X-ray Opinon - Page 2

So sorry but I would return him unless you have $6,000 or so to do surgery and lifetime care.  Poor guy, personally I would not work these hips;  only swimming and soft surface walks.  Even after the surgery if you do the surgery.  Good luck  Nan

Thanks Lady Frost for your advice.  He is a very happy boy and wants to go, go, go!  I am limiting his exercise of course, but also realize he is not crippled, and actually needs exercise.  My vet has helped me to get him on some supplements (Glucosamine/Ester C, etc).  I realize it will take 6-8 weeks for the supplements to start taking effect.  In the meantime, I have aspirin to give him and lots of love.  Surgery isn't on the table at this point, and either is returning him.  He is a part of our family.  The contract states a replacement puppy will be given along with the option to keep him. (With proof of neuter)  I am battling with the breeder however as I purchased this dog with full registration, but they are wanting to replace with a limited registration puppy.  Grrr.  I will be checking with some organizations that do help with the cost of surgery.  I cannot afford the initial cost at this point.  He has the most amazing temperament so he definitely deserves a good life.

If you can return him great....but consider that someone else may not take this on and "fix" him...i would ask for refund because it will go into medical expense for the same dog...
Saw your post after submitted mine...Glad you are keeping him regardless!!!
I do wish you all the best and supplements are great but unfortunately they are not a cure...either way i am sure you will do what is best for him, and there are tons of people on here who will help with advice and at times funds.


Surgery now days can be done in vets office instead of ortho specialist which quoted me $1200 for surgery and 2 days stay with initial rehab I had gone with my regular vet who had done over 100 FHO's and I did a lot of reaserch online and talked to many people here...(but i would recommend consulting specialist anyways they will give you great advice and ways to rehab consultation will run about $120 plus pain pills if specialist thinks it is severe enough) and actual surgery would cost between $450-$650, just make sure you got metal staples not the 5 dissolvable ties and a CONE! also if you invest in above ground pool another $300- $400 you are pretty much set....and I would take a few days off from work...3-4 days before weekend would be perfect...

Thank you CLC29.

I was under the impression $6-$8k was needed for a hip replacement.

I do not believe you will need hip replacement....FHO will work just fine...

Kudos to you for keeping this puppy. I hope the breeder does the right thing and honors his/her contract with a replacement of equal or better value. Don't be too quick to jump into surgery. Many puppies go through a lame period that they outgrow and stay sound for the rest of their lives. Assuming he needs surgery based on his xray alone is not wise.

Good luck!!

Thanks Blitzen.  My regular vet is strongly suggesting NOT getting the surgery at this point.  Said it can be managed with proper exercise, supplements, correct diet and remaining lean.  So, I am most likely going to stay with that until I see signs of him being in a lot of pain. Right now he doesn't seem to be in pain.  He is just a happy go lucky young guy.  He does like the water, so that is a great exercise.  He is also a very calm dog, so getting him to take time outs will not be a problem.  He just wants to be loved, and is happy just being next to me.    Thanks to EVERYONE for all your insight and suggestions!!!!

He sounds like a great dog. I'm glad you found one another.

Years ago I had a 6 month old male Malamute that had hips much worse than your dog. At 6 months he was very lame, at 9 month jumping 5 foot fences. He lived out his life as a companion to a young blind boy. His parents only complaint was they had to make their fence higher.