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Muscle Definition

2K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  helenjulian 
#1 ·
Hello, I have a 5 year old lurcher bitch who has lost muscle definition on the right side of her haunches almost overnight. She is not lame and is not in any pain, still happy and running around like a looney! But whereas before, she had a lovely round bottom, on her right side, it is actually dipping. She has not been involved in any accidents although she did fall quite heavily in the snow 2 weeks ago but this change in shape only happened 2 days ago. Any ideas?
 
#3 ·
Is she a breeding bitch? Has she whelped lately? Is she on a good quality diet? When was the last time she was in for a full health screening? Has she been tested for Cushings Disease?
Does she show any other signs of cushings, (swollen eyelids, big tummy, thin skin)

I've read that omega-3 fatty acids, in salmon oil, flaxseed oil etc help to stop muscle atrophy but I'd ask your Vet to do a complete 'once over' to make sure it's not something more serious that needs immediate attention.
 
#5 ·
That's always a good idea!
As far as I know, it's not that common, especially considering she isn't a senior dog...so I'm glad you're going to get her checked out.
Please let us know how it goes.
(((Hugs)))
 
#7 ·
Ok, took Maisie to the vet. To be honest, for the last 10 years have luckily only had to take our dogs to the vets for vaccinations. We got a new puppy in November so have now been to the vets 3 times in the last 2 months. I have not seen the same vet twice. I was really unhappy with the vet I saw today, told me Maisie had muscle atrophy, really could see that myself! He said he could do a muscle biopsy but it really wouldn't acheive anything. Then said we could do x-rays but that would only show up bone. I said were her bones feeling OK, he said he'd check again. Put some pressure on her right side and she screamed the place down! He said 'i wasn't expecting that, maybe we should do the x-rays'! Feeling absolutely no confidence at all, I asked about exercise, he said do what you feel is right! After giving pain killers that will mask any pain she is feeling, surely I should be trying to keep her quiet? Tomorrow I will be seeking a second opinion and will not be going back to that vet again. I think you need to build a rapport with your vet or am I just over reacting?
 
#8 ·
You are not over reacting. Yes, it takes time to build rapport as well. You should be getting some better response by the vet.

Yes, go for x-rays, IMHO. This could be many things, but sounds like the pain response upon palpation is a BIG clue.
 
#9 ·
If it was me I would be very unhappy with that vet and I think it's great you are going to seek a second opinion. And yes it does take time to build rapport, but that doesn't mean that it takes time to see that a vet doesn't really know what their doing. IMHO;)
 
#11 ·
Thank you all for your comments, I have spoken to a friend who has 2 rescue greyhounds and he has recommended a vet who specialises in greyhound/lurcher types. I will be calling him tomorrow and will let you know how it goes. Being a lurcher, she is a very sensitive dog and I want to pt her through as least stress as possible
 
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