Kristi, the head of the femur, the "ball" needs to be in the "socket"of the hip joint.
On the left side (the dog's right) the ball is not in the socket at all.
But the position has to be standard for any real comparison, especially in a dog that is not mature.

If I were you, I'd got back to your vet. Explain that you feel when you pay apx $300 for a 1 view Xray, with a SEDATED DOG, you are not satisfied with the quality of the films. They should understand, especially if you are a long time customer. I TOTALLY agree with Phaedra. Tell them you're trying to get a refund from the breeder or whatnot, and these films are not quality enough to make a proper judgement. (Even though it's pretty apparent he's got bad hips, with or without viewing the Xrays)

A GOOD, patient vet can give you OFA quality films with out anesthesia, or even sedation. Yeah, it takes more time, but it can be done. You've got to be anal about rolling the dog and shifting it's weight until the spine is 100% straight. Then position your legs, and RECHECK the spine. It's critical!

Charlie- thanks for the comparison shot. That is still not perfect positioning, but it's MUCH closer!

You don't have to be rude or confrontational Kristi, just explain that you are extremely unsatisfied with the quality of the positioning. Maybe print out the leerburg article on proper positioning... bring it to them to read, prior to re-shooting the films.
http://www.offa.org/hd_grades.html

Thank you everyone! I am going to print out the proper positioning article and bring it with me when I go talk to him. When he told me the diagnosis he didn't really explain what Capone can or cannot do. I got more information from all of you then I did from the vet. We are having a hard time because Capone wants to run and play throughout the day. He is calm most of the time but will suddenly get bursts of energy. Can I take him for walks at all? As long as he seems like he wants to continue? Also, Do you think he will need to be on medication for the rest of his life to keep him comfortable?

There was a part in Ed's Ebook about hip xrays where he shows a severely dysplastic dog from a backyard breeder, and he says in his opinion the dog should be put down because he will live a life of pain. That really shook me up, although Capone does limp or get stiff pretty much every day he is still happy and wanting to run around like a normal puppy sometimes. He is and always has been "lazier" than other puppies, and tires out very quickly, we always just thought that was his personality until we realized he was actually in pain. Everyday is a battle with him health wise. He either is limping, has a severe rash, ears start bothering him, feet get red and itchy and swollen etc.. I am just trying to keep my head above water with trying to keep him comfortable on a day to day basis. but in no way have I thought about putting my 1 year old puppy down. When will I know what is best for HIM and not just me? I feel like because I don't have the money to do a derma vet and allergy shots and hip replacement surgery I am failing him. Although, I do know what I do for him every day is more than most dog owners would do to keep him happy.

Sorry That turned into a bit of a vent, I just want to make sure I am making the right decisions. It is hard to see your puppy hurt. =(

 Quote: betty landercasp

Kristi, the head of the femur, the "ball" needs to be in the "socket"of the hip joint.
On the left side (the dog's right) the ball is not in the socket at all.
But the position has to be standard for any real comparison, especially in a dog that is not mature.

thanks for catching that Betty - I forgot to turn the dog upside down when I said left!

have you tried giving him benedryl or allergy rx for his itchiness? How about doing an elimination diet - usually lamb and rice (can do raw if desired) is considered a basic non-allergy diet - but maybe salmon and sweet potatoes, or bison and potatoes or whatever. Sometimes it's the type of bowl you feed the dog in be it plastic or stainless. Using Oatmeal baths or hydrocortisone shampoo will help. I have a doxie I am trying the Aller G on as he chews on himself - most likely from being low to the ground and allergic to grass. So some of the things you can do with over the counter things. I always told clients it was a private decision made either by the dog or the owner when it needs to be time.

Yah I do give him benedryl when it gets bad. Is that something I can give every day? He has also been on prednisone for allergies I believe. We feed raw (chicken and turkey) which had made the biggest impact thus far on avoiding rashes, but now it seems like almost instantly after he eats he gets red under is armpits along his belly between his thighs and his lips even seem to be redder. So now I'm confused as to if he developed a new food allergy or what's going on. He is rarely outside in the grass, just to do his business. He could just be allergic to something in the house, but we can't afford allergy testing right now. And he is on flea/tick medication so I don't think it is fleas. We also bathe him with some special shampoo from the vet often, which helps pretty quickly when the rashes really flare up. Maybe I can try aller G, have you noticed a difference? Is there any other allergy medicine I can give him on a daily basis?

Thank you for your help!

Have you tried any other raw protein besides chicken and turkey? Sounds pretty obvious that if he gets a rash right after he eats, there's a problem with what he's eating.
Again, I'm going to have to be blunt, as I was in your other thread. Will the dog need meds forever? YES. Do you need to go to a derm vet and get some answers asap? YES.
I know this is the life you've sort of become accustomed to, but it is NOT normal for a 1 year old puppy to be stiff, limping and in pain every day. Add to that the fact that he can't even sit outside on the grass. Add to that the fact that unfortunately you aren't really in the position to fully diagnose and attempt to fix these problems for him - even if that was the course of action you wanted to take.
The reason your vet didn't tell you exactly what Capone is and isn't able to do, is that with HD, it's very hard to tell. Some dogs have severe HD and don't show signs, and some dogs can have milder - moderate HD and be extremely painful.
The gravity of Capone's situation, and the fact that you say you haven't even considered putting him down, tells me that you are living in denial. You need to take a step back, and think about what his LIFE is going to be like - especially a life without proper diagnostics or treatment for the foreseeable future.
As a pet owner, we have to make the tough decisions, because they can't.

I can understand bluntness, and that people around here care more about the dogs than they do the people, but every once in a while I read something on here that is written in a tone that is just cold.

Even if we are all "dog people" can't we take a little step towards sofetning the blow the humans now and then?

This family very obviously loves their dog, and it seems the owner is doing the best within her means that she can. I don't even have kids, but I have to admit that if my dog had similar problems I don't even know what I would do.

I don't think I would move right towards PTS over allergies and HD. I'm not saying that it is a wrong consideration, quality of life is definitely something to think about.

I just think its wrong to take such a tone with the OP. Even if what you are saying is correct, there are much nicer ways to say it.

Have you read the other threads about this dog and this situation? Have you seen dogs suffering day in and day out because their owners make the wrong decisions, or ignore what's right in front of them, despite the best efforts of those around them? I DO.

IME many dogs (shepherds not so much) learn to cope with HD by carrying much of their weight with the front end. IME lots of dogs stop limping around 15 mos, can be managed with Ecotrin or Bufferin, can live meaningful lives as pets, guardians, housemates, can take leashed walks and participate joyfully for many years.
So I wouldn't be in a big rush to PTS this dog if he is a tail waggin sweet animal who mostly enjoys life. If his job required athleticism it would be different. But if his job is "pet and lover and bark at intruders" , he may surprise you. Give it some time. JMHO