Irish Wolfhounds and joint problems?

Question

My Irish wolfhound (male) can never seem to straighten one of his knees. He is only two should i consult a vet? (This is a very large breed)

Answer 1

vet ASAP

Answer 2

IWs are known for a variety of joint problems from dysphlasia, to knee bursas that can become inflamed and restrict mobility, to cartlidge abnormalities that produce pain.  This is an excellent example of why IWs are so expensive to keep.  To look into this, your vet will need to take xrays, possibly refer to someone else to take more in-depth xrays, and each vet along the way will want to give him anesthesia to keep him immobile while the xrays are taken.  One of my females developed pain in her leg at about a year of age.  After $1000 we had been to our vet and a specialist, had a diagnosis of OCD (cartilage tabs) in both shoulders and a suggested surgery.  Then I took her and the films for a second opinion, and ended up having arthroscopic surgery in both shoulders, which cost about $3000 more, and was not covered by my pet insurance,  but she has been pain free ever since so it was worth every cent.  

So you should take him to the vet with your credit card.  If you can't afford to get him the help he needs, call your local IW rescue and see if they can assist in any way.  But do not delay. The longer he has a health issue, it can effect the normal functioning of other things, and where joints are concerned, the earlier the onset of arthritis.

Answer 3

Of course you should take it to the vet. Any animal should be brought to the vet in this condition.

Answer 4

I would take him in for an exam.

Large breeds should be on a glucosamine supplement as a preventative as well.  

Answer 5

large breeds such as wolfhounds ,german sheperds ect can have joints probleme you should consult yourvet i met some one that had the same thing

Answer 6

YES!

wolfies are prone to such bad joint problems they sometimes have to be on medicationa s young as 6 months of age.