OT - my poor dog

Oh how strange! I have never heard of such a thing being found so late. Is he full grown at 7 months? Have you talked to the breeder?

Cheryl

Over here, hip displasia is a big problem, and most good breeders of susceptible breeds have their breeding stock tested. It seems to be most prevalent in German Shepherds although I believe that Labradors are one of the breeds commonly affected. I`m amazed that the breeder didn`t know, particularly in such a severe case and should certainly be made aware of it.

The Police always have puppies potentially intended for police work thoroughly checked before purchase.

Pat P

Ah - there`s your problem, Jan - sorry - I hadn`t read this before I replied to the other post. I was surprised if a reputable breeder hadn`t picked up on it. Thank goodness she`s not intending to breed any more, and I hope the owners of the rest of the litter are made aware of the possible problems being carried on down the line if they intend breeding.

We only have cavaliers, and the first things the vet checks out are the hips!

Pat P

If you know he appeared to check the puppies hips, IMO he needs reporting to the veterinarian council, wherever that is! Try Google.

Pat P

Isn't this called Hip Displacia?? Found in larger breed dogs of the 'pure-bred" variety. I think it comes from decades of inbreeding. I could be wrong, though.

Hip displasia is found in all kinds of dogs, not just in purebred dogs. It is more common and more damaging in larger breeds. Higher incidence is seen in dogs where careful breeding practices and screening were not applied to remove those individuals displaying it or known to carry it from the breed pool.

Elizabeth

I was just talking to my daughter Jane, whose friend had a Golden Retriever with it on one side and was successfully operated on. Not sure if it ONLY comes from inbreeding as such, but certainly inbreeding will much more likely bring out any weakness by "doubling up" on the faulty gene. However, it is something quite commonly carried in some (particularly larger) breeds of dogs, so even non-related dogs who happen to carry that abnormality in their background can throw it out if paired with another dog with the same weakness in their "family tree". If they happen to be related it pretty much guarantees that some of the offspring will have the fault. The only way to really eradicate it is NOT to breed from either of those dogs (or the offspring)

This is where LINE breeding is of benefit - you can double up on the "Good" things by breeding related animals that are not too CLOSELY related and are known to have particular beneficial qualities (or colours) running through their pedigrees. The important thing being to know what you`re doing! "Inbreeding" isn`t the same thing, and can be very dangerous.

Jane also has a friend with a labrador who has the same problem as yours - they describe the walk as a "Marilyn Monroe Wiggle!!!" She knew exactly what you meant! Looks like the parents of your pup were just an unfortunate combination - but if both were local, with no pedigree, the chances are pretty high that they are related, even several generations back.

Pat P

Hip Dysplasia in most breeds is polygenic. Meaning you don't necessarily have to "double up" on it to have it appear. Two hip-tested parents can still produce dysplastic pups. Screening is just a little extra insurance and reassurance that you have at least tested for everything it is possible to test for.

HD is also affected by environment. Dogs which climb stairs as youngsters, walk on slippery floors, jump up or down from couches and beds or which are kept on concrete are particularly prone. Vitamin C deficiency can be a contributing factor as well. Dogs which are overweight during key development periods are also prone.

Although HD is common in particular breeds, most of them large it is possible for ANY breed of dog to get it.

It is difficult to test puppies for the problem without full hip xrays being done and as most vets are reluctant to anaesthetise young puppies for no good reason (which is generally required to be able to "crank" the dog into the position required for diagnostic xrays) most often, the problem is not picked up until they are older or are required to have xrays for another purpose.

HD screening (through the OFA - Orthopaedic Foundation of America) is not able to be conclusively performed until a dog is 3 years of age, although PennHip can be performed at around 2 years of age. The difference between the two is that OFA screen deals with the skeletal form of the hips whilst PennHip deals with the laxity.

Hope this helps.

Aussie

OFA is usually performed at 24 months or older, while PennHip can be done younger.

Elizabeth

OK, so I was giving information for my OWN breed of dog....thank you for splitting hairs. Is that all you could find to pick on?

Wow, what a friendly response.

You didn't say it was for a particular breed of dog, you made it seem like it's for all dogs and my boy is having his hips done next month, at

24 months. I think I'd go crazy if I had to wait another year to be sure he's sound before really letting him loose in agility (as would he

- he loves it)...I'm sorry if my clarification seemed like a criticism of what was otherwise a very informative post. It wasn't meant that way.

But since you're insistent about it, allow me to point out that the Aussie breed club also recommends 24 months, not 36:

We're lucky in that neither of our breeds have anything like the incidence of hip displasia found in GSDs or Golden Retrievers, but in any case, it makes sense to find out as early as possible so that activities can be restricted if necessary. Elizabeth

Er...assumption is a dangerous thing. Where did I say I had Australian Shepherds?

You didn't. My bad. I didn't look closely at your address before. But perhaps that is the issue. Is HD screening recommended at a different age in Australia than in the US?

What breed do you have, if you don't mind my asking? I have Belgian Tervuren.

Elizabeth

You lie Brat, sounds like they have you!

That is the understatement of the week! (the month is young yet)

Cheryl

I'd respond to your calumnies, but I have to run off with Harry to his obedience lesson.

Elizabeth

Aha, he is taking you to class so he can be sure you get it right :)