[Zuma’s Mom]

Would you adopt a 2 year old from a reputable breeder who’s X-ray shows mild dysphasia in one hip? Diagnosed when testing for future breeding so spaying and placing instead. Just wondering what would be in store for me if I take her... Thanks

 

[Dechi]

Would you adopt a 2 year old from a reputable breeder who’s X-ray shows mild dysphasia in one hip? Diagnosed when testing for future breeding so spaying and placing instead. Just wondering what would be in store for me if I take her... Thanks

I’ve never had a dog with hip dysplasia but one thing I would want to do before adopting is having the dog examined by my own vet.

 

[MaizieFrosty]

Was the testing done through OFA or Pennhip? I've heard that Pennhip is much more sensitive. Still, I probably would not take on a dog with a hip dysplasia diagnosis. My heart dog had to be put to sleep due to this and the vet bills can be extremely costly even if you are able to treat it.

 

[Mufar42]

I would not necessarily be afraid to adopt a dog with mild hip dysplasia. I would talk to my vet or a vet with knowledge on dysplasia. I am thinking she is not exhibiting symptoms? but that this was picked up in her x-rays being done since she was being considered for breeding purposes. If that were the case I would take her, knowing this in advance I keep her fit and do proper exercise to keep her healthy. She may end up with arthritic conditions later on or even hip dysplasia but there is a lot more info out today. I had a rottweiler who developed it but not until she was 10 years old, we were able to manage her with pain meds and the only issue she had was getting up from a lying position after sleeping all night. We were lucky with that. But I'm no expert so just my own opinion.

 

[lily cd re]

I would want my own vet if they are knowledgeable about reading the xrays or someone my own vet would recommend to check things out, but I would not automatically decide not to adopt this dog if there is nice temperament and everything else looks good.

 

[Moni]

Mild hip dysphasia in my understanding may not even show any symptoms but simply rules out a dog for breeding purposes. In other words if not for the x-ray you would never know the dog had it - as was the case with a stunning German Shepherd boy we had when I was a kid. Ringo was a gorgeous dog who lived a long healthy life and died peacefully at 14 in his sleep. His hips in the least two years of his life showed the usual slight stiffness but not anymore than any other dog we had.

 

[Poodlebeguiled]

If you love this dog in all other ways and you don't think you'll find another just as good without hip dysplasia, I'd still find an orthopedic vet to evaluate. But I know that in some cases these types of joint problems can worsen with age. So if I were in your shoes, I'd either keep looking or get the dog checked out by my own choice of vets and it would be a reputable orthopedic specialist.

Best wishes for a good outcome.

 

[Johanna]

Mild hip dysplasia should not cause a dog any problems. Anyone who breeds dogs should reject such a dog from a breeding program but I have no qualms about that dog making a wonderful pet.

 

[emVee]

For what it’s worth, our first spoo was diagnosed with mild hip dysplasia when she was just 6 months old after we noticed that she climbed the stairs more like an old man than a young pup. We were told that at some point she might well need hip replacements. She was prescribed Cosequin, but I ultimately switched her to the same Glucosamine/Chondroitin that I had been taking for an arthritic knee (giving her 750mg/600mg per day of Costco’s Kirkland brand), and she remained symptom-free for the rest of her 11 year life with only occasional minor lameness if she was more active than usual.

 

[Saaanderud]

I would say it depends in part on how you want to enjoy your dog. If you want to do active sports like rally, agility, tracking, etc., then pass on this one. If you know you're committed to regular gentle exercise and keeping her lean, then have her checked by your vet.

 

[reraven123]

I would say it depends in part on how you want to enjoy your dog. If you want to do active sports like rally, agility, tracking, etc., then pass on this one. If you know you're committed to regular gentle exercise and keeping her lean, then have her checked by your vet.

Actually, exercise can help a dysplastic dog. I knew a Golden Retriever who was a multiple MACH in Agility, but when her owner tried to retire her at +10yo she developed lameness. Her vet took X-rays and said she was mildly to moderately dysplastic but the muscles she developed running agility kept the hips solidly in their joints. Once she retired the muscles deteriorated and the hips loosened up. She unretired the dog and got her back into competition.