Adopting a GSD

lkcheertex · 05-05-2011, 03:55 PM

I am looking into adopting a GSD from a local rescue. I don't know that they know the history of this dog but are there any questions that you would ask about hips, etc.?

**JakodaCD OA** · 05-05-2011, 03:57 PM

I would ask if they have any background on the dog, how did it get into rescue?
Has it been tested with other dogs, cats, kids?
Any behavioral issues?
What if any, health testing has been done?

Emoore · 05-05-2011, 03:58 PM

If you're extremely concerned about hips, you can ask to take the dog and have it x-rayed by your vet, on your dime. Rescues don't have the resources to do this on their dogs, so I sincerely doubt they'll know anything about this dog's hips.

Stosh · 05-05-2011, 03:58 PM

I'm not sure how much info a rescue would have on hips/elbows, but it couldn't hurt to ask. I would be more concerned about heartworm, if it's up to date on shots, and the temperament.

lkcheertex · 05-05-2011, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emoore

If you're extremely concerned about hips, you can ask to take the dog and have it x-rayed by your vet, on your dime. Rescues don't have the resources to do this on their dogs, so I sincerely doubt they'll know anything about this dog's hips.

Any clue in what range this would cost?

Stosh · 05-05-2011, 04:15 PM

My vet gave me an estimate of $90 for anesthesia [they charge by weight] and $100 for hip xrays. Is the dog displaying symptoms of dysplasia?

lkcheertex · 05-05-2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stosh

My vet gave me an estimate of $90 for anesthesia [they charge by weight] and $100 for hip xrays. Is the dog displaying symptoms of dysplasia?

I haven't met the dog yet so I can't say but being a GSD it's definitely a concern of mine. Are there any symptoms I should look for?

jaggirl47 · 05-05-2011, 04:25 PM

Personally, if I were you, I would worry much more about the overall health of the dog. There are genetic illnesses, GI issues, etc that I would ask about well before the hips. In most cases, even if the dog has HD, they will still live a full life. My 10 y/o has HD but unfortunately cannot have a hip replacement due to lab work. I keep him leaner and you would never know. Now, his GI issues are what concern me the most. It's nothing new for me to have to drop $500-$1000 in a nightfor an emergency vet visit.
Just to ask, how familiar are you with GSD's? I know you have your mix, but overall, how much do you know and understand about the breed?

lkcheertex · 05-05-2011, 04:29 PM

I am well read on the breed but I am sure there is more I can learn. I haven't had hands on experience with a full GSD since I was a child. If there is a point I am missing or you have some advice, I am open to all information.

jaggirl47 · 05-05-2011, 04:34 PM

When you speak with the rescue about the dog, make sure you ask how it is eating, how the stools are, if there are any weight issues, what type of temperment it has, if it good around other dogs/cats/children, why it is being rehomed, what history they know about it, and if they have noticed any painful joints/limping, etc.
Look through this site. There are vast amounts of info you can read up on with health issues the GSD can suffer from.
Also, thank you for choosing to adopt.

05-05-2011, 03:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
lkcheertex Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 131	Adopting a GSD I am looking into adopting a GSD from a local rescue. I don't know that they know the history of this dog but are there any questions that you would ask about hips, etc.? __________________ Bella - GSD mix (3/21/10) Harley - GSD (2/10)

05-05-2011, 03:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
JakodaCD OA Moderator Join Date: May 2000 Location: Old Lyme, CT USA Posts: 14,237	I would ask if they have any background on the dog, how did it get into rescue? Has it been tested with other dogs, cats, kids? Any behavioral issues? What if any, health testing has been done? __________________ Diane Danger Danger vom Kleinen Hain aka Masi "Angel" Jakoda's Bewitchen Sami CD OA OAJ OAC NGC OJC RS-O GS-N JS-O TT HIC CGC "Angel" Steinwald's Four x Four CGC HIC TT Harmonyhill's Hy Jynx NA NAJ NAC NJC RS-N JS-N HIC Jakoda's Jagged Edge

05-05-2011, 03:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
Emoore Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North DFW, TX Posts: 9,215	If you're extremely concerned about hips, you can ask to take the dog and have it x-rayed by your vet, on your dime. Rescues don't have the resources to do this on their dogs, so I sincerely doubt they'll know anything about this dog's hips. __________________ Rocky vom Backyard- 10 years young Kopper vom Felssclucht Bach - 17 months At the Bridge: Cash van der Animal Shelter 2006-2010

05-05-2011, 04:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
jaggirl47 Knighted Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington Posts: 2,936	Personally, if I were you, I would worry much more about the overall health of the dog. There are genetic illnesses, GI issues, etc that I would ask about well before the hips. In most cases, even if the dog has HD, they will still live a full life. My 10 y/o has HD but unfortunately cannot have a hip replacement due to lab work. I keep him leaner and you would never know. Now, his GI issues are what concern me the most. It's nothing new for me to have to drop $500-$1000 in a nightfor an emergency vet visit. Just to ask, how familiar are you with GSD's? I know you have your mix, but overall, how much do you know and understand about the breed? __________________ SBD Posejpal's Leyna, HCTs Coming Soon: SBD Posejpal's Jagermeister...call name Zeus At the rainbow bridge: Zappa 12/27/2000-1/23/2012 You are my heart, my soul, and my best friend. You will be with me always.

05-05-2011, 04:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
lkcheertex Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 131	I am well read on the breed but I am sure there is more I can learn. I haven't had hands on experience with a full GSD since I was a child. If there is a point I am missing or you have some advice, I am open to all information. __________________ Bella - GSD mix (3/21/10) Harley - GSD (2/10)

05-05-2011, 03:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	I'm not sure how much info a rescue would have on hips/elbows, but it couldn't hurt to ask. I would be more concerned about heartworm, if it's up to date on shots, and the temperament.

05-05-2011, 04:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	My vet gave me an estimate of $90 for anesthesia [they charge by weight] and $100 for hip xrays. Is the dog displaying symptoms of dysplasia?

05-05-2011, 04:34 PM	#10 (permalink)
jaggirl47 Knighted Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Washington Posts: 2,936	When you speak with the rescue about the dog, make sure you ask how it is eating, how the stools are, if there are any weight issues, what type of temperment it has, if it good around other dogs/cats/children, why it is being rehomed, what history they know about it, and if they have noticed any painful joints/limping, etc. Look through this site. There are vast amounts of info you can read up on with health issues the GSD can suffer from. Also, thank you for choosing to adopt. __________________ SBD Posejpal's Leyna, HCTs Coming Soon: SBD Posejpal's Jagermeister...call name Zeus At the rainbow bridge: Zappa 12/27/2000-1/23/2012 You are my heart, my soul, and my best friend. You will be with me always.

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