This Is Paddy

[paddyk]

Someone asked me if Paddy was my real name. The answer is No - the pic on my Avatar is Paddy - one of our Labradors. Recently we noticed lumps on his front paws which he was licking. Took him to vets and he had X-rays. It was diagnosed as arthritis. We said how can this happen - he is only six years old - is it some aspect of his care we have neglected. we felt extremely guilty. Vet said it's nothing we have done (or not done) he said it's probably genetic - just an inherited weakness. Has anyone else come across this in a Labrador so young ? we have had many dogs and several labradors in the past and have never seen this in a relatively young dog.

[woofgang]

not personally but i have got friends who have...and yes inherited. I don’t know if there is any kind of test that can be done on young dogs but these things which strike in middle age are hard to breed out because the dog (not yours, speaking generally) will have been bred before the problem becomes evident.

[EDDIE51]

He looks very much like my big black Labrador 'Ozzie'.
Ozzie is about the same age, he has had a shoulder displacement since birth.
It is hereditary and nothing can be done about it. We have had him neutered so that he can't pass it on to his puppies. It does not bother him , just makes him walk a bit lop sided. But we have been told it could lead to arthritis.

[paddyk]

thanks for your answers. I forgot to add - he has it in the identical spot on both paws. The vet said that is extremely unusual - it's not that common to start with it at the same time on both paws but he's not seen it on exactly the same toe on both. Vet also said there's no remedy for it except painkillers and to cut down on his exercise. It's a real shame as Paddy is such an active dog and like most Labradors he loves chasing and fetching a ball

[Prudie]

Yes I have a relative with a black Lab that had this diagnosed at age 5. She's spent a fortune (on top of insurance) on physio and swimming etc.