Eduardo Santos Webboard User Reg: 11-10-2010
Posts: 6
Loc: Portugal
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Hello Everybody,
I have to German Shepherd dogs, a 20 months old female and a male with 2 1/2 years.
I had them examed for hip displasia before breeding, just to find out that they both have hip displasia which just rules out breeding. Nevertheless, they don't show any physical syntome or pain and as I'm told they probably never will.
But I'm concern because we train for RCI, and I want to know if it is ok to continue working or should I choose another type of activity with them.
Anne Jones Webboard User Reg: 04-29-2004
Posts: 3825
Loc: Northeast
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You can't get an OFA rating on a dog until they are at least 2 years old. Although, you can get a prelim rating on a dog younger. But it is not considered a true rating until done after 2.
Xrays do not tell the complete picture. Some dogs have "bad hips" on xrays and never have any lameness at all, or at least no significant lameness until they are 8-10 yrs old. Other dogs have "mild hip dysplasia" on
Xray and show lameness early, some as early as 6 mos.
The pain tolerance of the dog, the weight of the dog and the conformation play a huge part in how symptomatic your dogs will become. While breeding them may be unwise, I think that you can continue to train and enjoy them until such time that they begin to show symptoms. Exercise strengthens muscles, which help to support the hip joints.
Keep them thin, and feed them right. Enjoy them.
Eduardo Santos Webboard User Reg: 11-10-2010
Posts: 6
Loc: Portugal
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Thank you all for your advice and Mr. Frawley in particular, whose help as been extraordinary.
I'll continue to work them as much as possible, with certain retrictions in order to preserve the joints, so they remain fit and happy. And I will definitly stop at the first sign of any symptoms.
Nevertheless I'll stop them for doing any jumping as much as possible, and will start to swim them at any opportunity. Feeding will also be changed to a natural raw meal.
I'm very sad that I won't be able to breed them, because they are both excelent dogs in behaviour, physical apearence and personality, and I'm sure they would have produce top of the line descendents. And because I love them so much this have been the worst days of my life.
Hi Eduardo,
I just found this interesting article about Ester C, and that it might be helpful for CHD. Just thought I would pass the info on to you if you are interested in reading it. http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0039.htm
I am sorry you are having to go through this, but I do believe a really healthy diet can go a long way in helping your dog(s).
I would also recommend looking into giving therapeutic doses of salmon oil and with it, Vit E, on a daily basis with the Ester C.
You have to work up slowly with the Ester C, but it is much better tolerated and has the bioflavinoids which make it a far superior form of Vit C.
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Advice on hip displasia
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