x-rays opinions please - Page 1

11 month old female GSD -

Hips look good,  why are you x-raying at 11 months??  Just curious  Nan  Sorry Molly, I did not realize these were yours.  Nan

LOL. When Molly posts one, no one answers. 

Look ok to me. Not excellent, but not dysplastic...prelim good??? I suck at guessing what OFA might say on any given day.

the vet who took these x-rays was concerned with the necks being "thickened".  IMO it appears to be simply the way the dog is built.  But I'd like more opinions about these hips, the structure and seating and what the rating should be, in anyone's opinion - it is helpful to pass it around when trying to explain to a puppy owner that the vet isn't always right in their  opinion, just because they can take an x-ray doesn't mean they are orthopedic experts. 

Experts or not, the breeders and breed enthusiasts on this board and others have a pretty good idea what to look for in assessing x-rays, just from seeing so many.  I have my opinion about this dog/these hips, but I wanted to see what others think too.  hoping for more opinions, thanks.

molly

Nan, I don't know why this dog was x-rayed at 11 months, but for my puppies I prefer that age - it's old enough to avoid any "puppy loosey-goosey" stuff going on that may make the joints appear too lax (and it can be normal in youngsters) but early enough to avoid any wear and tear from starting serious work ie protection work or jumping. 

molly

I would say they are Good.The X-rays could be better contrasted.The dorsal acetabular margin is not very clear.Greetings.

IMO I do not care for the hip on the right side of the screen. I feel it is not a deep enough socket and the neck is not tight enough for my taste. The dog still has growing to do though but personally if it were my dog i would see how it matures.

Molly;  after reading your response I too think it is how the dog is built or constructed.  The necks look a little short but the bone density is good and sockets and seating look good to me.  Is this for OFA or SV??  Yes I agree with you on early x-rays on working dogs;  then when you do send them in for grading you can see also if there has been any changes.  Best of luck  Nan  PS:  is this one of your puppies?  Nan

I do not see where these hips would cause this dog any sort of problems;  no matter what type of work she does;  JHC the density of the bone is fantastic and strong.  This bitch could probably work until the cows come home.  Best of luck  Nan

i see nothing that would cause concern here.  i doubt that ofa will rate these hips very high at age 2.  maybe fair or mild, but i honestly don't see anything that would indicate that the dog needs any restrictions on activity.  as with all dogs, she would benefit from being kept lean and fit, but should be able to do schh, agility, obedience or whatever.  i might have 2nd thoughts about breeding such an animal, but there again, it would depend on what she had to offer. 
pjp