Opinions on Xray - Page 1

Dear all:

Just had a dog I co-own xrayed.  Would like your opionions please.  She just turned 24 mos - and may be going into heat within 3 weeks of date of xray.  Not sure if that makes a difference or not,

Thank you,

heat cycle can  make a difference - the x-rays look good - the balls could be tighter in the sockets but the sockets are deep enough, everything is round and clean - I think they look A-ok and they may be tighter if she were not close to a heat cycle.

molly

Ditto to what Molly said - OFA fair to good, probably good.

The pelvic coverage indicates at least an O.F.A. "Fair" but probably better. This may well be a "Good" and might improve if checked again several weeks after the heat cycle.

Best Regards,

Bob-O

Can someone please explain how a heat cycle affects the quality(or lack thereof) of a dog's hips?  Thanks in advance.

Stephen

SGBH - it's hormonal.

http://www.offa.org/faq.html#22

When a female is in heat her hormones create laxity in the ligaments which could make hip joints appear looser.

Molly, Bob O an Blitzen.  Thank you for your opionion.  I just mailed them out to OFA today and will be on pins and needles until they come back.  I have had 3 out of 4 dogs come back with HD, so hopefully this one will pass.

Again, thank you for your reply. 

Cheryl

Just curious - why do people post asking for xray opinions. If you want one other than OFA's or before OFA if you are worried about the quality of the xray - why not pay for a board certified radiologist to look at them?  Granted some of us who have been around a while  might have an idea on the hips but the reality is the OFA grade is a crap shoot which you learn after dealing with them awhile. I'm firmly convinced the fact it says GSD on the xray starts us out in a negative position ( Just look at the percentage of excellents they give in other breeds including some w/ crap for hips). I also know from hard experience ( mine and others) that they do not grade like they claim. For example they claim to take the age of the dog into consideration - NOT. Had an 8 year old xrayed - perfect hips fit etc and absolutely no remodeling or arthritis. Got a good not an excellent. Now that could mean all 3 said good or 1 each said fair good excellent or any of a half dozen other combos ie it's a crap shoot depending on who's reading that day. At least paying for a board certified radiologist to look at them you have another opinion and one that actually has a name attached to it.

TIG, the reason folks post xrays for impressions, is because there are a number of very experienced GSD enthusiasts who are willing to share their ideas about these xrays.  Folks value their ideas about these xrays. Some of these experienced GSD enthusiasts are very good at reading xrays and their impressions can be helpful, and posters want instant feedback in many cases.  I disagree with your view of the OFA.  Most of the time their work is good.  What creates grey areas is when a xray is not positioned properly, or a bitch is too close to heat.  I know several GSD breeders who only breed OFA good or better and have eliminated disabling HD in their progeny as adults. Your suggestion of having a suplementary reading from a board certified veterinary radiologist is a good idea for someone who wants to spend the money, but I don't think it  is really necessary unless there is a grey area of interpretation.  When I have an xray done, I always have other experienced GSD breeders look at them in addition to the vet taking them whom I respect very much.  I like the feedback.