creaking hind legs

[hugo07]

Hi everyone i have a 7 month old ddb. The past couple of weeks hes developed a sort of crunching feeling when he sits. (Can feel it in his hip) and now and then will hear a sort of cracking noise when walking. His gait has never been fantastic but this has just started. Couls it be due to a growth spurt? His hind legs have shot up lately?

 

[Wilsy]

Hi there. I would get your pup checked by the vet. Growing puppies can suffer from pano (although I've not heard of it causing cracking joints) or they can even suffer from dysplasia if the joints haven't developed properly. What food are you giving your pup? Our breeder told us to stay clear of large breed specific foods because they can cause the bones to grow faster than the ligaments. Another thing to consider could be his weight. We kept our DDB lean so as not to put too much pressure on his joints while he was still growing. He naturally 'filled out' as he matured.

 

[hugo07]

Hi there. He was fed on raw but due to him constanyl turning his nose up at everything apart from tripe hes now on moorlands kibble which he loves. Hes lean and weighs 41kg. He still runs about and acts normal. He has no hesitation on jumping at you and walking stairs ( this is discouraged and kept to a minimum) he goes on short walks and goes on the beach. I dont know if anyone else has had this happen with their pups and turned out to be nothing. His parents were hip and elbow scored with low scores.

 

[EverythingEnglishMastiff]

I can't comment to much on health issues. MY suggestion would be to take him to a vet that has experience with large breeds and have him checked over.

 

[EverythingEnglishMastiff]

I can say that we talked to our vet yesterday a little bit about joint health and she told us to check our food for Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Our food has it but not at the levels our large breed pups need it. I would talk to your vet about the possible addition of these supplements to your pups diest when you go in for a check.

 

[hugo07]

Ive started him on 1000mg of glucosamine im gonna book him in to the vets for a check up

 

[Wilsy]

I think getting him checked out by a vet would be the best thing going on the information you have given. We supplement our DDB's diet with salmon oil from a company called Fish4Dogs. This oil is really good for doggies eyes, skin, coat and joints so we use it as a bit of an all rounder. I don't know where you are based but they are a UK company although I'm sure if you looked at their DPA and EHA levels you would find something of the same quality.