How to see if a one year old lab puppy has hip problems?

Reader Question:

I am going to see a one year old lab today because the family has to get rid of him because of allergies. Is there anything I can look for in the way he walks or sits to give any idea of hip dysplasia? I plan on asking about the parents hip scores also. I am concerned because I had a lab who had terrible hip dysplasia and don't want to go through that again.

Thank you,

Lynn

Vet Suggestion on Detecting Hip Dysplasia in Labradors Diagnosis

The best way to determine whether a one year old lab is at increased risk for hip dysplasia is through a specific x-ray series called PennHip. It can be used on puppies as young as 16 weeks of age, unlike another type of x-ray evaluation (OFA) that isn’t considered useful until dogs are 2 years old.

Anything you or a veterinarian might be able to pick out through an exam or even “regular” x-rays would only be associated with advanced hip dysplasia.

The early signs could certainly be missed without a PennHip evaluation.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM