Forgive me if this is discussed somewhere else; if it is, I couldn't find it in one hour, so I'm posting. I had Caleb's xrays done on Friday, and the news was not good. Mild hip dysplasia in the left hip, and grade 1 dysplasia in the elbows, with degenerative joint disease. To say the least, it was not a good day. To answer some of the questions I know I'll get:

1)Cindy/Ed recommended the vet (Dr. Link)-so we can't blame him <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
2)I never ran him or worked him hard-swimming is his main activity
3)He was not anesthesized, so he should've been "tight"
4)Yes, he's HUGE <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />-96lbs and SKINNY
5)both parents have good hips-dad is a1, mom OFA excellent, and all xrayed dogs in pedigree are normal
6)I always fed him an all-natural diet, with vitamin C, which is known to help prevent HD

I'm devastated by the results-I tried so hard. Beyond wondering if I could've done something to prevent it, my next decision to be made is what to do from here. My contract states that I either have to return Caleb with all papers to the breeder (like that'll happen) and she'll send a replacement, or keep him, neuter him, and get 50% off another pup.

I've found several conflicting studies on the effects of neutering as related to bone/joint/connective tissue disease. I don't want to further jeopardize this aspect of his health by neutering him just to take advantage of 1/2 off a puppy. Others say there are no effects if neutered at an adult age. I have a hard time believing you can just cut off body parts with NO effect, but I'd like some input and advice. I also kind of feel like I should get better than 50% off, since he got hit with a double (actually triple) whammy, I mean, if I sent him back, what would she do with him? How much can you honestly get for a dog with HD/ED, and DJD??? It's not severe, so he shouldn't be put down. I don't feel like I should have to give up my dog to get a full replacement, or at least better than 50%, because I still have the added expense of redoing the xrays, paying her vet to evaluate them, neutering Caleb, and then shipping the 1/2price pup. I paid good money, and I'll have to spend good money to keep him feeling well and not in pain. I'm probably just upset and venting, but I'd really like to hear some other experiences. Thanks, and sorry for the length.

Most breeders dont make much money off litters. It costs ALOT to breed. Most do it to produce good dogs that can do the work....with the main objective being "Improvement of the breed" (in a perfect world). So the contract sounds pretty reasonable to me.
As far as what the breeder would do with the dog....you would have to ask that specific breeder. Some will try to give it away as a pet if possible. Sometimes it will be put down <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Depends on the breeder.
Neutering him wont give him any health issues.
Sometimes you can do everything right and the dog still ends up with HD. Its a gamble.

Good luck,

Pat

Thanks for the reply Patrick. I'm not blaming the breeder in any way-I'm just saying if she's going to place him as a pet, and give me a FULL replacement, why not just let ME keep him and do the same? As far as neutering, I'm not saying it CAUSES any health problems, but I have found several studies citing neutering (and the lack of hormone production) as a catalyst in DJD, which is certainly not a positive thing for a dog who already has it. He's already 2 though, so I'm thinking the early neutering issues won't be a problem. Obviously, I don't have all the answers-I'm just looking for any feedback I can get.

How much do you love your dog? If you want a 2nd dog then neuter and keep the dog. If you want 1 dog, decide if you want to give up your dog to get a 2nd dog. Personally, I'd keep my dog, then maybe in a few years, I'd find a different breeder and get a 2nd dog. I'm personally not ready for a 2nd dog yet, so why would I rush into it because I suddenly find out my dog has HD? If you want a 2nd dog now, have at it. Personally I'd rather spend the full price for a different dog than make 50% off an incentive that makes me go back to a breeder that may give me another dysplastic dog.

Sorry to read of your bad news Jenni- Hope you sort things out with the breeder.
Lisa

Mike-how dare you ask me how much I love my dog?!? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (kidding)We're talking about the dog trainers call "Momma's Boy" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'm with you on the puppy thing; I don't need a second dog right now, but I also wouldn't necessarily avoid getting one from her again. None of the others from his parents have had anything but good/excellent results. I PM'd Ed, and he found out this week that one of his has bad hips. It happens. I don't blame her for this; she honestly sounded as devastated as I was when I called her. Both parents are mature animals who've been xrayed several times. She didn't do anything irresponsible, and so I can't say it's fair to go somewhere else. Puppies are a crapshoot; it just sucks when it happens to YOUR puppy. There's no time limit on a replacement, I don't think, so she won't care if I decide to wait a year or two, which I probably would. I'd REALLY feel stupid if I wouldn't take the puppy from her, went someplace else, and got one with bad hips! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Lisa, I figured I'd get a little understanding here; everyone seems to think I'm over-reacting. (Which I probably am) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sorry for butting in but a dog like this can still be worked right, providing precautions are taken? I'm worried about my pup now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Kristine,

Dr.Link said "Caleb can do anything Caleb feels like doing." Don't treat him abnormally, just give him glucosamine chondroitin w/MSM and Vit C. I asked him about Schutzhund, and he said it was fine. The stronger the surrounding tissues are, the better it seems. He just can't be bred (not that that wonderful, ethical AKC would care <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />!

Ah, well that's good. I was just thinking that if it can happen to you, it can certainly happen to anyone...if this ever happened to my boy I certainly wouldn't want to have to get rid or neuter him.

Hope you guys work it out. (BTW I've seen Caleb's picture, he's certainly a handsome guy!)