Hips (NLR)

**Labradorable** · 05-10-2010, 05:11 PM

My aunt and uncle just found out their (almost) 8 year old golden retriever has really bad hip displaysia (sp?). They have always said how good their breeder is, and while I don't doubt the care the breeder has for the animals, according to the vet and judging by the x-rays, and how far along the problem is, she has likely had undetected issues her entire life. I know they are going to take care of their dog on their own terms and not ask anything of the breeder; she will likely get surgery, but should they tell the breeder? I thought its something the breeder should be notified about, but have had other people tell me its too late to tell the breeder. At this point in time it would just be for information purposes only. If I were a breeder and one of my pups had this issue I'd want to know.

**hauts** · 05-10-2010, 05:26 PM

I think it's responsible to notify the breeder. People might think it's too late because the sire and dam are not breeding anymore, but it's still good to let them know. I know my breeder would want to know. They actually ask for me to give updates and pictures all the time.

**HarveysMum** · 05-10-2010, 05:35 PM

I would notify the breeder as well. When Harvey got diagnosed with Elbow Dysplacia in March I notified the breeder (she was a Uk Kennel Club accredited breeder), she promptly told me to 'go away;' as she was no longer breeding. I therefore informed the UK KC, in the hope they can contact the other puppy owners.

**kassabella** · 05-10-2010, 06:19 PM

My vet told me I had to tell the breedeer when Erns was diagnosed 4 years ago when I adopted him.
The breeder went nuts. Ranting about she doesn't breed dogs with HD and it must have been the owners doing. She is one of N.Z. top breeders so I could understand it must have been quite a shock as no breeder want this, but he did. I do agree his previous made it worse by not looking after his hips as a pup. He was over weight, they ran him too much or not at all and let him jump off decks as a pup, but bottom line is it is breeding.

Even a breeder with excellent lines that take out all the first places in shows can still have dogs that have problems.
When we got the papers all the hip scores were good. I have heard since the way N.Z. did them then wasn't accurate.

**rayluckgoo** · 05-10-2010, 09:10 PM

It is so sad that you have had unfavorable responses from breeders. When Jacks hips came back "borderline" we decided to never breed him despite the fact that he's a Canadian Champion. We notified his breeder and they were wonderful. We weren't accusatory because we know that despite clearances sometimes this happens. They were great! They were no longer breeding the bitch anyway but they were just supportive and thrilled we didn't have any symptoms and we were being responsible about breeding and keeping him slim. These people no longer breed for conformation...they are strictly a hunt kennel now but if they were I would certainly consider buying another pup from them.

**Labradorable** · 05-10-2010, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by hauts

I think it's responsible to notify the breeder. People might think it's too late because the sire and dam are not breeding anymore, but it's still good to let them know. I know my breeder would want to know. They actually ask for me to give updates and pictures all the time.

My breeder is the same way ... they love updates and getting pics of Dozer. I think when I see my aunt and uncle next (in a couple weeks) I will ask them if they've told their breeder yet and tell them why I think they should. As far as I know they have not had much, if any, contact with the breeder since getting the dog in 2002.

**cinderbay** · 05-10-2010, 10:48 PM

I would let the breeder know.
But I certainly would not fault the breeder....
Gryphon's mom was OFA Good at 2 years. A couple litters and lots of field work later just for giggles his breeder had her hips done again at about 5 years old maybe 6...she showed dysplasia. IMO it is what it is....

**kassabella** · 05-11-2010, 03:40 AM

Originally Posted by Labradorable

My breeder is the same way ... they love updates and getting pics of Dozer. I think when I see my aunt and uncle next (in a couple weeks) I will ask them if they've told their breeder yet and tell them why I think they should. As far as I know they have not had much, if any, contact with the breeder since getting the dog in 2002.

Tht is so nice the breeder is interested.
When we got Kassy they said they would like to know how she went. I would email pics of her and never heard. They knew she had obedience ribbons and never said anything. When she was diagnosed with cancer I rang them to say what had happened. They were very nice and did call a few months later.
It was very different when I called with Erns. I was nice as for me it is just for the record type thing and I had no idea how bad he really was. I could never give my dog up or want anything from them. Once it has happened you deal with it.

**joflake** · 05-11-2010, 08:17 AM

I would definately let the breeder know. That pair of dogs might be done breeding, but maybe some of their pups aren't. It could continue down the line.

**Labradorable** · 05-11-2010, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by cinderbay

I would let the breeder know.
But I certainly would not fault the breeder....
Gryphon's mom was OFA Good at 2 years. A couple litters and lots of field work later just for giggles his breeder had her hips done again at about 5 years old maybe 6...she showed dysplasia. IMO it is what it is....

My sentiments exactly.