Didn't really know how to title this, or where to put it.
This afternoon, my GSD is going in for his hip and elbow xrays. They are being done without any anethesia and I was told I can't go in with him. Although Thunder is a social dog, he's no pussycat and has a civil side to him. I KNOW he isn't going to put up with strangers putting him on his back. They keep telling me they are skilled in handling tough dogs. Should I have any concerns about this?

Mna, Bob...you'd think they give elderly clients more respect than they're showing you!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Just kidding.......


Seriously though, we had this discussion just a short time ago, and when people are educated and serious dog owners with higher-end, tough dogs, you'd think that it'd make sense to allow you to be with him.
While I know first hand that Vet's get bombed with these type of requests, they need to look at both the client and the dog and make the decision based on those factors.

Remember, Vet's and their staff usually have good medical experience and judgement - *however*, I have found that many, if not most Vet's don't have much training experience ( and usually not a great understand of dog behavioral issues ), and their staff usually suffers from the same deficiency.

Thanks Will! This is a clinic that has a great deal of expierience with doing both Penn hip and Xray. I'm hoping that's going to come into play here.
This same clinic allowed me in to hold his head for his tattoo. He was more than willing to eat a couple of them when the needle touched him the first time. I easily calmed him down but I wont guarantee anything if I'm not there. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
I suspect they took one look at me and thought "HA! That old fart couldn't hold down a toy poodle". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Well, I need to quit jumping to conclusions and just get my $#!+ together and wait for the official OFA results but Thunder's hips look to have some problems. This sucks BIGTIME cause I'm not someone that can get rid of a dog just because it wont fit what I wanted it for. Thunder will stay here PERIOD! Problem is, I don't have room for another dog. He is what my retirement was/is all about. I know I could have avoiided this by starting with an older dog, but there's nothing like seeing the lights turn on in a puppy.
Connie, a few days ago you posted about a site that talked about Vitamin C and hip displasia. Can you PM me where that was? I can't even use the dern search forum right tonight. TIA
BTW Will! I was alowed to stay in the room till the last second or so when they shot the pics. Apperently there are liability laws that wont allow anyone not trained, and wearing a radiation exposure tag, to stay in the room. I told them, "What the he((! At 60yrs old, that radiation ain't gonna hurt me one bit. Most of my hair is already gone, and I sure as he(( don't need any more kids." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Bob, I'm really doing serious research on this subject as well, just for general knowledge. So much seems to point to the possible prevention of HD, I think EVERYONE should take these measures with their dogs. If you PM me your email, I'll forward you some links. Also, look into Wendell Belsfield (sp?), adequan, recovery EQ, and ester-c. Do googles on these if you can, and you will be bombarded. What kind of dog is Thunder? How old? What did the vet say, and are you sure the positioning is accurate?

Bob,
Please don't worry too much at this point, you don't have any control over the matter and the worry won't help. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

But know that even with a moderate degree of HD, your dog can still work and lead a good life with some simple modifications of lifestyle.
Heck, we have a female GSD in our club that ended up with HD and her owner ended her SchH career and is now trainingthe dog for ASR ( as we don't hve jumps in the sport ). And I fully expect the dog to title...and she's still having fun on the field. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It's a total gut punch at first. But, you just have to say "Ok, what now?" and do the best you can for your dog, provided the news is accurate. But it does take a day or two for the shock to wear off...

 Quote:

....Thunder's hips look to have some problems.....

I'm so sorry to hear that, but please wait for the final results before getting too anxious.........if you can.

Yes, I've read a lot about Vitamin C, glucosamine, and other non-invasive home treatments for dysplasia.

I'll go through my list and give you the most recent and well-regarded info. Meanwhile:

Here's one Ester-C study's results:
http://www.yourdoghealth.com/dog_ester-c_study.htm

And another:
http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0039.htm

Here's a solid practicing general vet's opinion about serious athletic work with dysplasia (he's for it, with limits):

http://www.vetinfo.com/ddyspla.html#Mild%20Hip%20Dysplasia%20in%20Dog%20Athlete
The only thing is, these responses from him are a few years old, so while his general explanations are good (IMO), these pages aren't up-to-date on the latest treatments. Still worth reading. He mentions that it would be good to have the elbows checked, too, BTW.

He says, QUOTE: It is my opinion, based solely on my personal observations (no science here, unfortunately), that it is much better for animals with arthritic diseases to maintain a moderately active lifestyle. Dogs who are allowed to continue to exercise despite signs of degenerative joint disease seem to do better longer than those whose owners chose to restrict their activity levels. However, this has to be kept within reason. So whether or not to pursue the CDX is questionable. It would be better if you knew how good her elbows are, too. You didn't happen to have them X-rayed at the time her hips were done, did you? END

Here are several specific dysplasia Q and As from owners to the vet:
http://www.vetinfo.com/ddyspla.html

More:
http://www.thedogscene.co.uk/articles/health/hd.htm

Before I sort through my list of articles I have saved, it would be good if I knew Thunder's exact age.

And there Connie goes again, putting the rest of us to shame! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks everyone! I thought the position could have been slightly better, but the main center of interest seemed to be on the neck of the joint. He said he saw what he thought was degeneration and slight spurs on both sides. He((, he should take a look see at the xrays of my back! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Thunder is a two yr old GSD, and, hands down, the most fantastic dog I've ever owned. That's a big statement for me to say because I've had some great ones over the past 60yrs.