Hip Dysplasia

[goldylocks guy]

Hi forum friends,
It just doesn't seem fair. I took my 10 month old golden
retriever in and had his hips x-rayed on 2-28 and I had
great hopes of no problems. The vet told me my gibson
has mild hip dysplasia. The ball that fits in the socket
has a flat spot, and also the bone that connects to the
bottom of the ball then to the main leg is a bit thick he
said. My vet told me that since my dog is still growing,
thats its still possible that the bone isn't totally
developed and the gaps may fill in and his condition may
get better, or he may just get worse. Has anyone out there
experienced the positive side of my vets remarks. Can
these gaps or the slight flatness in the ball actually
regenerate as he matures. I'm feeling pretty blue and
hoping for alittle miracle. I'm getting to attached to
return my little buddy back to the breeder who I purchased
him from. I'm hoping that my vet isn't just giving me a
positive side just to make me feel better for now.
All prayers are welcomed. Phil

[Swampcollie]

Phil,

The ball on all hip joints have a flat spot. How does your pup's differ from normal?
It's really a question of how well the joint fits. If the Vet performing the Xray and exam isn't an Orthopedic Specialist, I wouldn't lose too much sleep at this point.

If you are really worried about it, or you were planning on showing him, or breeding him in the future, you could schedule an appointment with a specialist for a set of films and exam.

At any rate it doesn't sound like the problem is severe enough to warrant any kind of surgery or corrective action.

Keep your boy lean and in good physical condition and he'll do well for a long time.

[GoldenLady1]

Hi Phil - I have heard of the occasional Golden who appears to be dysplastic when x-rayed as an older puppy (i.e. between 9 and 12 months or so), and when x-rayed again at the age of two, the dog's hips look normal, and they even get a clearance from the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). Maybe that was what your vet was referring to? Goldens can go through some awkward stages through their growth spurts, so if you want to know for sure, you should probably re-x-ray him at 24 months, and see where you're at then.

That being said, if your boy really is dysplastic, it's not the end of the world, by any means. A lot of dogs who have the problem live out the rest of their days without ever feeling any consequences. There are joint supplements such as glucosamine (which is available in a number of different compounds and forms, i.e. pills, powders and liquids) which can help to prevent arthritis later in life, and there are also a number of drugs out there that can ease any pain your dog might experience as an elderly gentleman. My 8 1/2 year old boy is mildly dysplastic, and has absolutely no idea that anything is amiss; he's just as active and energetic as ever. I've seen and heard about a lot of dogs who are the same way.

The key, as Swampcollie said, is to keep him lean and fit; that can make all the difference.

[goldylocks guy]

Hi Swampcollie,
When the x-ray was shown to me it looked as though
a reasonable amount of the ball had a flat spot.
maybe one fifth was flat. almost like taking a
orange and slicing past the peel and into the fruit
abit. Also, he pointed out concerning the next
section of bone structure that connects to the ball
and forms into the leg, and said it was alittle to
thick and their could be some problems there also.
I need to talk to him more in depth. Its hard to
corner vet doctors when their so busy and get hard
core facts. I'll let you know what I find out when
I ask him to spit out the point blank facts. thanks
for your input. phil

[emmysourgolden]

:"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> 434 Here's hoping your pup has healthy hips!! :434

[emmysourgolden]

Hey, I don't know how that mean face got there on the last post...it was supposed to be another 'best wishes' icon....sorry about that.

[Collett and Charlie]

Yeah, whatever emmysourgolden. We know what you REALLY meant!! Ha Ha, teasing, teasing!!

Best wishes to you and your pup, you two will be in our prayers!

[neusiok]

Goldylocks guy,
If your vet doesn't have time to talk to you, maybe it's time to find a new vet. Remember you are the one that's paying the bill. As Swampcollie stated, have your dog examined by a specialist.

[Marie39]

Yes. our golden was told he had mild dysplasia after having a lilt in his walk around 1 year old. He lived until 12 years old with arthritis the last few yeaers. He enjoyed a long and active life without anysevere side effects. Best wishes to your pup.

[lotagoldens]

Hello Goldylocks guy,
If you are truely worried about your boy's hips you may want to send the x-ray to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. You can send x-rays for "review only" (I don't recall the exact verbage). For a fee three different board certified Radiologists will grade your x-rays. Although they just send back a form-type letter you may phone and actually speak to one of the staff doctors if you have additional questions or concerns.

Should it turn out that your boy does have mild-dysplasia, so what? Swim him, (builds muscle without stressing joints) keep him lean, and medicate him (holistically or otherwise) and I bet no-one (including him)will ever know. Of course you would not use him for breeding but after three weeks of listening to my two boys squeal,refuse food,and mark everything (because one of my girls is in season) this is not such a bad thing!!!! It is my opinion that altered dogs make the best pets anyhow!

Best of luck to you,
Lotagoldens
P.S. There is an excellent book on hip-dysplasia that may interest you: Canine Hip Dysplasia and Other Orthopedic Problems by Fred L. Lanting. Alpine Publications. It pictures good and bad x-rays and can help you with your Vets. terminology.
P.S.S. OFA 573-442-0418

[goldylocks guy]

Hi forum friends,
Thanks for all your comments and futher comments
that might come in concerning my golden retriever.
I'm having faith that my good buddy & companion(Gibson) will come out of all this with good hips
and a long life. By the way, I named him after my
favorite guitar, and speaking of guitar, I think
I'll grab my guitar out of the case and do alittle
picking. Phil:078

[GoldenLover]

One of my goldens was also recently diagnosed with some mild hip dysplasia. You would never know, she's a maniac and shows no signs of discomfort at the moment..She does have that bunny hop run though. I am sending her xrays to OFA. Dogs under 24 months, they will do a preliminary hip evaluation for $25 US dollars. I found a site that I will link, it has some good info on hip dysplasia and includes pics of radiographs of both the normal, and the dysplastic dog.
Here it is!!!!!!! (http://www.lbah.com/Canine/hip_dysplasia.htm)
http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL137/669548/1102491/14339881.jpg

[rockcp21]

My dog's father had a mild hip problem at 1-1/2 when x-ray's were taken. The breeder gave him the glucosamine vitamins, kept him lean, exercised him(she had a lot of $$ staked on him)He won alot of titles, had him re-x/rayed at 3 yrs & OFA has determined he is fair. He has been bred to OFA'S normal & excellent hip females. My old dog lived to be 14 yrs old & she had a slight hip problem. We just baby'ed her & gave her asprin, glucosamine vitamins & as she got old & couldn't make the steps, carried her up or down & put baby gates so she wouldn't try & fall. :078