I have Kodee for a pet, not a working dog. However, hip dysplasia is a big fear of mine (we grew up w/a wonderful white GSD who had to be put down b/c of hip dysplasia). I know that at some point I will get Kodee's hips x-rayed. My questions are: since he won't be a working dog, should I get preliminary x-rays done? (I've heard of doing this but don't know why/when people have them taken)? Or should I just wait until he's 2 years old and have 1 set of x-rays taken?
Also, who should I take him to for this? An orthopedic specialist? Frankly, I like my vet a lot, but I don't think she probably has a lot of experience w/this stuff (I used to work for her, and I seem to remember her referring people out for this, but I'm not sure - it was years ago).
My last question is: If I do take him somewhere else for his x-rays, what's a tactful way to bring this up w/my regular vet?
Prelims are a great diagnostic tool if you have a pup that is showing signs, is from a high incidence of HD breeding, or is from unknown parents.
For working dogs, it is great to know if you are putting a ton of training into a dog that will no be able to work. It is also a good idea to know if the pup can handle the running, jumping and more extreme maneuvers that are required.
I take them on prospects and would take them on a pet that looked ouchy, but not so much on a pet that was fine I guess... But they don't hurt to do for your peace of mind, and that sounds like the direction you are looking at anyway.
I wouldn’t tell the vet…
Just mention that you are worried about the postitioning of the legs and joints and would like to go to a very experienced ortho vet. Nothing personal (to the vet), but it can be an expensive procedure and you don't want to have to do it twice. If they ask...
Reg: 08-29-2006
Posts: 2324
Loc: Central Coast, California
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I think breeders have prelims done. And maybe people who have plans for sport. I guess you'd want to have some idea before you put in the time training.
Correct positioning is crucial for a proper diagnosis. Most vets aren't good at this so you'll want to find the very best place to take the actual x-ray.
And you can always have the x-rays sent to a radiology or orthopedic specialist for review.
OK, I'll definitely have an ortho do it. If the dog looks/acts fine, is there any reason not to wait and just do them at 2 yrs of age? I don't mind spending the xtra $ for prelims if there's a reason, but as long as he acts fine, I think I will wait til 2 yrs old.
Julie Wilson Webboard User Reg: 07-12-2007
Posts: 148
Loc: Washington State
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I am getting my dog's x-rays next month. My vet will take them and send them to OFA to be read. If anything shows up and we need to discuss alternatives, they will be sending us to an orthopedic specialist. So go for it!
If you are aware of anything going on in there EARLY, it is my understanding that there are several things you can do to help him out and prolong his quality of life. Once they are arthritic and really ouchy it gets more complicated.
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