Is it too late?

[Jessiewessie99]

Is it too late to get my dogs hips and elbows checked? Which is more reasonable to get? No, I don't plan on breeding my dogs, both are fixed. I just think it would be a good idea to get their hips done.

Molly is 4 and Tanner is 5. Are they too old to get their hips & elbows done? Are there any physical characteristics that a dog may exhibit that could possibly mean the dog has HD? Neither dog walks awkwardly, or anything.They don't show they are pain in any legs. But are there physical signs of possible HD? Both dogs are healthy and have no problems of any other health problems.

I am wondering as Molly loves to jump like a ninja and is very active and Tanner also like to run and play. Just thought it would be a good idea to get their hips done? Also are elbows necessary to? Even if its just so I know? I am going to talk to my parents and see if they want to and if its worth it. Of course if either dog ends up with any kind of HD, I will still love them very much and do what I can to make sure they live as pain free as possible.

Thanks!

[KZoppa]

I'm on the fence. half and half kinda deal.

On one hand i think it would be okay. Better to know and be prepared for the possibility later down the road than be surprised. But its not cheap and with no intention or ability to breed them, i dont think spending the money would really be "worth" it. Does that make sense?

On the other hand, as long as they're being fed right, you could add glucosamine to their daily vitamins to help boost their joint health. Beyond that spending money on xrays, after locating a vet who can do them right, it may not even really be worth it to spend that kind of money.

[Jessiewessie99]

Yeah, thats the thing my parents will first want to look into and worry about is the financial part of it.

[LisaT]

I didn't xray Max until we needed to, he was 8 or 9 at the time. I have had him on joint supplements since he was about 2 years old though.

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by Jessiewessie99

Yeah, thats the thing my parents will first want to look into and worry about is the financial part of it.

you have to figure in the cost of xrays and they'd most likely have to sedate the dogs just to make sure they get good shots. Xrays alone arent cheap. I mean they're altered so OFA wouldnt even be a cost factor since they're not breedable. Being in California though, i think you could reasonably assume xrays would run just in the ballpark of $150 + a dog depending on how many shots they'd have to do, experience of the people placing the dogs on the table, etc.

[robinhuerta]

Jessica.....my opinion would be ..not to bother.
The ONLY reason that I say this is because...you are not planning on breeding...AND...since you are conscience about their health on a daily basis....there's not much more you could do besides supplements anyway....
IF there ever comes a time to "question" a symptomatic condition...then have x rays taken...to validate a problem.
JMO.

[Jessiewessie99]

Our dogs aren't on supplements either, maybe when they get older. I don't remember putting my previous dogs on them either. Max was on meds for his skin problems. We just never had the need or felt the need to give them to our dogs.

But mainly for Molly as she loves to be active and do her ninja moves.

[KZoppa]

for Molly i would definitely put her on glucosamine just to help keep her joints nice and cushioned. Course it might make her more likely to jump her way everywhere instead of walk or run lol.

[sagelfn]

Sage(2yrs) is neutered and on supplements. I am going to xray him anyway. He is very active and we will be doing agility soon. I want to know now if there will be problems likely in the future rather than having to come up with money when symptoms show.

[Jessiewessie99]

Originally Posted by KZoppa

for Molly i would definitely put her on glucosamine just to help keep her joints nice and cushioned. Course it might make her more likely to jump her way everywhere instead of walk or run lol.

lol.that would crazy.