Hip X-ray for certification - Page 2

My vet in California does digital x-rays (no film to be wasted) without anesthesia (which I prefer) for a flat rate.  The last I had taken ~ 2 years ago cost ~ $350 for both hips and elbows. Probably would cost more today.

Before leaving home (about 40 minutes from the clinic), I usually give the dog an IM injection of 2-3 mg acepromazine to take the edge off.  As many exposures as I think are necessary are taken to insure optimal positioning. I stay in the x-ray room and put on a lead apron/gloves to assist the technicians with positioning.

This was much the same protocol used at the VMTH at UC-Davis when I worked there (except ace was given IV).

All x-rays taken have resulted in OFA clear elbows, OFA hips "good"/"excellent", and SV HD "normal" ratings.

My regular vet admitted that he is not an expert in taking x-rays for OFA and did the referring for me...He told me that he just doesn't to them very often and that it would be better to go to someone that does them every day...

He does all the day to day vet stuff, vaccination, yearly physicals, spay and neuterers, but he is the first to seek a specialist if he feels that someone else could do a better job - chemo, special reproductive issues, OFA x-rays......I respect him for that.

rotkaeppchen - I agree:         saying the x-rays will be submitted to the OFA or SV may have been better.

Telling a vet that a "professional breeder", who may or may not have the technical skill or schooling, would be checking his work seems a bit crass.

Asking the prospective vet how often they do x-rays for certification is a very fair question.

 

SitasMom,

I agree.....Asking the prospective vet how often they do x-rays for certification is a very fair question.

I will change my strategy.


rotkaeppchen,  I see your point.


Thanks all,

I feel bad for you guys back over a year ago during visits for puppy shots we talked about this and now the time is approaching to get it done i am lucky to have a great vet in the small town i live in hell he even meet me at 8 at nite 2 days before Christmas a few years ago on his way shopping on his off day to stitch a rotti up for me and only charged me 20.00 and would not take any more i about died myself only seen him one time before that so it was not because we were friends but 200.00 will cover everything hips and elbows and he can tell me on the spot if she is good or we should set up appointment to spay