Can dogs that OFA "bad"....

[ShadieLady]

Didn't know how to title the thread! Anyhow, a friend has a German Shepherd she bought to show. The dog was just prelimed by OFA and he came back with mild dysplasia in his elbows. She's heart broken. She can either get a refund and keep the dog, or give it back and get a new pup in the next litter. She's keeping her best friend. She will have him OFA'd again when he's 24 months (he's 5 months right now).

My question is, can dogs that do have mild hip or elbow dysplasia still compete in obedience comfortably? He will be neutered, if is not beter by 24 months. She just loves being in the competition ring, whatever it may be, so I thought maybe I could cheer her up! I figured this might be a good place to check...

 

[R Taft]

My Dad bred GSD's. They are not as heavy as Newf, which is a plus. If it is true mild HD/dysplasia, there are exercises that can strengthen the muscles to support the hip joint. Good exercise is better then none. But lots of sitting, dropping in classes may not be good when he has not strengthened up yet......Swimming and walking and walking over low poles and through/over ladders on the ground is good exercise. if you have a dog physio or vet interested in supportive treatment talk to them. There is a rule that if the dog is not on pain it is important to not stop using joint. "stop using it, you loose it". I also had a newf with severe arthritis, we kept her exercised and moving and she even did some basic obedience........Movement if there is no pain is important
Neutering is ofcourse important to prevent future breeding, the breeder should be told, even if your friend keeps the dog (which I would do too). It is important for the breeder to be aware of the fault.............If the dog has a certificate, surely the breeder would give a discount in a future pup, without return of the present dog. You should realise that even the most meticulous bred lineage can have a recurrence of HD, even if all the scores were good. So My answer is really no to training at classes, where they go up and down. Sit, drop over and over. But you could train short at home and do it with all the strengthening exercises and do the short qualifying events...........Good luck to your friend :hugs: to her GSD, I do still adore the breed...........Ronnie