FCI Hip, Elbow and Spondylosis Ratings - Page 1

I have now had two dogs that I have purchased from Slovakia, who the breeders have told me are Spondy Free, and hip and elbow dysplasia free that have had severe arthritis and hip dysplasia at a young age (2-3 years old). I am wondering if anyone else has had this experience. Can these documents be forged? Is there any way to get in touch with the FCI to verify the authenticity of the paperwork I was given? The information on the paperwork matches the dog and microchip, but I can't understand how a dog goes from fine to not fine in just a matter of a couple months from the time the dog was x-rayed to the time the dog arrived here and was x-rayed.

CH, you should contact the SV. I have corresponded with them in the past and they are pretty good about it.

good luck. SV grades at 12 months. it does seem unlikely that hips go bad in 1 year.

good luck,

Rik

The reality of life is what one man creates, another can create a way around it. Of course papers can be forged. Also one dog can be substituted for another- sometimes without the vet's knowledge, sometimes  with. I have seen both.

Can hips change with time - yes but generally not within weeks or several months. If you are dealing with someone you do not personally know or has not been recommended to you by an impeccable source then it is on your shoulders to protect yourself.

Have a written contract. Provide the purchase price will be held by an escrow agent until the dog arrives and is x-rayed in this country within a specified time & with a specified result w the right to revoke the sale if joints are not as agreed upon ( you will have to risk the cost of shipment).

Keep in mind there  are things that can affect xray ratings. Huge one is positioning. A dog with clear hips positioned poorly can look dysplastic. Also a bitch in season may appear worse due to loosening of the ligaments from hormones.

This is at best a basic primer but a place to start.

I am not familiar w the SV attitude on solving another registry's problem but most registries will not even solve their own issues like this. They tell you it's a civil matter, take it to court and when and only when you have a judgment come back to talk to them. Even if you provide in the contract for what law applies basically at the price of most young dogs an international law suit is a non starter from a cost perspective,  difficulties with service etc. Add to that the difference in law and culture between counties such as the issues of guarantees and warranties.

So my question to you is this. It appears you have been a board member for 7 years but with little interaction. Have you followed previous posts on the perils of sales transactions especially international ones? Have you seen previous recommendations to start locally and always always do your homework first. Was there a specific need that drove you overseas? Just curious.