HD questions - Page 1

We all know that genetics play a huge role in HD. We also know that we are to limited exercise, surfaces and jumping (see Q3). (Q1) When it comes to diet what are we looking for? I know you don't want a heavy/fat puppy due to health problems but can being too skinny be harmful? (Q2)  Seeing the last rib on a 2, 4 or 6 month old? Would that cause lack of nutrients needed for health growth in the hip area?

(Q3) Also how do you keep an active puppy from jumping on the back legs (when in the crate, kennels, and playtime)? And does that really help cause HD?

(Q4) What do you think of a dog that had good sockets, nicely shaped femoral head, set good in the socket at around 8 months and at the age of 2 arthritis and changes on both Femoral head. Dog was kept very thin and active. Would this be grounds of genetics or environment?


I would like to hear others opinions on this

Thanks
EK

Q1). Being too skinny isn't good, but being overweight is far worse for the joints. My aim is to keep young dogs(8mths) at the optimum weight, so you cant see the ribs but can feel the bottom 2 with gentle pressure. Use the palms of your hands NOT your fingertips. As far as pups 2 4 6 months I like a bit of puppy fat on them. Certainly no ribs showing.

Q2). As above

Q3). You cant really stop that, its more leaping of objects that causes the damage EG.beds stairs etc. (impact)

Q4). There is no real answer it could be either really.  Were the parents-grandparents scored? if so what results?  
         By very thin and active what do you mean? was the pup over exercised? under nourished?


There is a fine line and different people have different ways I have some basic rules I adhere to.

No more than 5 Min's exercise for every month EG. 2 mth old pup gets 10 Min's walking X2 per day

Feed the best quality kibble you can afford and no more than 24% protein fast growth isn't good slow steady is what I aim for.

Lots of swimming is great for pups it helps build muscle without impact on the joints. 

Food exercise and training is all little and often.

You might think this strange,but it is the truth.

Our pups have free reign of 20 acres. The bitch has her favorite paths that she follows twice a day,once in the morning,once early evening. She engourage her babies to follow her. Of course the rest of the pact all adults accompany and protect the babies.  During the day when the pups are not sleeping they are playing on our small traning field,climbing up and down the A frame,only half erected offcourse. Then they all sukcle mom and fall asleep with all the adults. Been very blesses,not plaqued with H.D. I feed Taste of the Wild Prairie,from pup to adult. Get a good deal on thid food in Central On. Canada.
Get it delivered to my home for $44 for a 30 lb. bag,that includes tax.

May God bless you all.

 Gouda

I let all my pups and adults free exercise.  if they want to run so be it, if they want to be lazy that day, thats fine too.  it all comes down to good common sense.  would you allow a growing pup to leap off ledges? jump out of back of trucks?  generally no.  but casual running and jumping is all part of growing up.  I think if these exercises are prevented, such as being kenneled or crated all day, then it too also affects the joint health. all those muscles and tendons which pull and hold the joints together need to be stretched and exercised.  lounging in a kennel all day won't do it.

my young dogs are generally pretty skinny. they keep them selves that way running and playing.  I don't see mine start putting on weight till after their first heat cycles.  then they tend to put on more weight and mass.

on Q4, I would view that has more genetics.  early degeneration of a joint would not be enviroment if the dog received proper nutrition and exercise.

I agree with both Uberland and Gouda
the dogs need to develop the gluteal muscles to stabilise the joint, mine have free run from day one on the field, highest hip score I have had is 2:4 and lowest 0:0.
It is heavy road work that , although not causing HD will contribute to it being worse.
Re degenarative changes again I believe genetic, I have had two dogs with OCD one a shoulder joint the other elbow joints, (both dogs grew over size 1 was 72cm and 42kg at month month although lean, the other 40kg 78cm at 12 mth again kept lean and well muscled,) even though reared the same as all my others.