Yorkie Poo Weak Back Hips

by Samantha
(MI)

Hello,

I hope you can help! I am very worried! Today, I got a 9 week old Yorkie Poo. She seems to be favoring one back side every time she sits down. When she walks, she has a different kind of walk? Is there a possibility that there could be a problem with her back hips?

Or is it that she doesn't have enough strength? I am very worried.
Thanks for your time,
Samantha



Hi Samantha
There is a condition called Legg-Perthes disease which is most often seen in small and toy breeds (including Yorkies) and it can cause the sort of symptoms you mention.

It usually shows up sometime between about 12 weeks and a year of age, but it's possible that your pup could be showing earlier-than-normal symptoms.

Basically it's a condition that affects the hip joints, either in one or both hips, and it is believed to have a genetic component ie. in many cases it is an inherited condition.

There is a surgery to treat it that is usually very effective in eliminating problems. The majority of dogs who have this surgery make a great recovery and are fully active and 'normal' in their range of movement and activity level etc. It's called a Femoral Head Ostectomy and your vet will be able to give you all the details.

I'd strongly recommend that you have your veterinarian examine your pup and do X-rays of the hip joints if he feels it necessary. There are also other conditions that can cause limping and lameness including hip dysplasia, luxating patellas ('loose' kneecaps) and of course injury and so on.

Only your vet can make an accurate diagnosis though, so a trip there would be a good idea. The earlier you learn if, or what, the problem is the better.

I hope this helps and wish you the very best of luck with your little girl.