New Pup - Page 1

I may be just a bit gun shy with the GSD..... having gone through many hip problems, elbows ect. But I went back to the GSD after a 10 year run with the Malis. My new pup, almost 16 weeks old, when he runs away, I've noticed his left leg swings out a bit, almost like its loose. Is this normal or am I looking at yet another hip disappointment? Both parents are OFA'd. And I will be doing a prelim ASAP. Tell me I'm just being paranoid!

Your being paranoid :) there you go.. Only kidding.. on a serious note.. I dont think theres any need to worry when a dog is 4 months old.. Hes growing.. puppies generally have a loose end when young and run rather awkwardly.. Dont worry... If these dont improve just get him checked by a vet... Good luck with the pup... Laughter..

CMassGSD Without actually seeing a pup run, it is difficult to understand exactly what you think you are seeing. However, if you are in the USA, the OFA now has done some studies which give credence to the fact that x-rays made even as young as 4 months old may, in fact, bear true resemblance to what the joint conformation will be like later. Of course, one still must submit x-rays at 2 years of age or later for a rating. If you have a concern, why not simply have the pup x-rayed and submit them to the OFA for an unbiased rating. Then, you will have an answer that hopefully will put you at ease. Good luck.

Hodie: I called my radiologist who has done all my xray for OFA and does most of the working dogs in Mass. and she said to wait until he's 6 months old. I do think and HOPE I am just being paranoid!! He's a wonderful pup and I am very happy with him!

CM Go to the OFFA web site and read for your self what they have to say. At 4 months they start doing pre-lims and the longer you wait the more accurate the X-rays proove to be. They can also give you percentages of their accuracy as the pup ages. They are the ones to check with. The longer you wait the more accurate the X-rays will be but as I recall even at 4 months they are pretty reliable. Check with them, they have lots to read. Hope it is as Laughter says, just puppy stuff. I have had pups that looked weak, wobbly, and bunny hopped, thought for sure hips were bad, but they turned out fine. Something important is who is doing the X-Rays. I would make sure you have a vet well experienced in doing gsd hips for OFA. They really do need to be positioned correctly. Also, if I remember right, they should not be put under. I might be wrong about that though, so do your self a favor and talk to the people who have the best info. Good luck and let us know how it works out. P.S. Ed Frawleys web site has some good info on X-rays as well.

Blitz moves like an empty dumptruck in the rear, always has. His hips were perfect on his xray and I'll bet your dog's will be too.

Blitzen - that's hilarious!

Don't take any chances...get him x-rayed asap. My female 6-month-old pup, imported from Germany, also has a wobbly rear end. The breeder said "don't worry, she'll out grow it". I x-rayed her yesterday and she has "severe dysplasia" in the right hip. Holy Crap -what now? Lots of time and money down the drain. The family has bonded with her. My Vet said that you can't prove that the dog doesn't have dysplasia until 2yrs but you can find it very early. The German breeder I bought the dog from is jerking me around. Good luck

Cowboy, If an x-ray was taken submit it for a preliminary to OFA. If necessary, talk to the OFA vet and/or have a second one taken to be certain. I never put too much credence in some vets who say a dog is or is not dysplastic. Believe it or not, many mistakes are made. Once you have a more definitive answer, then provide copies to your breeder and have them have their vet look at it. Remember this: even if the dog is dysplastic, it is NOT the end of the world. The dog may never show any signs of problems. If you keep the dog lean, exercise it appropriately and provide high quality nutrition, the dog may live a long and active and health life, despite radiographic evidence of dysplasia. Finally, as we have repeatedly asked others, what does your contract say about hips? good luck!

Hodie, Thanks for your sound advice. I will have an expert review the x-rays. Right now the breeder is ignoring my e-mails.....I bought her from Urbecke in Germany and don't have a contract.