Our last dog had hip trouble. Keeping her weight down was a big help in holding it off but ultimately it was the pain medication that bought a few more years of comfort for her.
This was the diagnosis we were given when Farley (the real dog, Farley) began to limp and have trouble with stairs. Certain breeds of dog are more prone than others to this disorder. It’s when the socket in the hip is not sufficiently bowl-shaped to hold and support the top of the femur, allowing it to slip out of place. Eventually, as the dog grows and becomes heavier, the ball of the femur slips right out of the hip joint — a painful and disabling problem. We were told that the breeder who sold us the dog was likely responsible for Farley’s hip dysplasia.
Certain large breed dogs do have a genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia but greedy breeders who only care about their bitches turning out as many pups as possible to increase the profits, are largely responsible.Having bred, raised and trained a variety of large breed dogs, I always caution prospective dog owners, to investigate the breeder, and the dog’s lineage, thoroughly, before buying, and never purchase a pup from a “puppy mill”, or seedy pet store.
My daughter wanted another same breed dog for a playmate for female Golden Retriever found one different state the family no longer could have, yet found out that dog had hip dysplasia for one main reason not enough exercise locked in a cage. My hubby with daughter took dog to vet he explained the cost for repair be over $5000. The vet strongly suggested walks. Later my daughter/fiancé contacted that same family to bring dog back to them and told them by example of daughter’s dog on hip informing them the cost and best with dog so young long walks, after they all departed unknown what they did with their dog. The older female we have has no hip issue at all. They did gain another male she plays too rough with then a third female who will take all down. Fun times.
Yet another reason to adopt a rescue dog instead of buying from breeders. Mixes are hardier and less likely to have breed-specific issues. However, dysplasia is pretty common in larger dogs, the main prevention is controlling their weight.
Even small rat terriers have problems with thier hips. They are so active, that it is very hard to keep it down, they will run and jump all day long and then whine in pain at night(if they get in a draught). We give her a half of a low dose aspirin when it gets bad.
About 15 years ago we had a West Highland terrier, definitely NOT a large breed, who had the same hip dysplasia problem when she was quite young. The vet operated on her to deepen the bone socket. She had to remain in a cast for 6 weeks. All this left her with a real fear of vets, but thankfully cured the hip problem.
Argythree over 8 years ago
Some doctors have a strange sense of humor…
LuvThemPluggers over 8 years ago
No, Farley wants pain meds for the worst days. Vet philosophy has changed since this was written.
38lowell over 8 years ago
Been there, done that!Some are good, Some are evil!
biglar over 8 years ago
Our last dog had hip trouble. Keeping her weight down was a big help in holding it off but ultimately it was the pain medication that bought a few more years of comfort for her.
starfighter441 over 8 years ago
Farley has a breed? I always thought he was a mutt.
Atewl over 8 years ago
Lynn’s Notes:
This was the diagnosis we were given when Farley (the real dog, Farley) began to limp and have trouble with stairs. Certain breeds of dog are more prone than others to this disorder. It’s when the socket in the hip is not sufficiently bowl-shaped to hold and support the top of the femur, allowing it to slip out of place. Eventually, as the dog grows and becomes heavier, the ball of the femur slips right out of the hip joint — a painful and disabling problem. We were told that the breeder who sold us the dog was likely responsible for Farley’s hip dysplasia.
Linguist over 8 years ago
Certain large breed dogs do have a genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia but greedy breeders who only care about their bitches turning out as many pups as possible to increase the profits, are largely responsible.Having bred, raised and trained a variety of large breed dogs, I always caution prospective dog owners, to investigate the breeder, and the dog’s lineage, thoroughly, before buying, and never purchase a pup from a “puppy mill”, or seedy pet store.
kab2rb over 8 years ago
My daughter wanted another same breed dog for a playmate for female Golden Retriever found one different state the family no longer could have, yet found out that dog had hip dysplasia for one main reason not enough exercise locked in a cage. My hubby with daughter took dog to vet he explained the cost for repair be over $5000. The vet strongly suggested walks. Later my daughter/fiancé contacted that same family to bring dog back to them and told them by example of daughter’s dog on hip informing them the cost and best with dog so young long walks, after they all departed unknown what they did with their dog. The older female we have has no hip issue at all. They did gain another male she plays too rough with then a third female who will take all down. Fun times.
John Phelps over 8 years ago
Yet another reason to adopt a rescue dog instead of buying from breeders. Mixes are hardier and less likely to have breed-specific issues. However, dysplasia is pretty common in larger dogs, the main prevention is controlling their weight.
route66paul over 8 years ago
Even small rat terriers have problems with thier hips. They are so active, that it is very hard to keep it down, they will run and jump all day long and then whine in pain at night(if they get in a draught). We give her a half of a low dose aspirin when it gets bad.
Diat60 over 8 years ago
About 15 years ago we had a West Highland terrier, definitely NOT a large breed, who had the same hip dysplasia problem when she was quite young. The vet operated on her to deepen the bone socket. She had to remain in a cast for 6 weeks. All this left her with a real fear of vets, but thankfully cured the hip problem.
Jim Kerner over 8 years ago
I’m disgusted with people creating designer dogs without knowing what problems that may happen to the dog.
feefers_ 2 months ago
He’s an old English Sheepdog