Hips make "popping" noise...? - Page 2

I'd SURE like to know what the x-rays reveal. Please post it online for us when you find out. Hope everything turns out OK. I remember my knees used to pop when I stood up as a kid. They turned out fine. It must be for some reason that this happens, but I guess sometimes it's normal.

I just came across this this morning:  www.gsdhelp.info/ortho/Hipdysplasiaours.html

Another test [for dysplasia] involves having the dog lie on its back with a hind leg perpendicular to the body. As the leg is moved away from perpendicular to the body, a dysplastic hip will generate a pop as the femoral head slips to the center of the acetabulum. This pop, which can be felt if one’s hand is resting on the hip during the exercise, is called an Ortolani sign. You may hear this term used as hip dysplasia is discussed.
 

So, popping of the hip joint is NOT a good sign. However, the article stresses again and again that x-rays taken by a competent veterinarian are the only sure way to diagnose dysplasia. Many dogs show no signs of it, even though their hips may be very bad. And as others have stated above, the popping may not mean the dog is dysplastic, and may go away as it gets older.

I had a samoyed bitch when I did her prelim x-ray; the vet could actually pull the hip out of the socket.  Of course that was not a good sign;  but re-xrayed her at 3 and the hips were not good, however, she is almost 10 years and so far has not had any problems.  However, my reason for bringing up this case is because even if the hips are not great they can live normal liives;  but I recommend guarded and controlled exercise;  very low impact, swimming gating on sand or softer cushioned services and by all means keep the dog lean.

 Thanks everyone! I will post the results when we get him x-rayed. 

Any news?