Beagle in pain help

[stormyskies]

We have a 3 yr old beagle who seems to have pain in his right side, particularly his legs. It started about a year ago. We got him when he was a year old, he was fine. We had him about a year and we noticed a change. He is a very active dog, but sometimes when you touch him he yelps. Also, when he runs, his legs aren't in time, like he is disunited, and gives a skip with his back legs, almost like it's his hip.

We had him checked out by a vet and he was x rayed and scanned and dye injected etc, and there was absolutely nothing wrong.

So 6 months later when he was still the same we had the whole process done again by a different vet. Same result. Legs, hips, bones and joints all excellent.

Any ideas? Vet suggested spine but was unwilling to take it further

[nia2311]

Beagles can be prone to immune mediated arthritis - which is where the immune system attacks joints. There should be a blood test for this and in early stages may not show up as inflammation on xrays? They are also prone to disc problems, so it could be spinal, and they can get hip dysplasia, although you say that has been ruled out. Maybe get some blood tests for arthritis? Apparently the arthritis often appears in young dogs.

[stormyskies]

Thanks will try that.

I should also add that he is fit and healthy and a little sod so day to day he generally isn't affected

[Em5]

What area r u. I can recommend a very good orthopaedic vet if u want a third opinion.

[stormyskies]

North east

[sporthorsecheshire]

If the vet thought it might be his spine why wasnt anything followed up? A blood test is absolutely right and treatment should be sought. Its awfull to think that your pooch is in pain. Maybe try an osteo as already said or a physio?

[Shortstuff]

I think you should go back to the vet or another vets and pursue it. You could ask for referral to an orthpaedic specialist, its not cheap but if you can afford it or have insurance then its worth giving it a try.

[rubydoo]

possibly ligament or tissue damage , what did the vet suggest as the next step ?