OFA and prelims on puppies research - Page 1

OFA website indicates that prelims indicating HD on puppies should be redone at a later age (2 yrs).  If prelims on young puppies are showing good hips there is a high probability that they remain good. It is sad that some people are being led to do drastic things to their  young dogs based on prelims. A young woman I know recently was told by her vet that her young weim (6 months) had bad hips. At friends urging she went to a second vet who indicated that they could not see any issues and suggested that she wait and have the dog re-examined when he was older.

I hate to think how many owners have neutered a show/breeding prospect based on a vet's incorrect dx of hip dysplasia. Every breeder should educate themselves on what a good hip xray should look like.

I used to prelim every dog I kept for showing and breeding when they were 6 to 7 months of age. Back then OFA certified at 12 months, so those dogs were done again at 12 months and send to OFA. After they  upped the age to 24 months, I still did the 6 month preliminary, OFA at 24 months.  I only had one dog change for the worst from the prelim to the OFA evaluation.

I had one prelim Fair at 12 months and Mild at 24 months. Had another prelim fair at 12 months, and good at 24 months. So it can change either way. DId have a pup 10 month old recently who's Vet determined HD, and I made the owner get a 2nd opinion and went with her to the Vet. Xrays showed no HD, the pup had Pano. I think some vets see German Shepherd + limp and it has to be HD.  

Thanks for the responses. It is good to hear that there are people that have had some experiences that suggest that jumping into neutering a dog (or worse) at a young age due to prelims is not the best choice. It seems logical to always have a second opinion (and a third if necessary).

I have a 6 mo old pup  with a prelim that OFA read as severe HD.  Pup  has a mild limp.  My vet did not advise surgery now, just medical treatment with Adequan and Synovi-G3.  I plan to repeat  X-rays in the future, I'm not sure when. If pup is worse and needs surgery what is the best age? Does pup need to be done growing before a total hip replacement? What is the success rate for TPO (triple pelvic osteotomy) ? Is there any chance that the next X-rays will show improvement after medical treatment?   I hate having to put pup thru surgery, and I really can't afford it.  What is the prognosis with or without surgery? Obviously I need to keep pup  thin and do lots of strengthening exercise with swimming and leash walking, as well as no jumping or concussive activities. Is there anything that can be  done as far as physical therapy or massage therapy?

Thanks for any advice. I love this pup's disposition and I had such high hopes for her for a working career, Not to be... If I can just keep her comfortable and happy as long as possible I will be happy.

Give her time, leftbarrel. Keep her thin,  give her the supplements, force rest, and she will probably get over her lameness. I've seen it more than once. One of mine had severe HD on his xray. He was very lame at 7 months and was jumping 6 foot fences a year later. He lived the good life as a companion to a blind child.  Good luck...................keep the faith. Surgery is not always necessary.