9 month old GSD xrays, will they tighten up with age? - Page 1

Any thoughts appreciated
Thanks Jan

Oh Jan.... I wouldn't count on it :o( if the dog has no issues, keep it active, lean, on good diet and then just enjoy this puppy for as long as you can.

Even if they did tighten up a LITTLE bit, the sockets are not deep enough.  moderate dysplasia at this stage would probably be the best you could get.  If they could tighten up to make a better contract in the socket that would be good for the dog but they will never be deep enough sockets.  That probably won't change.  So sorry.  Like stated above, keep very lean, low impact exercise, walking  on sandy beach, swimming would be great.  Best of luck  Nan  This is MY humble opinion only, possibly Molly or Jenni78 will see things differently. 

Thanks guys, I knew they looked bad.  I had heard they may tighten up with age, but didnt see the shallow sockets.  I thank you so much for your expertise.  She is showing no signs of problems yet, and thinks she can run like the wind.  LOL She is a very nice dog.  Thanks again
Jan ;-)

And Jan:  she may never have any problems at all,  they may be just fine for her whole life.  Let's hope that this is the case for her, but I would not road work this dog;  just keep lean and low impact exercise and she should be great.  Best of luck  Nan

And if you can I would check into stem cell treatment to see if this might be an option later in her life if it is needed.  They are doing great things with stem cells now.  Nan

oh boy not a good set of hips, i dont see them getting any better, as they get older it will get worst, i will also say i have a dog with one bad hip and she is 6 years now and still never has any problems. so you never know she may never show signs of a problem.

That would be wonderful if she has a full life with no hip problems.  I want to thank everyone for your well wishes and helping me with this.  I appreciate you all very much.  Jan ;-)

Nan and others have suggested some great tips to help keep problems at bay. I would also suggest adding a glucosamine chondroiten supplement to her diet, with your vet's approval of course. My JRT has a horrible case of patellar lunation. Grade3, borderline Grade4. No issues yet, and he's over 6yrs now, but he has also been taking over the counter glucoasime and chondroiten supplements for years. Keeping a Jack Russell from doing any high-impact activites? Heh, not so easy. I've seen dogs with very poor hip xrays, much worse than yours, never show any clinical signs till their golden years when they'd be old and arthritic anyhow. My local vet recommended knee surgery for my terrier a long time ago. Talking with orthopedic vets, it made more sense to leave well enough alone, and deal with issues IF they crop up. Enjoy your pup, and don't fret about possible complications; because it may never come to that :-)

And if you do add glucoasmine/chondroiten to her diet, get a good human grade supplement as I read lately that the doggie stuff is not what it should be as far as quality.  I would probably give this girl salmon oil/Vit E capsules daily as that is a natural anti inflamatory.  I would rather give the salmon/Vit E than the glucoasmine/chondroten,  JMO as I was told the dogs do not utilize it.??  Nan  BOL whatever you do.

We give our old dog (only 9 years but with some severe spondylosis) a product called Recovry SA that contains glucosamine and MSM as well as some herbal and other nutraceuticals, and it has given him a new lease on life.  September a year ago, I thought we would soon be making that unhappy decision due to his failing mobility and wobbliness.   But after three weeks on this supplement, he began to show more mobility, going up the stairs, jumping into the pickup, just generally feeling better and happier.  In a dog that does not know what he is taking, it cannot be psychosomatic.  He has also been on Rimadyl since diagnosed at 4 years, and he must stay on it, with blood tests every 6 months to ensure organ health, but adding the Recovery to his food has made a huge, obvious difference in his attitude and mobility.
They make it for people, horses and small animals:  http://www.recoverysa.com/recovery_sa.htm 

Caveat:  No I do not sell it, represent the manufacturer nor do I know anyone associated with it's manufacture and sales.  I am merely stating our experience with the product.

Connie Doan
BC Canada