Hip Problems

[Jezebel Dutches]

My little ones are my world and I will do anything for them. Lately (the past week) I have noticed Jezebel is walking with a limp. The problem seems to be coming from her back hip. I know yorkies are prone to joint problems. Jezebel is a little over weight, but the vet said it is not enough to be concerned about. Has anyone owned a fur baby with hip problems? If so what should I do? I know a vet visit in necessary, but in the meantime is there something else? BTW she is 3 ½ year old.

[AlicetheYorkie]

Are you sure it's her hip and not her knee? Luxating Patella would seem more likely than a hip issue like hip dysplatia (that's most of the time something that effects senior dogs, not 3 yr. olds).
NO jumping and even if the vet said her extra weight isn't much, start with a plan to get that extra bit of weight off her asap. A thin dog will have a much easier time with a joint problem than a slightly overweight one.
The vet will be able to diagnose and guide you. I'd get an appointment as soon as you possibly can since I'm sure she's in pain.
Good luck

[Patti]

When Pixie was diagnosed with LP I thought it was her hip by the way she was holding her back leg up. Your vet should be able to tell pretty quickly and advise you where to go from there.

[Princess Pam]

Tek is 3 years old and I just found out about 6 wks ago he has Legg Perthes (blood loss to the femoral neck which eventually dies and crushes down) in his left hip, which occurs when the dog is less than a year old. I did not get him until he was 1 year and 3 months old so I was unaware if/when this happened. He became unable to jump up like normal and became almost completely lame on the left hind leg, which is why we went to the vet. Long story short, he also had luxating patella probably due to the hip problem. Please make sure that the vet does x-rays of the hips. We were unable to do anything about the hip but he did have the patella fixed 11 days ago. It's hard to know what is going on because they can't tell u Good luck and I hope things turn out well

[Jezebel Dutches]

Thanks for the advice. I am immediately putting her on glucosamine with chondroitin. You guys are right it may not be her hip joint, but instead a joint in her leg. She is going to the vet soon, Im just afraid she will not be accurately diagnosed. I have a very good vet, but I'm worried.
She is walking funny, seems depressed and does not like to jump up onto furniture lately. She has alway sit with a "puppy sit." I just hope the vet does not tell me wrong.

[Ellie May]

It's probably her knee, but LCP is also possible. The pain would be a major concern. Usually dogs with LP don't show so much pain so quickly. What about a CCL tear? Also, whenever they don't want to jump, are depressed, etc., the spine also becomes a concern.

Her being depressed with the other symptoms does indicate that she is in a fair amount of pain and needs to be seen as soon as possible. Because she is walking funny and doesn't want to jump, she should probably be crated until you see the vet. Jumping, running, playing, and even walking can makes things worse in some cases. Please get her to the vet today. If nothing else, for pain relief...

BTW, some of these things are relatively easy to diagnose. If you aren't satisfied with your vet's answer, then she will need to see an orthopedist.

[Jezebel Dutches]

Im leaving work early and taking her to see the vet at 3:30. My boss is a complete a$$ and will probably tell me I can't, I'm going to anyway.