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Post by sibemom on Jul 20, 2005 4:50:21 GMT -5
I have had my fill of health problems with Willow in her young life. Now we are facing yet another, and I will find out tomarrow if we are looking at HD. This poor dog has been throught the ringer, and we have gotten through most of the issues with not to many complications. This one though could prove to be our biggest challange yet. I noticed her strange gate the other day and did not really pay to much attention to it because she did'nt act like she was in any sort of pain. Well then I noticed it again, and did a hands on inspection thinking maybe she had something stuck in one of her pads or from the dry weather had some cracks on her pads, but none of that was present. I did some manipulations of her back legs concentrating more at the hip joint, free movement but still when I was finished she was showing that very strange almost lame like gate. I called the vet in a panic of sorts and he of course being the wonderful man that he is said let's not get to excited just yet. She goes in tomarrow for her shots so he is going to do a complete exam and give me an answer. He also calmed me by saying that she might just have a slight displaysia which is not uncommon, and can be managed easily, he knows that I have a very strong opinion on HD surgery and so does he. So not to jump the gun and get myself all in a tissy, I have prepared myself for the worst case scenerio. This is just one of those things that I don't understand. I did my homework well before I purchased her, getting all info on the breeder from former clients, his vet, researched the bloodlines of his dogs etc... and still all these problems surfaced. I have come to the great realization that NO WAY IN HELL will I EVER buy a dog from a kennel again. You could never pay me to go to a so called "PROFESIONAL" breeder. I have had two dogs now from what one might consider a "BACKYARD BREEDER" and both of them were and are healthy and strong. My supposed well bred GSD is not on the other hand. If I ever bring another dog into my family it is going to come from the shelter or a rescue PERIOD. That way at least you have no expectations of grandure. Yeah I am a little ANGERY , because I mean this big fancy vet clinic is the one that gave this breeder a WONDERFUL recomendation, then after the fact I find out all the DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS about them . If there was a way I could put him out of buisness I WOULD Willow will be well taken care of because I have comitted myself to caring for her, it's just that I feel so terriable for her. She has great potential but now if it shows that her hips are less than perfect some of the things we do will have to me modified. I will let you all know how she makes out. I trust my vet, he has gone the distance for all my dogs so following his recomendations would be the smart thing to do.
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Post by Tammi21 on Jul 20, 2005 13:01:50 GMT -5
Poor baby. I hope and pray that she's ok.
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Post by sibemom on Jul 20, 2005 20:15:14 GMT -5
Thanks The thing that does give me some hope here is that she is not in pain or does not show an discomfort. So we will see what tomarrow brings, hopefully it's something weird and uncomplicated but that has not been my experience with this dog so far.
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Post by Richard on Jul 21, 2005 15:38:39 GMT -5
Any update Ann?
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Post by sibemom on Jul 21, 2005 15:39:36 GMT -5
Well the verdict is in. Willow as far as we can tell without jumping to xray as of yet, she does not have HD. What she does have though and it's a weird one, it that her right back foreleg is 1 1/2 inches longer than the left Yes that is right no real explination, but because I do not use her for sport or agility she should be fine. He gate is screwy, but the vet said she has compensated for this afliction very well. He has never run across this before so he is going to get in touch with the Vet College in Madison and find out more about it. He said they might want him to do xrays of both legs etc... to really take a look at this, but he would not push me to do it, because she would have to be sedated. OH GOODY I HAVE A MEDICAL MYSTERY LIVING IN MY HOME I will wait and see what the university has to say, he said to they may want me to bring her to them to look at, and I don't know if I want to go all the way to Madison with her, I would if Loey goes along so we will see. I am just happy this was not HD, although that might be next, I HOPE NOT
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Post by sibemom on Jul 21, 2005 15:43:18 GMT -5
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Post by Richard on Jul 21, 2005 15:45:55 GMT -5
Ok, that is something I'd never heard of before either. I know sometimes dogs bones grow faster in some areas than others and it's painful but does this fall under that?
Did the Vet speculate what could of caused this or is there treatment (or is she still growing and things may correct themselves)?
I guess the xrays, if they choose to go that route, will really give the true picture as to what is going on.
I'm just glad it's not full blown out HD.
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Post by Richard on Jul 21, 2005 15:49:23 GMT -5
WE must have posted at the same time Richard This is weird isn't it Great minds think alike I say! As I noted above, that is something I've never heard before. I am just hoping it's a growth thing but you never know. I'm sure you'll have fun talking with the breeder about it when you get all the answers......best take Loey with you and do it in person! I'll keep a good thought for your Sheppy girl Ann...she'll make it!
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Post by sibemom on Jul 21, 2005 15:51:20 GMT -5
Well he does not think this will correct itself by the other leg catching up but then again he has never seen this before. I know with Panno, it has to do with the fast growing and the bones themselves get painful, but this is not that, because she is in no pain. He said he thinks this is some kind of genetic malfunction. With all the other problems she has had, he just really thinks that it is something in the genetic make up of this dog. I might allow him to do the xrays even though there really is nothing to do as far as treatment because she is fine other than this goofy walk and I guess I notice it most other people probably would'nt catch it but I do. We will see what the vet college has to say.
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Post by Richard on Jul 21, 2005 15:57:39 GMT -5
Well he does not think this will correct itself by the other leg catching up but then again he has never seen this before. Anything is possible.... Thankyou, I couldn't remember the clinical term. She's not in pain and that is very important. It does sound sorta wierd when you say "genetic malfunction" but I guess it does happen. Should breeders be doing DNA tests now along with hips/elbows ect?
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Post by sibemom on Jul 21, 2005 16:23:21 GMT -5
Well I just think this breeder should not be allowed to breed anymore dogs PERIOD. I mean Willow is a good girl, sweet, loving, all things that a GSD should be, although a little on the weak nerved side, but still as a family pet she is great. What gets me so angery at this stupid breeder is that although he was being investigated NOTHING WAS DONE, and I bet it was because some money changed hands, that's the way it always happens. Well we are just taking our licks as they come and as long as she stays pain free, I am happy with her. HEY NOT ONLY DOES SHE HAVE BIG FEET, SHE HAS LONG BEAUTIFUL LEGS, or should I say one LONGER BEAUTIFUL LEG She is unique not another one like her
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