I recently posted about Ollie growling when being bumped while sleeping.

I've been noticing some other things, and have scheduled an appointment with my vet, but he's not in until next week because of vacation. I do not want to see anyone but him.

Ollie seems stiff and sore. He's still young, only a little over two. But he is not wanting to go out as much and tires quickly. He seems to be effected by the cold. He does this weird kind of waddle that's hard to describe. He moves like an old dog, and it's REALLY hard to get him up and moving in the am. Otherwise, he seems ok. His appetite is good and he's happy. I just keep noticing his slow movement...especially when he's been laying down for a while. The last warm day, he seemed much better and ran around like he used to. If left alone, he would just lay around all the time and only go out for bathroom breaks.

When I adopted him, he was listed as a boxer mix. My vet suggested beagle/boxer...which fit at the time, but his build is very similar to an English Bulldog. He looks like a sausage with short legs. He's been getting bulky, so I've been trying to trim him down, but I'm thinking more that this is his natural build. I can feel his ribs and he has a waste...just very thick. I'm wondering if his build could be making it hard on his hips.

Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to ask if anyone has experience with arthritus or HD in a young dog and if this sounds like either of those things.

I asked that they schedule enough time for radiographs if the doc thought it was necessary. Am I over-reacting?

Also, should I be encouraging him to exercise or just leave him be until I get him checked?

Has he been tested for tick born illness such as lymes? My other thought was, has he had a thyroid panel done? The part of not liking the cold and having a bigger build made me think of this.

I don't believe he's been tested for tick born illnesses or had a thyroid panel. I will definately ask the vet about these.

Thank you. That gives me something to research while I wait for the appointment. So, you think these sound more likely?

I guess a thyroid problem would make sense of his size even though I am very careful to measure his food...

Yes the things I posted sound more likely to me, but I am not vet, and he is not my dog. Just some things you may want to also look into along with whatever you think he might have. You know him best.

Your pup is super cute.
Hoping it's nothing serious!

Thanks, Betty. He's a sweet boy.

I was reading the symptoms of Lyme disease and hypothyroidism. They both sound possible. I guess I just have to wait and see what the doc says. As long as it's treatable and he doesn't have to be uncomfortable, I'll be happy.

I don't have any experience with the issues you mention, but I just want to say good luck and we'll be waiting to hear what your vet says. I hope everything will be okay.

Thanks, Cheri.

I have an appointment next Thursday. I hate to wait a week but I think it's worth it to see my vet. I hope that's a good call.

Met a beagle mix at a fund raiser event last night that had a similar build. He's being treated for hypothyroidism, and the foster described a lot of the same symptoms. Kind of weird...reminded me of Ollie in temperment as well.

"Am I over-reacting?

Also, should I be encouraging him to exercise or just leave him be until I get him checked?"

No, you're not, IMHO.

About exercise: I'm not at all a fan of allowing muscle to deteriorate or the dog to maybe build up frustrated energy, or slowing (even stopping) the circulation of synovial fluid through the joints.

I hope Dr. Betty will weigh in on this, or perhaps you could call your own vet and get a "meanwhile" reply. For myself (and I am not a health professional), I would probably be walking him at his own pace, maybe in a sweater, several times a day but for short little walks, preferably on a "giving" surface like grass.

If OA is part of the problem, those joints need range-of-motion, IMO.

Thanks for your response, Connie.

I have a call in to the vet. I have been walking him still...but just around the property. I've never tried to put a sweater or jacket on him before. If it'll make a difference, I'll do it!