Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis- Hip Dysplasia

[wayrod]

Wayrod, you give no indication of where you are but here in OZ especially if you own a GSD you do have to have to provide proof of hip and elbow results of sire and dam in order to register a litter. TOO BAD all other large breeds don't have to follow suit.

Yes I do know that MANY do this voluntarily but it should be compulsory as with GSDs. ( Sorry if I have offended anyone as I am not sure as to other breeds and regulations).

I am in Melbourne and I am aware of the GSD requirements of providing proof of hip and elbow results to register litters. What GSD registered breeders have undertaken is a positive move forward, they seem to be putting the breed before the individual. Unfortunately this is applicable for breeders of the breed that wish to register their dogs with ANKC registered bodies, this does not stop the BYB, who do not hip score or elbow score, from breeding and giving the breed a cross against their name.

With hip and elbow scoring it is possible for high scoring results for all breeds not to be registered against the breed thus keeping the breed average down. Once a hip score is given it should not be able to be left out of the breed survey figures although having said that at what age should a Hip Score be undertaken. Some vets currently are not using Penn Hip, are xraying dogs younger then 12 months (still within their growth period) and sending results away for surveying and abnormally high scores are returning. There are so many variables currently occuring with hip scoring methods and corrective actions that may be on offer, that some owners and breeders are becoming increasingly confused.

[MissMonaro]

In the last few weeks our 18 week old pup Jet started displaying symptoms of swaying in his walk and hind legs. Yesterday we took preliminary steps in having him checked out by the Orthopedic Veterinary Surgeon. They checked his mobility and joints by slight manipulations. He displayed quite alot of pain in this examination and yelped and whimpered through this. They walked him to view his sway. The Vet's opinion that based on these initial observations the diagnosis could be Hip Displaysia.

Wish I had a video of the ways some of my labs have walked over the years as they have been growing.........I liken it to an articulated truck. When they walk they sway from the middle moreso than the hips. When I first had labs I thought OMG something is not right....but I can tell you that these dogs all passed hip scoring with flying colours.

Sorry to say that some vets just see $$ signs and really dont have much of an idea in this area. That is why some vets are also better to do the x-rays than others as if the positioning is not done correctly, you can get an incorrect result.

By all means when he is old enough, then get some x-rays done if you still want - but DO NOT let the vet influence you from the x-rays - get them read by someone that is a professional in this area.

As others have suggested, I really would let your puppy grow. Make sure he is getting fed on a good quality food (even better is something specifically for "large breed puppies" - and do not let him get too fat !!

Good luck with your puppy

[centitout]

All of mine would be looked at as having hip dysplasia then too-18 weeks old they move like they have a pole up their $#se

I have heard though that some vets advocate this op as a prophylactic measure,and that is shameful.I too would let him grow and look at a good chiro first,then assess when he has finished growing.

[Incavale]

I'd be waiting until I got the xray results back & then having them independently read. Too many vets recommend surgery too soon & I'd be listening to & acting on the breeder's advice!

[baker_girl]

Wish I had a video of the ways some of my labs have walked over the years as they have been growing.........I liken it to an articulated truck. When they walk they sway from the middle moreso than the hips. When I first had labs I thought OMG something is not right....but I can tell you that these dogs all passed hip scoring with flying colours.

Sorry to say that some vets just see $$ signs and really dont have much of an idea in this area. That is why some vets are also better to do the x-rays than others as if the positioning is not done correctly, you can get an incorrect result.

By all means when he is old enough, then get some x-rays done if you still want - but DO NOT let the vet influence you from the x-rays - get them read by someone that is a professional in this area.

As others have suggested, I really would let your puppy grow. Make sure he is getting fed on a good quality food (even better is something specifically for "large breed puppies" - and do not let him get too fat !!

Good luck with your puppy :D

All of mine would be looked at as having hip dysplasia then too-18 weeks old they move like they have a pole up their $#se

I have heard though that some vets advocate this op as a prophylactic measure,and that is shameful.I too would let him grow and look at a good chiro first,then assess when he has finished growing.

MissMonaro/centitout

Thanks for your comments. Actually, your comments reassured me greatly, especially what you said MissMonaro.

I have another chocolate lab. Nearly 2 years old. I remember her walking with a sway but not as much as Jet. I can't remember to be honest. I keep trying to compare how Jet is to what I remember of my other dog and then get worried. But yeah, he definatley looks like he's swaying from the middle. Almost like he's two pieces...a slinky dog :D

Thanks.