Hip/leg popping

[Ashley Howell]

She's now 7 months old and I started noticing a popping/clicking in her right hind leg at times. I can feel it. Anyone else encounter this? Could this be hip dysplasia?it's only the right side. Also, at this puppy stage, should I be avoiding the dog parks and rough, vigorous play with medium to large dogs? Ugh, worried.

[fran and dari]

Sounds to me like a luxating patella.. the Knee.. This condition for the most part is inherited.
Luxating patellas are graded from 1 through 4; 4 being the worst. Some dogs have a grade 1 or 2 for thier entire lives and are fine; others must be surgically corrected.
The most important aspect is a correct diagnosis before you do anything else..

[Ashley Howell]

The movement/click/pop is in the thigh area it seems, and lower than the hip. This is so upsetting to me. I cannot afford surgery, and on an $1800 puppy! (I just spent $5,000 in January on my cockerspaniel for IVDD/disc herniation and ended up having to put him to sleep.) Is this something that should be covered by the breeder's health guarantee? I did not get it in writing though...

[fran and dari]

Is this something that should be covered by the breeder's health guarantee? I did not get it in writing though

If you don't have anything in writing, then you will have a very hard time being reimbursed..What does the Health guarantee say??

[Tatiana]

Ashley - Depending on the breeder you purchased the puppy from, you should get a proper diagnosis and veterinarian's report and then report the findings to the breeder in a courteous and civil manner and at least give her the option of coming to some cordial arrangement with you.

Ethical breeders don't intentionally set out to breed defective dogs and this is why OFA or PENN/HIP certification is crucial in any dogs known to have spinal, patella, hip, or pelvic problems... There's no guarantee that puppies or dogs won't develop problems in the ensuing months or years, however, if dogs are tested before being crossed, it's a good sign that a decent breeder is at least trying to minimize defects in their breeding programs...

You should also check the Puppy Lemon Laws in your state.... If you don't have a breeder's health guarantee or warranty in writing your options are pretty limited, but try and at least come to an amicable arrangement with the breeder.

Best wishes

[Ashley Howell]

I don't have a written guarantee. She had said that she would provide one when I deposited on her, but then I didn't insist or get it when I picked her up. This breeder was younger and I'm sure does not have $1800 or even $1000 to spare, although she was to have another litter any day now... so could give up some proceeds from that... I do not want another puppy, that's for sure. I could not give up Gigi. Not even sure what this is. I'll get her in for a vet visit next week. The click/pop movement in the thigh area seems more subtle and frequent than an actual popping out of joint of the socket. She does not display any lameness or disuse of the limb when this is occurring.

[Ashley Howell]

Another question for comparison... When she's running really fast off-leash, she looks like a bunny. People comment and think it's cute. I thought that this was just a typical look for a Frenchie puppy at this age? Have others experienced this with theirs at this age? Now, I'm reading that it's a sign of hip/knee issue!

[jill]

Hi Ashley. :) Is she hopping with both back legs together at the same time?

[Ashley Howell]

I'm not so sure... It could be just a trot or gallop gait that has her butt bouncing like a rabbit from the rear view. She only looks bouncey when she's going really fast through the open grass/yard.