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Swinging butt

4K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  SilasPup 
#1 ·
When Lucius walks he swings his butt from side to side. Its not very obvious but he definitely does it. It was more evident when he was a pup and less now that he is 1.5 yrs old. I brought him to the vet twice for this - once when he first came home and then other time when he was 8 months. The vet took a look and dismissed HD. I have 2 dobermans at home and definitely can tell if one swings its butt. Nonetheless, my female is towards the lesser bone mass type and Lucius has heavier bones. Recently my dog trainer friend commented on his hips, twice. Though she didnt press on it i know she thinks he has HD and i am in denial. I know i should trust the vet over a trainer but wonder if it warrants a second opinion. Hate going for a second opinion as i dont really trust any other vets except the one i go to.

Any opinion? Any experience on minor butt swinging is ok or should i start panicking?
 
#6 ·
Agree that rads are always a good idea. But a couple of thoughts. Are you able to spot a pace gait versus a trot or a walk? Silas' butt swings back and forth a lot when he's pacing. A lot of dogs will pace when they're tired, or when they're a little unconditioned. I was able to significantly alter Silas' movement (and his tendency to pace) by doing conditioning work with him — core work, mostly but also endurance work, just taking him for longer walks each day, and always quitting at the first sign of fatigue (pacing). Here's Silas trotting and walking at the end of about a month of conditioning, compared to how he looked originally. We were taking an online FDSA fitness class with a PT named Debbie Gross who I respect a lot.
 
#7 ·
Agree that rads are always a good idea. But a couple of thoughts. Are you able to spot a pace gait versus a trot or a walk? Silas' butt swings back and forth a lot when he's pacing. A lot of dogs will pace when they're tired, or when they're a little unconditioned. I was able to significantly alter Silas' movement (and his tendency to pace) by doing conditioning work with him ? core work, mostly but also endurance work, just taking him for longer walks each day, and always quitting at the first sign of fatigue (pacing). Here's Silas trotting and walking at the end of about a month of conditioning, compared to how he looked originally. We were taking an online FDSA fitness class with a PT named Debbie Gross who I respect a lot.
I saw Sila's videos and Lucius extent is lesser, i think. Difficult to get his videos but these are the best ones showing his butt. Yes i do notice it more when he is in low energy or having a lazy walk around the house.

https://youtu.be/BQVnw1JBZo4

https://youtu.be/kxgDN_NefWM
 
#8 ·
Maybe this youtube could help you spot exactly what he is doing? Maybe someone filming from the side while you call him to you would help.

eqBcBsmMQVA

I have noticed that with a pace the dog sways from side to side and their gait looks odd and unusual from the back. My dad used to say riding a horse that paces is very uncomfortable for this reason.
 
#9 ·
What a lovely boy :) Yes, he definitely swings less than Silas — he looks like he's put together much better than my boy ;-) He does throw that right hip out a bit though.

Even if he does have HD, the conservative approach is going to be conditioning work. Conditioning never hurts, as long as you're doing it right (which can be a challenge!). The other really important thing for dogs with any joint issues is weight maintenance, keeping them as trim as possible. And of course conditioning helps with that too :)

If it were me, I would get some rads of his hips, even just for peace of mind. And I would start looking for a good PT. If you don't have one you really like in your area, check out some of the online classes. You can audit an FDSA conditioning class with the PT I mentioned for $65 (6-week class) and you definitely would get your money's worth out of it. Once you learn how to properly exercise him, it's easy to keep it up on your own once the class ends.
 
#10 ·
I wonder if it's his conformation that's causing it? He looks sickle hocked, and maybe a bit bowlegged, to me. My Leo is sickle hocked, and she has got a pretty definite wiggle when she walks.
 
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#11 ·
Swingin butt

We just got a puppy and he is 12 weeks old now and I have noticed when he stands up from a laying or sitting position he gets up slowly. It is almost like my older dogs that have arthritis in their hips. We have had him for two weeks and the breeder has guaranteed him. I am taking him in to the vet tomorrow for an exam and shots and I have noticed that he walks with a swing also. Should i ask for an xray on his hips just to be on the safe side.
 
#12 ·
At only 12 weeks, unless there is a possible fracture, x-rays might not help you much. Puppies to tend to be kind of "loose", because of immature bones and joints.
 
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#14 · (Edited)
Thank u for the responses. Will definitely get a rad now to have peace of mind. Interesting to learn new things about the different 'footwork' and just knew there are classes for that! Will find out more n will also try to get a better video of the swinging big butt.

Interested to know more about PT classes. Really know nothing about it and will appreciate any info!

And yes, he is slightlu bow legged at the rear, sometimes its beautiful and sometimes looks abit off. His front legs have some serious toeing out issues too.
 
#15 ·
Mr swinging butt does have HD. Went for an xray and the vet explained that it does look like he has HD but very minor. He explained that the joint bone needs to be 50% in the socket n lucius' is about 40% and the bone is not as round as he would like it to be. He advised for low impact exercise....no more climbing uphill to chase squirrels and swimming if possible. Swimming!! Haha. He doesnt advise glucosamin just some omega. Nonetheless...i am feeling abit down for my boy. Its like taking a part of his life away. I am so much more conscious of slippery floor. Sigh. Will look into previous suggestions.
 
#17 ·
I'm sorry to hear about the HD and totally understand how you feel. My boy has DJD and it's a heartbreaker. Still, it's not a death sentence; it just means you have to be more conscious of what you ask/allow him to do. Check out this online PT class. It's designed for dogs who compete in sports, but that can be any sport — including low-impact sports like conformation, nose work, obedience. The exercises covered will be general enough to apply to any dog. This class starts Feb. 1 and, like I mentioned before, you can audit the class for $65. If you do well with the online classroom, you might consider taking a class in April (when the next session starts) where you'll actually get daily feedback from the instructor. Or, if you really want that feedback now, there are still some available spots in this class. It's $260 to take the class at the "gold" level, where you'll be able to submit videos to the instructor and she'll respond directly to you.

It's all about building up the supporting muscles so you can take some of the strain off his wonky bones :) If you keep him strong and fit, I think you'll be surprised by what an awesome quality of life he can still have.
 
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