Clicking hock on my dog?

[Cara]

One of my dogs has developed a very clicky hock lately. She never limps and never seems to be in pain, but it clicks when she walks and when I flex it. She's only 2 years old, and very fit and energetic. I have given her a joint supplement as a preventative measure since she was a puppy, as she is fairly large (55lbs). Part of me thinks if she's not limping, it's not a problem, but she's a SAR dog and I don't want an injury to cut her career short. Does anyone have any ideas what might be causing this?

 

[Dodgegal79]

What breed is she?, so are more prone to problems then others. She maybe ok now, but she will more then likely develop arthiritis in that joint later.

 

[Redfeathers]

I have a dog that does that too, he's three and weighs 72 pounds. I have seen it often in large breed dogs. I think it is common but if it worries you then call your vet and tell them and ask what they recommend.

 

[Cara]

She's a mix, mostly Black Lab and probably setter, she looks like a Flat Coated Retriever. I'd think being a mutt she shouldn't have much chance of any breed-related hereditary problems. I think i'll ask the vet to take a look next time she's in there. I guess humans click too though without pain. She's an absolute lunatic for tearing around and jumping, but I think she's going to be the best search dog i'll ever have.

 

[Redfeathers]

She's a beauty. Love that sweet face.

 

[speckledhen]

My boxer/retriever mix, Cody, RIP, had a cruciate ligament implant in his back leg. If that tears, your dog will be hopping on three legs soon, but I can't say that the clicking is from that ligament because I don't recall hearing that. The implant bothered him for three years, and drained all the time until finally, my vet removed it. After that surgery, he did very well. Apparently, the implant being in place strengthened the area enough that his final days went very well.

 

[Cara]

Thank you. She has the kindest temperament other than being a fruit loop, but her enthusiasm is great when it comes to working. My old roommates got her for me from the humane society when my first dog got run over.

 

[snugglepup]

Hmm... the clicking makes me think cartiliage? Could be an old OCD lesion in the hock. Because she is a working dog, I'd play it safe and have a orthopedist look at her, or at least a vet that is familiar with working dogs. It would be awful if she had to retire early because she had an untreated lesion flapping around tearing stuff up.

Oh and being a mixed-breed does not clear her from inherited diseases... unfortunately. You are less likely to get weird breed specific, double recessive diseases like the bedlington copper thing or collie eye anomaly, because the chances are slim that both parents (being of different breeds) would carry the gene. But for common inherited diseases that many breeds carry, like hip/elbow dysplasia, cataracts, epilepsy, food allergies, etc, mixed breed are just as likely to get them. I have 3 purebreds and 1 mix in my house right now. The mix has HD, DJD in his elbows and corneal dystrophy... He used to be a SAR dog too, but had to retire because of his problems. *sigh*

I hope your girl has nothing big, and that its fixable.

 

[azchickadee]

Are you sure its the hock and not the stifle? Its fairly common for athletic dogs, especially jumpers, to tear their ACL. I'd check with your vet if you can.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Cara]

It's definitely the hock, I can feel it click when I move it.