Hips

[tkabrick]

Bauer is 20 months old and just went in for his nueter. They said his physical exam on his hips was abnormal and the joints are showing signs of looseness, however, the X-Rays that were taken show normal hip conformation. Is the looseness something to still worry about?

Thanks

[shellbell]

Was your vet able to give you any other info other than abnormal hips, and the joints showing signs of looseness? That seems pretty vague. If they think there could potentially be a problem, I would ask for a referral to an ortho specialist, and let them look at the xrays and give your dog an exam. A lot of vets who don't specifically specialize in ortho issues can be way off when it comes to whether or not there is a problem. I've never heard of the term, "joints showing signs of losseness" so not really sure what that could mean.

[tkabrick]

Yes, they were checked for an Ortolani sign and the results were abnormal. His right hip had some laxity on palpation however the radiograph did not show any bone changes or concerns for further diagnostics. I'm planning on talking to my vet more this afternoon when I pick him up.

[shellbell]

oh okay, so he is still there and this must have just happened today. I was thinking they sent you home with nothing more than a vague description of what might be wrong. Hopefully they can give you more info, and I would really suggest asking for an ortho referral. For anything out of the norm, I go to a specialist.

[piccadilly]

If my vet mentioned ortolani sign, I'd find a new vet. Did you ask for x-rays? Is he limping? If not, I wouldn't worry about it.