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Hip problems in doddle. Bunny hop walk

9 replies

lisad123 · 21/04/2012 19:40

Our young labradoddle boy kind of bunny hops on his back legs. They kind of go in hopping motion at same time rather than going separately like front legs.
Is this a sign of hip problems? Do I take him to vet?
Tia

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multipoodles · 21/04/2012 20:56

Have a look here, shows gait

www.heathercaprette.info/COTA_741_sp04/CanineLO_090504.html

What age is your dog? Is it intermittent or all the time? In the dogs I know that bunny hopped, yes there was some degree of HD. You will of course need a vet to x-ray. Do you know if parents were hip scored?

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multipoodles · 21/04/2012 21:06

I meant to ask, is this in trot? I know with our standard poodles they've always had a big drive from hind legs, great extension. My friend has a dog with a bunny hop in trot and the best way I can describe is there is never extension, both hind legs are tight together and close to the body at all times. I know young dogs go through phases where their gait can look wrong, but if he were mine I'd get a vet to look over him.

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lisad123 · 21/04/2012 21:35

His only just two years old. Parents were hip scored I think but his not from a breeder.
Yes he only does it when running, his very quick.
Will make appointment with vet.

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toboldlygo · 21/04/2012 22:25

He's not from a breeder? Where did he come from? Did you see any certificates for hip scores?

Both poodles and labs can suffer from hip dysplasia, only an x ray will rule this out. Luxating patellas are usually associated with smaller breeds but wouldn't be impossible, it's often characterised by a hopping gait.

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multipoodles · 25/04/2012 21:47

How did you get on with vet, been thinking about him, hope he is OK x

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mangomadness · 29/04/2012 21:15

Bunny hopping is one of the big signs of hip dysplasia, one of my beautiful grand basset griffon vendeens did the bunny hopping. He basically had no rear hip sockets, and very little on the front. Was from a reputable breeder, and both parents had good hipscores. He was seen by the top specialist in this country and they couldn't do anything for him. Painkillers had no effect, so sadly we had to decide to put him out of his pain. Poor baby. Please get your dog checked out ASAP.

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lisad123 · 29/04/2012 23:00

Have appointment on Tuesday this week. Please don't tell me we would have to put him down Sad I can't bear thinking of that Sad

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AllergicToNutters · 30/04/2012 19:07

good luck for tomorrows appt Lisad123. I hope you get good news Thanks

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RedwingWinter · 30/04/2012 19:20

One of my friends has a dog that bunny-hops, and also falls down a lot. The dog came from a BYB and neither parents had been hip-scored. It's sad to see, although atm the dog still has a lot of life in her. Good luck at the vets, lisad, and I hope it goes well.

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