My 5 and 1/2 month old male GSD seems to have a wobbly right rear leg -- when watching him walk from behind the leg doesn't seem to move in a straight line. He doesn't limp or bunny hop and seems to get around fine. Does anyone know if this is normal for puppies or could this be an early sign of HD?

Mike,
Here's what I would do:

Take your young fella to your vet. Make the vet go outside with you and the dog into the yard or parking lot and do some gaiting with the dog both moving towards and away from the vet to really demonstate what you're concerned about.
That will give the vet the best views to observe the problem ( many vets become a bit lazy about gait complaints, don't let your vet be that way <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )

I hope it's just a case of young puppy "loosey-goosey" syndrome and everything works out ok for you both!

Thanks Will, I made an appointment with the vet for two days from now. Hopefully they know what to look for and what to do...

Hi Mike,

What did your vet say? Did he do x-rays at the visit?

Hi Krista,

The vet told me that my pups rear legs are very sore from growing too fast. X-Rays were recommended but I haven't decided whether or not to go through with it. My puppy seems to be getting around fine although his gait looks very abnormal to me.

I am sorry to hear about your puppies diagnosis. Did the vet tell you how bad it looks, I mean the degree of severity?

Mike,

As far as my girl is concerned, we went through two vets. The first my regular vet-in-a-box who did one x-ray in response to my bringing her in for pain after exercise. Based on what he saw he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who did another x-ray (penn-hip) with better views. In hindsite I would have preferred to put her out only once for the x-rays.

In terms of severity it's hard to rank. She has okay ball and socket shape but the ball pulls out ~50% when relaxed. The ligament that holds it in has stretched due to repeated dislocation - hence when she growls at her butt. The surgeon says if she was any worse she wouldn't be a candidate for this type of surgery and he would recommend waiting, treating pain and then doing a FHO or THR if necessary. They have presented this surgery as a very proactive approach to the disease... I also fell in love with the surgeon, he had more knowledge and compassion for my dog than any vet I have ever worked with. That goes a long long way..

I was reading a couple of your other posts and it sounds like your vet might be tad old school. Did he mention pano?

Are you neutering your boy? You could have x-rays done at that time... But, if you don't have confidence in your vet have them done somewhere else. As I read more I realized that hip x-rays are super technical and most general vets screw them up.

Keep me posted on your pup. My fingers are crossed you are dealing with growing pains...

Krista,

Wow, if your pup's ball and socket appear to have good shape, I wonder if a rigorous, controlled exercise program could strengthen the muscles enough to hold the joints in place without needing the surgery. That is a difficult decision but it sounds like you have a great surgeon.

Yes, the vet mentioned pano and I've seen it before in one of my other dogs (although it mostly effected his front legs).

I will likely end up neutering my boy but not before the age of 2. He doesn't seem to be in pain right now so my only concern is the odd way that his right rear leg moves when he walks or trots. My feeling at the moment is to just wait and watch -- however I do wish someone with more experience than I have could take another look at his gait.

Please let me know what you decide to do with your pup...