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!)

[Pat and Traveler]

I'm shocked at the immature and insensitive behavior of Ricki some people who have already won an award.  That was a loaner Hokum, not a gift.  'Nuff said.   

[F, Calla & Luca]

Imagine! A competition for the Hokum Award. Who would have thought an already competitive bunch could go this far. I just want to say I am not running for the award and if nominated I will not accept it : )

[Pat and Traveler]

F, that sounds so Presidential!  lol

[Adina P]

How did the vitamin C affect your dog with CHD?  I guess the only thing that makes me question any treatment besides surgery is that hip dysplasia is a malformed hip joint to a degree...either an issue of laxity or the ball fits into the socket, right?  So if that is totally screwed up and dysplastic, it would seem there's not much to do to 'fix' it without surgery even if supplements might possibly slow progression or add comfort.  Probably depends on the severity and where in the timeline such supplements would be given. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Well, my experience was many  years ago. I had a black lab pup about 6 months old and I was playing fetch with him one day and he fell over screaming. I rushed him to the vet where he was diagnosed with severe CHD and I was told he would not be able to walk by the time he was a year old. This was during the time when Dr. Belfield DMV was using Vitamin C in his practice to treat many illnesses including CHD. So I decided I had nothing to lose by trying it with my pup and I started to give him several grams of Vitamin C daily. As an adult he was used for hunting/retrieving waterfowl with no problems. I do not know if the C just treated his symptoms or corrected the condition as no followup xrays were taken.  From what I have read of Dr. Belfield's work his contention was that the most benefit was to be found by supplementing pregnant females and pups prior to the age of 18 months with the Vit. C. 

I, of course, didn't have my friend Wiki back then to rely on for information. But looking through the information on line now it is similar to what you see with most "natural" remedies, primarily people sharing their experiences with conflicting conclusions drawn.

I agree that with older dogs, once the joint is formed that it would be a different story and the benefit  of vitamin C would be more in treating symptoms and perhaps increasing collagen production to help keep the joint stabilized.

I can't say that my experience would be the same for someone else. I just know that I was a desperate puppy mom trying to help my baby. Vitamin C is very inexpensive and readily available and no one is going to make a fortune by trying to convince others to try it.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

When Gordie was a puppy, he was in a study and they x-rayed his joints for a baseline.  His front leg has a poor ball and socket fit and the vet said one thing we could try was to run him a lot and kind of wear the ball into a better fit.  This seemed to work because once he was solidly grown he never had another problem with the front legs.  Now if we could have done something to prevent the CCL tears.....

If you don't believe me could I please get a round of HOKUMs so I can be on my way towards earning an award too?  Please.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Sorry but no.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

:-{

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

You have to earn your hokums Nancy. Tip from the pro: Post anything to do with holistic medicine or natural supplements or treatments. Works every time!!!  Apple Cider Vinegar will certainly get a hokum so if you can't think of anything else just use that one!

[Pat and Traveler]

Heh, heh.....say you just love retractable leashes.... double dog dare 'ya... lol

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Good one Pat!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

So now we know that half the time, at least, you're just provoking us.