Hi Angela-Just my experience...My Maddie needed a CT scan to ultimately diagnose her
elbow dysplasia--nothing showed up on X-rays, which were read by both her regular vet
and an outside radiology specialist.
She started limping at only 4 months, was x-rayed then, and again at 6 months when she
was spayed. Nothing. We consulted an orthopedist who did CT scans and said she had
"diffuse dysplasia in both elbows." He said there was no corrective surgery for this
growth incongruity and that she would develop arthritis within 6 to 12 months.
Unfortunately, he was very accurate. At just 14 months she is often quite stiff, has a
very awkward gait, has difficulty arising, etc. She gets Cosamin DS
(glucosamine/chondroitin) and Ascriptin 2X a day. It's very sad having a young dog
with such discomfort. I hope that your boy does well. He sounds very athletic! Perhaps
an orthopedic specialist could help you either diagnose a dysplasia problem or rule it
out.
Good luck!
Anne
Cranford, NJ
with Maddie and Titan (and the two feline friends)