Hip/Elbow x-rays-- - Page 1

For GSD's;  really what is the best age for prelim's? 

I personally feel that about 14-16 months old is a good time to do pre-lims... I did pre-lims on my dog when he was 11 months and then had another xray done of his hips when he was 15 months... there were changes in his hips in 6 months. Not saying that a dog should not be xrayed when it is younger. I just feel that 14-16 months is a good time to really see what the hips look like.

Thanks Jyl;  If I wait that long why not wait until 24 months and you can certify??  That would mean putting them under 2 times in less than a year.  Really don't like that much.  Or did you use anatesia?? (SP  sorry)??   WOW;  what kind of changes in a 6 month period did you have?  Just curious.  Can you post x-rays for me to take a look?  Thanks so much,  Nan

I do 6-7 months but I'm a worry wart and do lots of dog sports so if the joints are sound, we have some age-appropriate training drills we can start at that age.  So far of the dogs I've checked at that age, all have gone OFA Good or A1 at 2 years.

Thanks VK and I wished I had done a 6 month x-ray;  however my boy is now 1 year and I am in question whether to do him now due to his current activities or can I wait until 2 years old.  Preferrably I would rather x-ray now.  So thank you maybe I answered my own question;  however really do not want to put him under to get these x-rays and he is 90+ pounds so know I am going to have to use anthesia.    Thx again,  Nan

How about asking the vet for a sedative that leaves the dog very drowsy but able to walk (more like stumble, so one should be careful about loading the dog back into a vehicle) after a couple of hours?   Worked for my dog when we did x-rays.  The sedative definitely left my dog sleepy the rest of the day, so the effects last quite a few hours but much less expensive and I think safer than full anesthesia.

Why do they have to be "put under"?  My vet uses a reversable sedative, though he does not reverse it, but it's always worn off by the time I pick up my dog. It's not an anaesthesia.

I don't have much patience, have always prelimed a promising puppy at 6 month (hips) and at 24 months for OFA certification. I've never had any change, but sometimes they do. Sedation to the point of relaxation is a must for me.

I agree Blitzen:  but due his wrecks at that critical age I just decided not to put him under at that time or even sedate him.  Now I kind of wished I had as  I am wondering what hips/elbows look like and have to find vet to do x-rays.  S_ _ _ .  Thx  Nan