Our vet has recommended that our pup has hip xrays between 16 and 20 weeks of age. Since this will require a general anaesthetic we would rather not do it unless there is good evidence to suggest it makes a difference. Both his parents had well below average hip scores and we carry him up and down our stairs. What do people think? Is this standard practice? I think the idea is that we see the surgeon who then decides if xrays are needed but the vet we saw seemed to think they would definitely want them
I'm not sure why your vet is recommending x-rays and a surgeon but am guessing that there is a hip problem under investigation?? If that is the case then x-rays will be required. Sorry I can't offer any further advice without more information
No, this is based purely on him being a lab and therefore at increased risk of hip dysplasia. He is asymptomatic.
Sorry, i could have explained myself better! Basically our vet recommends that ALL labs (and GSDs etc) have hip xrays so that if they are at risk they can have early intervention (JPS surgery). I was wondering if this is standard practice?
Certainly not standard practice in the UK. We had our dogs' hips and elbows xrayed at around 12 - 18mths, Bramble's hips and elbows were both scored. We did this as we wanted to be sure there were no problems prior to working them. A lot happens in the developing joint right up to 12months when the growth plates finally close, and as the dog matures soft tissue continues to develop to further to strengthen the joint and surrounding musculature. It is worth noting that around 15 - 45% of joint dysplasia is inherited whilst the environment - exercise, diet, weight accounts for the rest.
No, this is not standard practice and smacks of vets creating work for themselves for which you will have the privilege of paying. We had our last Lab x-rayed when he was 7 months, as he was limping on his front leg and they suspected dysplasia. While under anaesthetic they also looked at his hips (one leg looked like it was hanging off!), and furthermore encouraged me to have him castrated there and then so that he would not have to go under again - and I wouldn't have to pay for the anaesthesia either, as this was covered under the insurance when part of the investigation, rather than the neutering. Although he had joint problems he was never operated on for them. With moderation of exercise and joint supplements he managed very well. Don't be pushed into an unnecessary procedure.
The advantage to screening pups at this age rather than at 6-12months (using PennHip rather than conventional hip scoring) is that there is a procedure that can apparently prevent the irreversible damage of hip dysplasia (fusing the pubic symphysis). I'm just not sure it's justified to give him a GA for it when his inherited risk is relatively low (for the breed) and we certainly won't be over exercising him etc. Both my OH and I are from a medical background and we are finding it pretty difficult to find good evidence.
This procedure does seem to be common in the USA than here in the UK. Not sure if you have seen this info https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17223752 There is also some useful info here https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/hip-dysplasia/ What does seem to be a common thread is that the JPS should only be used up to 5.5 months to gain any improvement and only where there is evident laxity. If there are no concerns on laxity I think I would saying 'No thank you' to the vet
I wouldn't consider it at that young age unless I thought my dog had a problem. People who want to check their dogs hips, usually wait unto at least 12 months. I would not put my pup at risk of an uneccessary anaesthetic, or manipulation of the joints at that young age.
It is recommended here as well but between 16-20 MONTHS old. It is in our contract from the breeder that we should follow the advice but are not required. Only if we do the xrays and it shows something, are we required to inform him. But it's not done until much older. Our pet insurance covers the costs.
We had Harley's hips and elbows x-rayed when she went in for her spay at 7 months. We didn't have concerns but we didn't get her from a breeder so her history was unknown.
We have decided to hold off for now as there are no specific reasons to be concerned and the GA seems excessive in that context. As a medical person, going against the vets advice makes me feel uneasy, but I think we are doing the right thing. Of course, if he does develop hip dysplasia we will feel TERRIBLE.
Perhaps you need another chat with your vet and question why he is advising the x-rays and appointment with a specialist if there is no problem under investigation. He may have good reasons why he is advising this course of action but personally I would want solid facts rather than possible prevention of something that may or may not happen in the future.
Based upon that @Chewies_mum they should be doing the same with all large breed dogs as HD is a oroblem for all, more so in some than others. That amounts to an awful lot of unnecessary x-rays and ops to help prevent something that might not happen remembering that it doesn't prevent arthritis.
As I said above they recommend xrays for all breeds prone to HD. The procedure is only recommended if they find evidence of it on xray. I think it is a grey area. I would probably do it if I had a GSD, but with a lab it's not so clear cut.
