5 Month Lab Puppy - unsteady on feet and Leaning towards the left when walking

[Nickyisdale]

Hi, I hope someone can help?

I have this gorgeous lab puppy, Bulla, unfortuneatly he has already had a pennhip operation at 4 months old as the vet found he had loose hips!

Even after the operation, he was full of beans and playful!!However just in the past few days I have noticed that when he walks, he walks horizontally to the left and he seems unsteady on his feet.We do have wooden floors at home which can sometimes be hard for him to walk on as it is slippery! I wouldnt normally worry but we have already been through the ringer with the hip operation and I would hate for something more to be wrong :-( The last time we took him to the vet they were very happy with his progression.

My husband thinks he is just growing into his body as he is still a puppy!!

Has anyone experienced this with their pup or shed some light into why he does this?

Many thanks!!!

[deidra]

Since he did have surgery I would contact your vet about it. I would explain to them what is happeneing and see what they say.

Hopefully people with more experince can help.

[Tanya]

what was the recommended recovery after the surgery? as we are talking about a dog that recently (less than a month or about that) had major surgery I would refer you to the surgeon or a specialist. was the surgery done by a specialist or a general vet?

[BigBrownDog]

Never heard of that surgery on a 4 month old puppy before! Was this diagnosed by x-rays?

[Nickyisdale]

Yes, when we took him in to be desexed, they offer a penhip xray to see whether he has loose hips. It was quite a shock as the breeder said 'O' hip scores?? This xray is only recommended on puppies between 16-20 weeks as they actually rectify the problem there and then and position the hips. This is called Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis.

[dukesmommy22]

I think it's uncommon for a puppy that old to be unsteady on their feet. I would def. check w/ the vet.

[Nickyisdale]

They didnt even tell me what the recommended time of recovery would be? I have made an appointment for tomorrow. This was done by the vet!

[BigBrownDog]

Wow - I never heard of this surgery so I did a little research on it. Did you get this vet's opinion confirmed with a second opinion (like from a canine orthopedic surgeon)?

I do think that you need to get a vet's opinion on your current problem. From what I have read online the recovery period is as little as 2 weeks. Did you neuter this puppy at the same time?

[Nickyisdale]

Yes we did! after the surgery he was full of beans and he is still such a playful little thing.. he loves his plays at the park with the other dogs!!

[Nickyisdale]

we didnt get a secind opinion but we have received the penhip results from the Pennsylvania University which states that he does have loose hips but nothing too concerning!!