funny growth stage. I understand it's a large breed. Please don't neuter while there are potential problems as hormones also regulate growth. And you could be creating a problem

Moondancer73 · 12/10/2019 09:31

Ahh. To be honest I wouldn't worry too much at this stage then, I've had several friends with Doberman pups and they can have an odd gait at that age.

Moondancer73 · 12/10/2019 09:33

Just keep an eye and trust your gut. If you think there is an issue get a second opinion - far better to be safe than sorry.

squee123 · 12/10/2019 09:34

I would insist on a referral to a specialist

Original poster
ThornsWithin · 12/10/2019 09:35

I’ve just put the parents names into kennel club site and it says no tests have been done on either dog. So breeder lied. I’m so cross and feel so bloody stupid.

OP posts:
adaline · 12/10/2019 09:42

I would go to another vet. Especially as this is the same dog who has issues with aggression.

Pain can cause serious problems with aggression due to discomfort in the dog - especially in the joints where they have very little chance to find relief.

While some dogs have dysplasia their whole life and suffer no problems, others really struggle and would benefit with intervention - be that medication or surgery.

Good luck!

DracarysThis · 12/10/2019 10:03

My girl goes to the vets when I can’t treat holistically. And 99.9% of the time, what a vet would just give antibiotics, I can treat.

So you've spent five years studying veterinary medicine and have all the diagnostic equipment? Hmm

Jollitwiglet · 12/10/2019 10:08

I would see about a referral to a specialist