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, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, Amy!  Age and inflation increases certainly seem fair.  I'm surprised and happy that they don't take claim counts into consideration.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

they said that among pet insurance companies, they actually had the lowest inflation costs this year and that is due to the fact that they have so many policyholders and were able to spread the increase over more people.

[Martha & Cooper]

Amy,  Did your premium go up $50.00 more than you were paying or up to $50.00?   I only pay $26.00 per month for Cooper's now and he is just now two.   Thanks for the info. 

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Martha, I pay on an annual basis so it went up $50 for the year which would work out to be just over $4 a month.  I pay it in one lump sum because they give you a discount for making only 1 payment.  :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jane, I have no advice, but just wanted to say I hope Stuart is fine. You know I love him :) (and Rooney too)

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Jane-just seeing this now, I really hope that it turns out to be nothing. It's hard to think of our doods in pain-hopefully the supplements will help!! Good luck and keep us posted after his year visit!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hi Jaen, thanks for the update. I'd be curious to know if you notice a difference with the supplements. Keep us posted!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Cooper too has a swishy walk, and im paranoid about hip displaysia. I think giving glucosamine etc for a while and getting him checked in April is a good idea. Good luck!