Anyone do hiptesting on a spayed/neutered dog to ensure breeder guarantee at 2 y/o?

[Bonne Bouche]

Maybe a very odd question, but has anyone done a precautionary OFA or PennHIP test on their doodle just because?

What I mean is, BB is neutered, so we have no need to test him for breeding purposes, however our breeder guarantees hips up till 2 years of age. BB has no indication that he has any hip problems, but I'm about to renew our Wellness Embrace coverage, and if we choose wellness+ it would cover hip testing, the basic wellness plan does not. I doubt we would need the wellness+ It wouldn't be "free", but if we did find something, it would be beneficial to know NOW rather than in a couple of years...

Just curious if anyone else has tested hips without any physical signs of hip problems...  Also, if hips are NOT a problem before 2 years of age, (and weight is managed properly throughout the lifetime) is it common for hip problems to develop later in life?

Edited: I didn't realize that OFA and PennHIP testing requires sedation. It clearly isn't something that should be done without just cause, for which BB does not have. Check out the video posted below for a very insightful perspective on hip dysplasia and hip testing (Thanks Ricki!)

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

If this helps, Wally's initial diagnosis was made during his first annual physical exam.  When the vet extended his hind legs as part of the appointment, Wally cried.  X-rays in the office (while he was awake - not PennHIP and not OFA) confirmed the vet's suspicion.  Afterwards, Wally was seen by a canine orthopedist, who agreed that Wally has hip dysplasia.  It was never necessary to have any further testing.  He shows no physical signs (except that he walks a bit like Marilyn Monroe), and the specialist said that it's important to "treat the dog, not the test results."  So, besides keeping him lean, well-exercised and giving him supplements, he's been fine.  Fingers and toes are crossed that he stays that way!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

IMO - and maybe I am the nutty one, but I can't imagine why you would do this just to check the dog's guarantee rather than that you suspect a problem. Why put the dog through x-rays (remember that you should not x-ray unnecessarily), sedation, trauma?  What are you going to to with the information if there is not really a health concern?  But then I don't believe in going to the  doctor or dogtor without a specific purpose - we go for shots, illnesses, injuries. My vet checks the dog generally whenever we take them in which includes checking out the hips and legs  - like human babies check-ups.   And finally, I have better things to do with my money, because x-rays aren't cheap.

Sorry if I am out of line on this, but you asked.  I have had terminally ill, and injured people and dogs for real so I don't feel the need to investigate unnecessarily.

[Bonne Bouche]

I am not even considering it, anymore. I guess I didn't make that clear.

Perhaps I should have researched it more before posting, but my impression was that it was just a simple x-ray. And definitely not something that required sedation. I would never put BB through unnecessary trauma, and one of the reasons I asked was because It would have been essentially covered under the wellness benefits. I recognize that x-rays aren't something to be throwing out here and there, but if a single x-ray WAS the only standing between knowing his hips were good/bad, to me, that isn't "that big of a deal".

Both vets he's been to have tested the range of motion in his hips, similar to that which Laurie just posted above. BB did NOT wince/cry/react. But my worry is that unlike all dog's I've ever had, BB does NOT verbally express pain, and so I doubt, even if he were in pain, he would react unless it was acute/sharp pain.

Finally, as to what I would do if I had that information -- honestly, I'm sure I would treat my dog differently, small things such as avoiding stairs more, or taking shorter walks, etc. taking more precautionary measures than with a fully healthy dog.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am sorry if I came on too strong.  I am really cranky today.  Our springer has torn two CCLs  both with surgical repair ($4,000 each time).  They were both full tears and extremely painful and he NEVER once cried or winced so I certainly understand your concern about a dog who doesn't let you know he hurts. I mention this because he is from a backyard breeder (I certainly know better now thanks to dk) and he had orthopedic problems from the get-go and was even in a medication study as a puppy.  He had x-rays then but that wouldn't have helped us in these future problems plus if you have insurance it might mess with your coverage.

[Bonne Bouche]

Its fine, I just wanted to clarify that I clearly didn't realize the extent of the testing, and I would never put BB through any unnecessary risky procedures.

I'm sorry to hear of the problems with your Spaniel. I nearly get sick with worry when BB has an "off" bowel movement. I (jokingly) tease my husband how I have no idea it will be when we have kids...  Best of luck.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I got better with the third kid! :-}  But until then, they weren't allowed to get too germy, too messy, eat anything that wasn't natural and pure ......  I don't know how they actually grew up 'normal'

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hey Nancy, Carla didn't know it was such a serious procedure that required anesthesia. Neither did I, until Adina replied to the post above. I personally thinks that if it weren't so serious and expensive then it would make sense to know, if for nothing else, then the peace of mind, but also to know what supllements might help and any other preventative measures. But you are right, there is no sense in putting the doodle through all that and paying all that money.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You are right, Sherri.  I did know and assumed that everyone else did too, but you know what happens when you take the u out of assume....... :-}

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think if your dog's parents had good hip scores (and you verified this), and if you have insurance, there is really no need to put your dog through any kind of testing if you are not seeing a problem.

To put things in perspective, if a dog did have to have hip surgery, the cost is around 4000-5000 per hip, depnding on the size of the dog and the severity of the problem. Even if it could be shown that the problem was genetic and your breeder refunded half of your purchase price, you still have a pretty hefty vet bill there and you're going to need that insurance anyway.

[Bonne Bouche]

Thanks Karen, I had no idea of the cost outside of the fact that it was "expensive". Thanks for giving perspective.

My breeder "told me" both dogs had good hip scores, but I did not verify it (something I've kicked myself for), however, I don't think I have any cause to believe I was told anything but the truth.

One thing I've learned over the past year is, I love my BB so dearly, that I would pay nearly anything if he needed me to. Since I don't make nearly enough to pay for that kind of major expenses, I'm grateful I have the "peace" of mind of Embrace coverage if I ever need it!

:]

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I wonder if there are any preventative measures that could be taken anyway, like giving them glucosamine or other supplements. Would there be any harm in that?

[F, Calla & Luca]

In human studies, as I've said many times, there is no proven benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin. Nevertheless, a bazillion dollars worth of this stuff is sold and people swear by it. I don't know that there are any supplements that could prevent dogs having problems from dysplastic hips.