Trouble getting up

[jwhitman36]

I have a very active 6 year old Border Collie who is having trouble getting up from laying on the floor. Does not seem to be in pain to the touch, not limping when walking that I can tell at this time. He is not jumping around like his normal self. He might be a little over weight at this time, and we have been working with him to get more exercise as well. Any thoughts? We have a vet appointment this afternoon as well.

[Karen]

Glad you have a vet appointment. Has he ever been checked for hip dysplasia? There are several things it could be. I'm glad he's not seeming to be in pain, though.

[jwhitman36]

I don't believe he has been checked for hip dysplacia previously that I know of. I would be more worried if he was in pain but it does not seem so.

[Karen]

Some dogs are born with hip dysplasia, it's a tendency some dogs just have, and it varies in severity. My cousin-in-law took over care for a Newfie who initially had it so bad he had to be lifted into the car - thankfully Ted is a former football player, so strong enough. But with exercise and diet - poor thing was badly overweight - I was thrilled to, just a year later, see him spring into the truck on his own, so weight can definitely play a big role in this.

Larger breeds are more prone to it than Border Collies, but it can happen to any dog ...

It could also be a strained muscle or a pulled one, let us know what the vets says!

[Freedom]

Let us know what the vet says!

I have a bichon with hip dysplaysia, so yes it can happen w/ small dogs, just rather rare.

[DriftyAlison0]

I know a senior Border Collie with hip dysplasia and she gets around fine.

[jwhitman36]

sorry for the late response! We took Koda in to the vet and they said that nothing was out of the norm. Possible start of arthuritis. His main problem is that he needs to loose a little weight as well. He has been his normal self since the date of the original post.

[Karen]

Good to hear. I just emailed you an audio file, as the "Ask a Vet" doc addressed this on the show last week!

[Freedom]

Thanks for the update. Glad things seem to have settled down.