LABS4ME

[scotty18]

Ken, We went to see Dr. Smith today. I got some good news and bad news. My lab does have severe hip displacia. The reason she didn't show any symptoms is because she has it in both hips. I have some experience reading x-rays and I just about fainted when I saw hers. The good news is Dr. Smith thinks with a little tlc she should be able to live a long and happy life. Dr. Smith emphasised exercise and I will be able to hunt with her. We got a glucosime/congrointin med to give her. Dr.Smith put no restrictions on activities.
This kinda sounds like bad news, but I'm very happy with what I found out. I asked her about the overbite my Llewellin has and if that would eliminate him from the breeding pool. She said it's not that big of deal, but she informed me that Llewllins are also at a risk for hip dis. She suggested I bring him in for x-rays, which I'm going to do. I really enjoyed the visit with Dr. Smith and I may start going to her for everything.

Thanks for your help, scotty

[LABS4ME]

Sometimes it's just a relief to find out where you stand. As i stated before, I hunted a dog till 10 with dysplasia...alot of swimming kept her muscle mass up and it never really was an issue with her.

Glad you like Fran...she really is one of the good ones! You can pick her brain and she'll give you clear consise answers every time.

Good luck with both your dogs... hope they and you get to share many fruitful falls together!

Ken

[Northsider #13]

Scotty18, my last yellow had hip dysplasia. I own a cabin and she swam all summer and was strong through the fall. She lived to be 14+ yrs and hunted pheasant until she was 12+. I think it's their heart that keeps them going. The old girl slowed some but so had I.

Good luck.

Brian

[scotty18]

Northlander 13, Thanks for the good news. Before I took her to Dr. Smith, I wondered how long she was going to last. We received no help from the vet we usually use. We were told she has hip dis. and that was all the info we got. I'm taking it easy with her. I pretty much gave up duck hunting, but I have a Llewellin setter that's a super bird dog and I'll take my lab pheasent and grouse hunting.

Thanks scotty