I have a rottweiler

[Michael Wong]

His name is Ranger and he will be three this May. He is handsome but not very big (less than 1.5 ft when standing on his fours). He is loving and a real family pet. Recently, however, we noticed that his hind legs are shaky and we reduced his food intake to control his weight. We read about HP in large dogs and we are worried for him.
Any of you out there has a rottweiler?

 

[lovestrav]

I do not personally have a Rottie, but I have cared for many.

What do you mean by shakey in his hind legs? How old is he? How much does he weigh? I am concerned that it is more than just being overweight, and hip dysplasia has many symptoms, all of which need to be looked over by a veterinarian. Hip Dysplasia is a very serious, painful and paralyzing genetic malformation of the hips. With early intervention, a dog suffering from this can be treated and helped to live a more normal, less pain filled life.

 

[Michael Wong]

Hi Lovestrav,
Thanks for replying. We think Ranger (almost 3 years) has mild hip dysplasia. He likes to jump, especially when he sees me come home from work. His hind legs are shaky when he stands on them but he seems ok when I'm about to take him for a walk - he'd prance around, all excited. We read about giving him vitamin C. Guess I must try and take him for short walks regularly to strengthen his legs and hips.

 

[country woman]

I do not have a Rotti but I do love them . I have met lots of friendly Rottis

 

[lovestrav]

Sorry for the long delay Michael, I didn't see that you'd written again.

Vit C may improve his overall health, but I would encourage you to try Glucosamine Chondroiton sprinkled on his food to help his hips. Have his hips been X-rayed as part of the diagnosis? An aspirin at night may also reduce his pain, if he is stiff or sore in the morning.
Regular exercise will definitely help him to feel better as it will strengthen his body, but don't overdo it, as you could cause him more pain. You will want to reduce his weight as the most important part of making him comfortable. 5 extra lbs can cause him sufficient pain if his hips are bad.
Oh, the Vit C will give him diarhea, just so you know. The correct dose is a 1/2 tsp on his meal. The next day, give a full tsp. The next day give 1.5 tsp, increasing daily until you notice diarhea. Back off the dose you gave him last by the half teaspoon, and that is how much you want to give each day. It is individual for each dog. You can increase it during times of stress, but I imagine that Ranger is already stressed if he is in any pain.