It's been a constant concern here because I don't know his background that my dog would have some sort of conformational issue as he grew up....Overall he turned out pretty good I think (this is to my artist eye, which hasn't let me down for horses...I'm not sure what "ideal dog" conformation is since there's so much variation in breeds...but there are some things that still make me nervous in the way he moves

In an ideal world I'd get him x-rayed every which way but my vet (who I love) has told me that he simply is not confident he can get acceptable x-rays with the type of set up he has (very very small office and equipment that's really not designed for that sort of thing) for an affordable enough price. I don't mind this as I like that he's honest with me rather than taking my money....Calling around to all of the local vets however I have a lot of "well I'll do it, no I don't guarantee anything" from these vets and so far my lowest quote for 2 damn x-rays (hips and elbows) is $400, the next quote is $1000....that seems uh....a bit high (like three months rent high...)

Anyway, the things that concern me. My dog is a klutz when he's walking on a flat surface. He trips on things, he moves oddly, when he stops and sits he just sort of flops around.

This is the same dog that, once he gets moving, moves perfectly, he can make a directional change on a dime at a full sprint, put him on a 3 inch wide balance beam and he will walk it with no issue. It's just like he moves like a soggy noodle when he's walking on a flat surface. Is this normal?

My other concern is how much noise he makes when he moves. At a full tilt his it sounds like wild horses are thundering across the field. I know he can be quiet (my little rabbit hunter...) but is that normal? I mean he's a 55lb dog...not that big. I'm thinking I'm probably overreacting to this just because I"m used to a smaller dog that runs like a gazelle. He also has some "bone cracking" (the same noise you get when you move your arm to fast after you've been laying on it) when he spins fast or changes direction rapidly (I usually only notice this when he spins into the heel position...for the longest time i thought it was MY knee doing it, it is never accompanied by any tenderness, gait interruption, or pain...it's also not every time at all, more like once every other day, usually at the beginning)

Jamie,

If I had these concerns, I'd find a good sports med type vet that specializes in rehab and have him evaluated. Part of that evaluation would involve watching him in motion, both the slow walking as well as the faster running.

I don't think you are silly to be concerned about his walking gait. It may be normal for him and nothing to be concerned about, or perhaps related to an awkward physical stage, but it sure would be nice to know, right?

good luck,
leih

I did full rads on my pup at 18 months (hocks, stifle, hips, spine, shoulders and elbows all under sedation) and it cost me $1200 for 11 rads.

I am paranoid after dealing with elbow dysplasia in my 3 yr old who went through hell and back because of it. It was well worth it in my mind to know that he was good to go with a solid body before I started jumping him.

For gate analysis, get it on video (walk, trot and full run) and send it to Dr Chris Zink. She is superb with that kind of stuff.

How old is the pup??