Can you help me decide which legs need x-rays? I see a distinct limp with his right front leg, often worse at the end of the day. But he reminds me of an old dog who has a hard time getting up after laying for a long time and doesn't want to go down the stairs often. I have taken some videos and two pictures to see if maybe there is something I am not seeing. I personally think he runs "funny" but I couldn't get a good video of it this morning. As of right now we are x raying his two front. Just want to double check before I take him in. Here are the videos...all very short. Thank you for taking the time to help. I can't believe how expensive x rays are!!

There is one of him coming down the stairs (he is hyper in the am so he does it fast and willingly, but he doesn't go one at a time. He like hops down with his two front legs. He always hops.

Front right, not left at all. Might be in the shoulder. X-rays may be useless. A thorough physical exam, to try to figure out where it is tender, and range of motion tests are probably more useful. Start by examing the pads, then manipulate each toe, flex the 'wrist', flex the elbow, and manipulate the shoulder through complete range of motion. Also be sure to palpate the entire leg.

My shepherd once had an embedded thorn in her rear ankle that made her very lame. The vet would have diagnosed her as having a knee injury, if I hadn't pointed out to her the small puncture wound on the ankle, and that Tess only was uncomfortable during manipulation of the knee if you pressed on that area. She ended up needing to get the thorn (acacia?) surgically removed (near the bone, and antibiotics weren't effective). Something to be aware of.

If you haven't done a really thorough exam I'd start there. X-ray won't tell much about the more common muscle, tendon, ligament strain, or a paw issue. A stoic dog may only show soreness by a small grimace, or cessation of panting. Watch the face carefully.

Thank you! I will try that =)

Is this new or old?

Old...first I took him to the vet and they suspected Pano. Now it as been 2 months of intermittent limping. He really doesn't show pain so I had to get to know him better before I started to recognize his discomfort. We got him at 5 months and now he is 7 months. He never cries out or anything. Even if you manipulate his leg. Even when the vet tried to find the spot of discomfort he said he showed no real signs of discomfort. The things I started to notice- He isn't as energetic as most puppies, he avoids going up and down the stairs, the length of time he wants to play, walk, run etc...is much shorter than you would think a dog his age would be. He struggles getting up from a laying down position after being there for a while (ex: getting up from his crate when we come home after a couple hours, or when he wakes up in the morning).I think that is about it. Of course he isn't totally lame, he will play etc...but I know it is bothering him.

Did a home physical exam. Toes to shoulder. and HE FELL ASLEEP! Snoring. lol. I am confused. I see him limp. I see him in some kind of discomfort, yet he shows now real sign of pain no matter what I do. I am wondering...and excuse me if this is stupid but what if he is walking funny on his front right leg only because of a lame back leg and hes over compensating with his front? Is that even logical? I am going to try the exam on all 4 legs and see...thanks for your help so far.

 Quote: Kristi Molina

I am wondering...and excuse me if this is stupid but what if he is walking funny on his front right leg only because of a lame back leg and hes over compensating with his front? Is that even logical?

I think if he were lame in the back, you'd see it in the back - not to say he couldn't injure another leg overcompensating for one that hurts, but I think you'd see the progression. X-rays will show Pano, but as was stated, they won't show soft tissue injuries like ligament sprains/strains or muscle issues - UNLESS the injuries are old enough to have caused scarring or arthritis in the bones. Ligament issues can also be painless, they usually result in instability, but not necessarily pain - it sounds like your boy is quite good at self limiting himself, which makes me think something actually does hurt (bullies are SO pain tolerant - his simply slowing down could be the equivalent of shriek or squeal in a more sensitive dog), OR is stiff enough that it makes consistent use tough.

My dog has had an elbow/shoulder issue since about 12 months that limits his range of motion in one foreleg - I suspect it's from taking stairs too energetically as a big puppy, which can cause minor but lasting joint problems. It's possible that something happened to your dog before you got him that traumatized a joint or two enough to knock the growing bones a little out of whack...

Have you tried any really activity-restrictive phases where he's only up and about to use the bathroom, and crated and quiet the rest of the day? It's hard with a puppy, but serious conservative management can heal many soft tissue injuries that just won't seem to go away with simply decreased walks.

I know x-rays are expensive, but for peace of mind, I think you're right to do both forelegs. Sorry you have to deal with it at all, but he sounds like a real trooper, and a definite sweetheart.

~Natalya

Were xrays done today then? Maybe a moving clip would be more helpful for others, but it does seem to be R shoulder. Did the vet rule out pano, I thought that pups could by on/off symptomatic with that until done growing and maybe a little beyond.

BTW: very, super cute guy!

Thank you Natalya. I have an appt for Friday. He really is a sweet boy <3. At first I though muscle/ligament issue too, I just thought it would go away with time. Totally my mistake. I will update after x rays. I think I might bring in some video for the vet to show him because when were at the vet he never limps. Of course. lol Thanks for the help.

My guess: OCD of the shoulder.
Hope you have a different diagnosis! Your dog is super handsome.