I don’t know what is happening, and I’m really scared for my sweet Akita, Kuma. Earlier today, he was hit by a car during our usual walk around the neighborhood. We rushed him to the vet immediately, and they suspect a hip dislocation. They’ve done an x-ray, which I've attached for anyone who might understand it better than I do. I trust my vet, but I just need some extra support right now. Has anyone else gone through this with an older dog? What should I be asking the vet? Kuma’s been my shadow for ten years, and I just can’t bear to see him in pain like this. Any advice or encouragement would mean the world to me as I try to figure out the next steps.
Thanks for reaching out with your concern. I'm really sorry to hear about your Akita's accident. From the situation you described, a hip dislocation (or luxation) can indeed result from a traumatic event like being hit by a car. This means that the head of the femur has been displaced from the hip socket, which can be quite painful for your dog.
In plain terms, when the hip is out of place, it often leads to limping, reluctance to move, and obvious discomfort. If your Akita hasn’t already been evaluated by a vet, it’s crucial to do so as soon as possible. They can confirm the dislocation via X-ray and determine if there's also any fracture or damage to surrounding tissues.
At home, try to keep your dog calm and restrict movement to prevent further injury. A soft, comfortable place to rest will also be beneficial. Please avoid massaging or manipulating the hip, as this could cause more harm.
Watch for signs like swelling, increased pain, or any signs of shock (such as pale gums or rapid breathing), which require immediate attention. Since hip dislocation is a serious condition that often needs professional intervention, I strongly recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. They can help you understand the X-ray results and the next steps in treatment.
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