need advice on 5 mo. old GSD - Page 1

I'm new here and may be on the wrong forum/website.
I have bought a GS puppy from a local man. This is my 3rd. GSD. I'm not interested in breeding him or showing him. I only want a healthy happy strong dog. However, I am noticing that he walks funny. Almost like his backend is constricted. He doesn't extend his hind legs when he runs. When he does run, it's only for a short distance. I'm really afraid that this pup my have dysplasia. He also has one ear that isn't up yet and only one decended testicle. He's not yet fixed. Should I get his hips checked first? I mean, before getting him neutered? The vet said we will xray him at the same time we neuter him. Isn't it important to know about his hips very early?
Any help will be appreciated,
toothfairy51

Addendum:
I love him already and would never give him back to the breeder. I only want to know how to help this pup have a comfortable life

Yes, have xrays of hips done. You and your vet may consider having hime examined by an orthopedic vet, as well. Good luck with your puppy-he is lucky to have you.:-)

Thank you, Mystere.
The ear, I'm not worried about. It's kind of cute and it may still come up, he is still working on his teeth.
Our other 2 GSD's were/are not perfect but never a hip problem. I'm quite upset about this because I don't ever want him to be in pain.
I also wonder what my options are with this breeder.
toothfairy51

have his hips checked, if they're clear then have his knees and hocks checked too...

if you have a contract, it will stipulate your options, if not the breeder has all the options, unless you live in a puppy lemon law state, then the state stipulates your rights. 

can you get a video of your pup running and post it?

Yes, I will get a short video, Please watch for it later today. By the way, I live in Florida.

I know exactly how you feel. My 21 month old WL GSD has very severe HD. However I have been taking her twice a week to sweimming for about a year and although you still cannot see much muscle tone on her back end, her hips don't dislocate anymore and she's not anywhere near as stiff and awkward as she used to be.

So yes it is very possible to do some very basic, simple things to help your pup have a less painful life. It may be that further down the line, as an adult, a hip replacement may be feasible. Althought this is quite drastic IMO for a dog to have to go through, it can only be to your dog's advantage to have strong muscles before any type of formal treatment or surgery.

Good luck. Your pup is lucky to have you.

Your pup may also be suffering from Pano. I had the same problems with a pup earlier this year, her movement was constricted and she was also very clumsy when she walked, ran or jumped. It was most noticeable in her hind legs, but there was signs of stiffness in her front legs from time to time. I had the vet x-ray her hips and they looked good. The consensus from the vet and others here was that it was Pano causing the problems. She's 11 months old now and hasn't had any issues for the past few months.  

Hopefully your pup is experiencing the same issue.

I'm sorry, I don't know how to post a video on this forum. I've been trying to figure it out. I feel really, duh.