Soda
07-01-2006, 05:33 PM
We recently had a very scary situation with Rusty. I worried myself sick over this. When he was 6 months or so I noticed that his front legs seemed out of proportion to his hind legs. Even posted here but of course in pictures its difficult to tell. Recently, I noticed Rusty appeared to have a shortened gait after he exercised or when he got up from a really good nap. He never really limped but didn't seem to want to jump on the couch, bed etc. He didn't whimper or whine. When he exercised he would show signs of a shortened gait with his front legs. We went to to the vet, did a series of xrays which were sent to two vet teaching hospitals (University of Texas A & M and Iowa State) after the vet couldn't see anything. (did this for confirmation) We decreased exercise, gait went back to normal. Increased slowly and the short gait returned. I had him tested for Lyme's disease, negative. Looked for Panoseitis, Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) and Osteochondrosis (OC). All of these were negative. Since the testing was not conclusive we chose a treatment plan that included Glucosomine HCL, and buffered asprin (not human type but doggy type) We've stopped giving the asprin but continue with the Glucosomine to help keep his joints lubercated and there's some creatine to help build muscle. While there was no definite diagnoses we're thinking that it has to do with the growth in the long bones/muscles of his front legs and this area tires before the rest of him does. We've started some exercises that include playing tug with toys and putting him into a down position and then calling him to build his shoulders and front legs. We exercise for 5 to 10 minutes per session three time per day. We'll increase this as he tolerates. Since it comes and goes throughout the day I'm thinking the vet is correct. We are also continuing with his obedience training but nothing beyond what would occur in a novice class. No jumps or leaps. After two weeks of this I've seen his gait improve and he appears to be getting stronger. We heard back from the teaching hospitals and they confirm that they find no abnormal joint/bone problems. They did state that Rusty's joints are "loose" which demonstrate he still has a lot of growing to do. (he is 8 months) I'm looking for a good place to do some swimming after we build up to 30 minutes of exercise.
Sorry this post is so long, but I wanted to share that not every orthopedic situation turns out bad. But that it pays to keep an eye on on our golden guys and gals. If I hadn't noticed this and been watching for anything out of the ordinary he could have really injured himself. I want to thank everyone for sharing their stories and experience on this forum. I don't know that I would have been looking for these things if I hadn't been informed through other's experience. I feel very lucky and thankful that Rusty so far has a positive outcome.
Sorry this post is so long, but I wanted to share that not every orthopedic situation turns out bad. But that it pays to keep an eye on on our golden guys and gals. If I hadn't noticed this and been watching for anything out of the ordinary he could have really injured himself. I want to thank everyone for sharing their stories and experience on this forum. I don't know that I would have been looking for these things if I hadn't been informed through other's experience. I feel very lucky and thankful that Rusty so far has a positive outcome.