[greta]

I recently had my dog tested with OFA and the results came back mild dyplasia(sp). I have spent a lot of time with her and don't know what to do. Her parents were:

Dam - Excellent with good and excellent parents

sire: Good also with Good and excellent parents.

If this is genetic, could the xray have been distorted, I also understand the objectivity of ofa readings.

Would you retest? OFA or PennHIPP? I read a recent post about PennHIPP and some of the pros and cons of each. She is guaranteed, I could get my money back etc. etc, but i don't want to "give up" yet. Too much time invested.

 

[FOM]

Do you trust the Vet who did the first set of Xrays and the outcome?

Will you be able to live with yourself if you do not get closure with a 2nd opinion?

My vote is get a 2nd opinion.

FOM

 

[Trevor Toberny]

if in doubt get a second opinion.

 

[Guest]

1) I could never send a dog back to satisfy a guarantee... Not sure if that's what you're dealing with or not. But, beyond that, there's absolutely NO reason to "give up" unless you're a die-hard breeder, which I don't think you are?

2) ALWAYS ALWAYS, ALWAYS get a 2nd opinion, preferably from a 2nd experienced vet OR have your vet reshoot them a few months from now.

3) IF YOUR DOG IS NOT IN PAIN, that's all that "should" really matter. We have three "old folks" -- that's their new name. Two females that are 10 and a male that's 11. The male was OFA EXC and is getting pretty arthritic. One of the girls was OFA good and is just fine, still running master. The other female was rated SEVERELY dysplastic at 13 mos. Recently, her hips were reshot and the specialists (my husband was in vet school at the time) that saw the shot said she shouldn't be able to walk. Yet she's the most agile of all of them and has never had a problem.

Some dogs are very affected by it, others have it bad and are never affected. Most important thing is to keep the dog on the thin side of thin and keep them well conditioned, lost of swimming and light impact stuff.

I hope everything works out for you. But you don't have to give up...

-K

 

[goldust]

Absolutely get a 2nd opinion. I would use a different vet - one that has had extensive experience in doing OFA's. Even if you have to travel a long distance and pay more money. It may be worth it.

I know it was in my case. My girl's PennHip rating was good yet her first OFA by a local vet came back mild dyspalsia. Took her to the OFA vet I usually use and it came back good. My OFA vet said that perhaps the other vet did not rotate her legs enough - my girl is very heavily muscled and she had a hard time getting it right.

 

[Buttercup]

Definitely re-test. I can not remember what exactly it was that I heard, but I think females can have "looser" hip-sockets either before or after a heat cycle. Logically I would assume it is after to make birthing easier. I would contact one of the Vets who frequent this site or maybe do a search on the subject, especially if she has recently completed a cycle or is due to cycle soon.

 

[Southern Rebel]

Go to a vet or a radiologist who has performed many, many OFA X-rays! It is not only a science, but an art of doing it right.

Some factors that will cause a bad report are:

1. Females near a heat cycle.

2. Sedation (causes dogs hips to relax too much)

3. Improper positioning of hips and front legs of dog during x-rays

If both parents were OFA'd like you said, chances are, there was a mistake somewhere.

You should also talk to the breeder to find out if any other siblings or offspring from either parent have had bad hips.

 

[lablover]

Without a doubt, get a second opinion!
I had this problem once and was sure it was wrong.
I got another set of hip x-rays, by a VET that KNOWS how to position the dog properly to take the x-rays. This is critical!!

Take the time to call around and find out. You could even call OFA and ask for a list of certified VETS in your area.

 

[jimandkristine]

I would re-test and find a vet who can do both ofa and penn hip xrays and get them both done at the same time.

I know of a dog who was a MH and had severe HD. Hasnt slowed him down yet and he is at least 3 by now.

Also wanted to note that swimming is the best and easiest exercise for the joints.
I would also start a glucosamine supplement.

Wishin you luck!
Kristine

 

[Steve Shaver]

How about elbows? Same advise?

 

[Misty Marsh]

It's very possible to have a displastic dog out of two OFA excellant parents, so unfortunatly it may have happened to your dog. Before I would to anything too drastic I would definatly have a second opinion by a orthopedic vet who really knows his/her stuff and ow to take slides. They can also give thier educated opinions on the reading afterwards also.

 

[jimandkristine]

How about elbows? Same advise?

Yes get a second opinion from a vet who is experienced with OFA.