Lameness in puppy

[Fontleroy]

I’ve got a 4 month old puppy. Around a month ago he suddenly developed a strange gait, was a bit wobbly on his hind legs and one paw briefly knuckled. He couldn’t really weight bare on that leg. It was a Sunday so I took him to an emergency vet who took bloods. He was much improved by the time the vet saw him and bloods were normal.

It’s now happening again. Again quite suddenly. He hasn’t knuckled at any point but it’s the same leg. Started as a limp but he seems to be standing strangely at times. Sometimes looks bow legged and is stiff after lying down.
I’ve made an appointment at my own vets for tomorrow but I’m worrying. Does anyone have any experience?
I’m pondering (after googling) muscle strains, asymmetric growth or worst case hip dysplasia or luxating patella. Would these show in such a young pup? I’ve been careful not to over exercise I hope.

Just after some reassurance/handhold until we see vet

Sorry I don’t know anything I can say to help. Hope the vet has some answers for you today.

Battendog started to look stiff and unsure on one leg after lying down for any length of time. It turned out to be a grass seed really imbedded between his pads.

With you having been the the vet, it seems unlikely it would be something so simple but thought I'd mention it, just in case.

Actually, just thinking back to a family member's cocker spaniel who displayed a persistent limp which turned out to be knotted fur between the pads. The first vet they saw wanted £400 for an x-ray. The second got some scissors and cut the knot out = instant cure.

So sometimes vets can overlook the incredibly simple...

Have you spoken to the breeder?
Knee issues are common in certain breeds, and can present at an early age unfortunately. :(

Been to vets, it’s not good.

He has what they think is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. I’m not sure how to do links but it relates to his femur and hip bones. X-rays booked on Friday to confirm with surgery to follow. Only other option is pain management but the issue will worsen as he ages so vet strongly recommended surgery and is pretty certain of a full recovery with little impact long term.

It’s only known to be genetic in Manchester terriers but is found mainly in Toy and Miniature breeds which he is.

I broke my heart in the car when I came out of vets. He seems so young to be going through such a big op. I researched breeder really carefully but vet insisted today he’s just one of the unlucky ones and it’s not been passed from his parents

So sorry, that's dreadful.
The vet can't possibly know it's not inherited- you really do need to speak to the breeder.

Oh I will speak to breeder once confirmed by X-Ray on Friday. We’ve got metacam until surgery which could be a few weeks away due to availability of Orthopedic Vet.

I’m so sad for him and reading as much as I can online to prepare. Vet was reassuring about success rates and future issues. Pup has got such a wonderful temperament and he won’t know what’s hit him

Oh bless him

I think puppies recover from these things much easier than older dogs. They're very robust little things!

Poor thing . Hope you get the X-ray results quickly .

Oh I am sorry, what a shock! Sending lots of vibes that his surgery goes smoothly and he makes a great recovery.

Thank you all, vet fully expects X ray to confirm right side. Checking left one too so should know this time tomorrow whether it means one op or 2. Been to his favourite place today. The beach! So now he’s sleeping it off.

He’s a poodle so will need cutting before op I think, to stop him looking like a circus act with a bald bum but also to make post op grooming less taxing.

Really appreciate the best wishes, and if I’ve not already said so in previous posts, Thank god for insurance!!

Having been through quite a few operations with my dog you might want to get prepared with investigating different cones/surgical shirts.

Also have a think about post surgery recovery. I camped out in a room with just a mattesss on the floor so he could still have a bit of freedom but there was nothing that he could jump on and off on.

Also lots of chew toys for the boredom.

Have you ever watched Supervet? Puppy patients are spoiled rotten by adoring vet assistants who smother them with kisses and cuddles. When a puppy comes in, the word goes out 'Puppy!!!' and everyone stops work to come and admire. I think it's on the Channel 4 Hub.

It might help reassure you a tiny bit.

Thanks @Bitey- I considered the inflatable neck thingy rather than a cone but admit haven’t done any research just yet. He’s crated in my room at night and luckily loves it. Ditto with crate downstairs.

@Thymeout I do watch it, I actually know of someone who works there too! My vets seem super so far. We go in monthly for flea and worm treatment and pup loves it because he sees it as a meeting stop for other dogs and everyone is lovely so far with him. Vet we need to do op is off on holiday at the minute so my vet said he would go through post op and rehab plan once we have a firm date

Our rescue pup had femoral head osteotomy for Perthes disease 8 weeks ago. We'd only had her home with us 4 weeks when she started lifting her right leg. She's doing fab post op. I was really nervous following vets advice to proceed with op so young. We've followed all the post op advice of very slow walks and hydrotherapy sessions. So glad we did it as she's much happier and playful now. If you have any questions send me a message.

@Fibberty great to hear such a positive story. So glad your dog is doing so well. At the moment my pup is generally unaffected by it, tends to stiffen after walks but that’s about it. He’s really happy and playful so hoping he copes well with the op and recovery. I will definitely have some questions and will take you up on the offer of PMing you. Thank you!

One v quick question if you don’t mind- how soon post op did hydrotherapy begin? Did your insurance pay for this? My local doggy day care does hydrotherapy but gets booked quite quickly with vet referrals.

Did your dog stay overnight at vets? Just one night or more?

Pup went in to vets at 8.30am and we collected her same day 6pm. No overnight needed. We set up her puppy cage in living room with air bed next to it so i could sleep with her for first few nights.

It was roughly 3 weeks post op that she started hydrotherapy. Basically once wound had healed. No external stitches, we were surprised at how neat the wound was. We had weekly post op checks for 4 weeks at vet. Then we've gone to fortnightly checks. They're really happy with her recovery

Insurance covered op and hydrotherapy and also preoperative x-rays and post op checks. Luckily we insured her the day we collected her from rescue!