I wasn't able to access L.Swanston's websites, so if this is duplication, sorry: but there is a terrific new procedure for extremely young puppies just like this one. The click the vet heard is called the Ortolani sign and it is the sound of a subluxated hip being reduced. A positive Ortolani sign is associated with excessive laxity in the hips (altho the lack of a positive Ortolani sign in an older pup isn't associated with snug hips becuz once there are degenerative changes in the hip, it often isn't possible to produce the audible click anymore).

Anyway, the new procedure is called Jeuvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS). It is only appropriate for very young pups (3-5 months). It is a remarkably simply procedure where the surgeon goes in thru the abdomen, and cauterizes the pubic symphysis (the suture line or growth plate where the pubic bones meet in the hip). This stops the growth at that suture line. Recovery is essentially zero - pups are up and back to normal next day. Cost is pretty low since it is so simple, however, there are only a few places that are doing this procedure I think. As the hip grows, the positioning of the acetabulum is modified and from what I've read in JAVMA and on the internet, it is very successful in achieving essentially normal adult hip status.

Ask your vet about it and check it out on the UW vet school

As much as you care about this puppy, do you have the means to assure that she gets the best treatment available to her? Quality of life is so important. If this were an older dog, I'd be looking at it from a standpoint of providing as pain free an existence as possible for the rest of the dog's life. But with such a young pup, the surgical options stand out as the best choice, assuming that one can afford it! If I couldn't find a way to afford it, such as taking out a line of credit or a loan to pay for the surgery, I'd probably be looking at returning her to the breeder. Sad and unfortunate, needless to say, but if I can't provide for the dog, then I shouldn't have her.

Of course, you could be worrying over nothing. Get the xrays first! One thing at a time.

Reading the post on this thread, everyone has given some fantastic options to consider. Great advive from all. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
This is what we on this board are all about.

The most important question should be; What Type Of Commitment will the owner make and keep for the remaining years of this young pups life.

We have made this commitment to our GSD, he will be with us until his quality of life ends. Then we will do what's best for NUG and not for us. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I read the site posted by Sch3FH2 posted. It shows a lot of promise and Im glad they mention the need to spay/nueter dogs having this procedure. My concern is, will this procedure show on later OFA hip xrays, if not, a lot of unscrupulous breeders will use it as a coverup for bad hips.

I don't think you need to worry about breeders using the JPS procedure and then breeding the dogs, because the procedure is only beneficial when the pup is very very young, and how many people 1) will PennHip that early or otherwise see symptoms that there is a problem that early; and 2) will make the effort to have the procedure done. I think it will unfortunately have very limited value because almost no one checks hips that young except those who use PennHip for early screening.

Thank you EVERYONE who took the time to reply. In answer to the question on the warranty on my pup, it states as follows: The German Shepherd referred to above is guaranteed by the seller for a period of 30 days and may be returned in good condition to the seller for a full refund of the purchase price during that time. In addition, if the purchased German Shepherd develops a serious genetic defect (eg. genetic hip or elbow displasure) as diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian of the seller's choice, which renders the dog unfit for the purpose in which it was purchased, it will be replaced without charge when a replacement of equal value becomes available.If a dog is deemed defective and a replacement is provided, the original defective dog must be neutered or spayed at the purchaser's expense or returned to _____Kennels. There are no guarantees or warranties on replacement dogs.
Swanston, the website on Working dogs are the most informative, easy to understand articles I have yet to read on this subject and I have read alot over the past year in refference to this.Thank you for directing me there. The JPS method of possibly fixing this problem is something I will definitely ask Dr.Zeyr about Wednesday, if it comes to that. The article on it said the best time to do it is when they are being neutered or spayed, because the incision made is in the same area. Maximum benefit comes if he or she is 16 weeks old. It was very interesting in reading about how an xray can be misread, because of the position of the dog when being xrayed. Dr. Zeyr is a very young vet., so maybe he is familiar with all these new procedures.
If Diva's xray's turn out to be nothing to worry about, I will still watch her diet very carefully and the types of excercise she gets, especially during the first year, which is so crucial from what I understand. The other vet. I mentioned who takes care of the Law Enforcement canines, emphasized her diet HIGHLY, as being one of "low protein and high maintenance" and starting her on glucosamine as soon as she is old enough. If anyone has the time, look into the Natural Balance dog food website, as I would be very interested in your opinions on the ingredients that are in it. Is this what you would consider a low protein, high maintenace diet? I am amazed at how STUPID I was, when I got my last German Shepherd. I probably could have saved him from a lot of pain. THANK YOU EVERYONE......and please say a little prayer for Diva.

Sue, it sounds like if she does develop HD, at least you can get a replacement pup and still keep her, provided she is spayed. That's great, if you want another pup, and if you can handle the expense of treating the HD. At any rate, I'll think good thoughts for your pup.

Get the x-rays first and determine if there is even a problem then go from there. My suggestion is to get an orthopedic surgeon to view the x-rays. You need an experts opinion. Many Universities will look at these for free or a small fee.

Was the puppy an investment decision ( investment in time, money and effort with specific goals in mind) or was this puppy a companion purchase? The price paid is irrelevant. Once you answer this question, the other will come to you will little effort.

I purchased an investment puppy with a hip garruantee, the breeder decided to skip town; if Trooper's hips come back bad, there will be significant effort expended to recover my investment. You sought a breeder with the hip garruantee in mind, if your heart replaced your wallet, that makes you neither a better nor worst kind of person than I am, just different. I have every intention of holding my breeder to the letter of his garruantee despite the two year time and effort I have in Trooper. If your emotional investment surpasses your fiscal involvement, you should keep the little one and enjoy every day you have together.

Best of luck to you, it is certainly not an easy decision. Please let us know what happens.......one quick question, does your breeder require you to surrender Diva to get a replacement? Some count on that bond for you as the consumer ( yes, I said and mean consumer) to be come emotionally involved and opt out of the garruantee.

In so far as Breeder's getting or having a bad rep......just look around you. Those with integrity are hard to find in the vastness of the morally depraved. I speak from experience; Ed is the ONLY one of six to have honored his word; the only one I did not have a problem with to one degree or another.

P.S. When I bought Trooper, Ed was no longer breeding at the time, my LOVELY wife called me a "shithead" for buying a puppy from anyone other than Ed. She was right, again.

Hey Sue, don't beat yourself up about your other GSD.It is so obvious that you love and care for your dogs and you did the best you could with the knowledge that you had at the time.

The reason I love this board so much is because I can learn so much from all of the truly knowledgeable people here.As a dog lover I am always trying to learn as much as I can to help me raise,train and live with my animals happily.This is a great place.

Good Luck with your dog in whatever decision you make.