German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

shadowrocke · Member Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 10 Location: minnesota

I had a customer of mine call me regarding a previous puppy that they purchased from someone else. they are wanting to know if hip dysplasia can be detected at 7 months of age. the breeder for this puppy is denying that is true. Any info you can provide would be wonderful.

Tony · Master Joined: 22 Oct 2002 Posts: 197 Location: Iowa

If the pup has hip dysplasia, you would think that an x-ray would show it. If the x-ray doesn't show it at 7-months, that doesn't mean that the pup will not develop it later.

dualgwp · Posted: 12/08/05, 5:32 pm Post subject: bad hips

I'll agree with Tony... the only way to know if the hips are bad are by having an xray done.
I've heard of vets giving owners some bad advice without having xrays... you have to see it via the picture.
If the puppy is lame or sore constantly, xrays would be in order.

shadowrocke · Member Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 10 Location: minnesota

There have been x-rays taken. The vet that took them called the University immediately. They already have an appointment with them to have further diagnoses done. But the owner is really upset that the breeder is being naive. Telling them that there is no way possible that the pup has dysplasia.

dualgwp · Posted: 12/09/05, 11:31 am Post subject:

If the xrays show deterioration of the joint, or a poorly fitting joint, the breeder has to swallow their pride and accept what they have produced. Even in the best bred litters, with OFA'd parents, puppies can end up with varying degrees of hip problems.

Sometimes there are mitigating circumstances, an accident, poor diet that can make borderline hips not great. Until the xrays are looked at by someone with lots of experience reading hip radiographs you'll never know.

Hopefully once the breeder gets a chance to look at the xrays they will come around in their thinking...... and make appropriate changes to their future breeding plans. Unfortunately some will never accept the responsibility..... let's hope this one is not one of them.

FCwire · Posted: 12/09/05, 5:39 pm Post subject: Hip dysplasia in 7M/O dog

Just thought I'd add my 2c's. While X-rays help, hip dysplasia is just as much a clinical diagnosis, and I would wait to see what the local university hospital has to say (which one?). For example, I have a non-gwp with apparently dysplastic hip joints on X-ray, though has never and probably will never be lame. On the flip side, while things may appear normal on X-rays, dogs can still present lame. Just as common are other diseases of youth, such as OCD (osteochondrosis dissecans) or HOD (hypertrophic osteodystrophy), which may or may not be localized at the hip joint. Dualgwp is correct in saying that even if both parents have clean hips, offspring can develop dysplastic hips, either congenital or secondary to trauma. Good luck!

shadowrocke · Member Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 10 Location: minnesota

The University of Minnesota is the University that the pup will be taken to. The owner told me she will keep me posted. I am hoping that things will work out for them. They know the dog will never be perfect, but they are willing to give it a try.

As for the breeder, maybe after the other diagnoses maybe they will inderstand. Thank you for all of your info and help. I will keep you posted on the findings.

DevataGWP · Junior Joined: 27 Dec 2005 Posts: 28

Do you know if the hips were checked of the parents of this GWP? Just curious?

Sherry