I have a bad feeling

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I have a sinking feeling that Stuart might have hip dysplasia.  For those of you who are not aware, Stuart was a F1 goldendoodle puppy that came to me from a Golden Retriever rescue organization at 8 weeks - he is now 9 months.  I knew going into it that we would run the risk of health issues as puppy mills (where he was born) are not known for using quality breeding animals.  For this very reason, we did purchase PetPlan Insurance for Stuart.  Here is why I am thinking we may have a problem;

1.  Stuart has a very "swishy" walk - don't know how to explain it but others have commented

2.  Stuart does not jump very often - we use an ottoman to help get him up onto my bed, and he'll put his front paws up and into the SUV but I have to lift his back end up - he won't or can't jump in - even the lower side door

3.  Twice now I have seen him get up from sleeping on the tile floor and noticed that for the first step or two - he is limping/stiff - it goes right away but . . .

So now what do I do? 

1.  I will start him on a Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement - any suggestions of which ones and how much?

2.  Should I wait for the symptoms to get worse before having the x-rays done for a diagnosis?  I'm afraid to go down this road too early as I don't want the insurance company to limit future claims.  Anyone know how that works?

I'm trying not to worry - I know that many dogs can and do live full lives with hip dysplasia but it just hurts my heart to think of him having to suffer with this.  If you have any suggestions or tips I'd appreciate it.

************UPDATE

I have decided to have Stuart's hips checked out at his 1 year check which will be April.  Until then I have put him on Glyco-Flex III.  Which says it contains Perna, Glucosamine, MSM, DMG & Antioxidants for joint health.  Might just be making expensive pee - but I don't think it can hurt him any so why not give it a try until we find out.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Thanks everyone for all the links (very informative), tips, opintions and support.  You'll see in the update above that I am going to have his hips checked at his 1 year birthday.  Until then we've put him on supplements in the off chance that they might help.  Stuart is and always will be - no matter what - my baby.  I will do whatever needs to be done to help him live a long and healthy life. 

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

Until then, Stuart better be careful when he's around his girlfriend! lol looks like she can get a little rough with the poor guy! haha

[Dori & Rua]

Heck, much of those issues sound like mine...I am now taking Glucosamine & Chondroitin, too!  Anyway...just hope it is nothing but Stuart being Stuart.  We'll keep our fingers & paws crossed.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I think HP is a thought in everyone of our minds with the larger doodles...I have no advice accept to say, You are a good doodle mom and we all know you will do whatever it takes.

Hugs from us in Ohio.

[Susan and Sasha]

Oh Jane...

I understand your concern.

Good idea to get him checked out...and I saw your update that you will at one year.

You take such wonderful care of your boys...and you give them So much love.

He is in such good care with his Mom!

Stuart will be in our thoughts and prayers...and we're believing that he's fine.

Hugs from Sasha and Me...

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Jane, speaking from experience, when you have the x-rays done make sure you use a vet that knows how to do hip xrays.  The wrong positioning can make a non-HD dog look like they have HD.  Also at 9 months Stuart's still growing and bone forming.  Just like a gangling teenager, everything is loosey-goosey.   If you can take him somewhere that he can swim it will help him build up the muscles and pull loose hips in for better support.  Remember bigger dogs take longer to grow and mature.  I wouldn't be too quick to think HD.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good points. The breeders don't get some of these done til 1 year.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

F, we had Harlow's hips x-rayed at 1.  Due to bad positioning AND just finishing "that time of year" AND the fact she was still growing OFA said she had a grade of mild HD.  Talk about the perfect storm of all the wrong stuff.  Breeders here on DK and other forums recommended swimming.  So we swam and at 2 when we had Harlow's x-rayed again the grading cam back GOOD!  Which was a jump of 2 grades (mild ->fair->good).  To say the least, I love, love, love swimming. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Nina, This is so encouraging especially since Jane has a pool! Thanks for posting. 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Stuart is a wonderful swimmer and swims in our pool at home at least twice a week.  I'll start letting him swim more often as I'm sure it is great exercise and if it can help his hips - I'm all for that!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Jane I think this crosses all of our minds at some point. I know I am looking for it if Quincy makes some kind odd movement. He sometimes hops like a rabbit but then he is off and walking perfectly normal. If it's any comfort I think I spent the first years of Quincy's life hoisting his behind into the SUV as well. Hopefully it is nothing to worry about and he is totally fine.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Will be thinking good thoughts for you and Stuart!!