Hip Dysplasia
QMy question is on hip dysplasia. I'm currently seeking a Chow pup for my mother. This will be her fourth Chow. Our last one, the one I was most familiar with, died of old age (14) back in 1985. My folks always said she had hip dysplasia. It didn't seem to bother her. She walked with a little bit of a wag in her butt. I grew up under the impression that dysplasia only barred dogs from shows because they walked funny. I've now read your web pages...how wrong I was!
Well, here is the question, how do I tell if a puppy has dysplasia? It seems that there are varying degrees of the affliction...my late dog on one hand that had a 'cute' wag to her stride, to dogs that need hip surgery. A puppy I checked out in San Jose yesterday had that 'cute' bounce in her butt that my dog had. This set off alarms in my mind and I didn't buy the dog. The dog wasn't crippled, and I'm not interested in showing the dog, but I don't want to get attached to a dog that must be put away. Are there some easy tests to check a chow's hips out?
Thanks in advance, Carl Chang
AHello Carl,
It can be very difficult to notice in a puppy. Many times dysplasia happens during the time they are growing up. Even if they do get it, it can be corrected by surgery. The earlier it is done the better recovery with a young adult dog.
The main way is to just look at the walk from behind. You can tell the difference between good stride and one that is off and also limping. Another option is to find a good vet. that has worked with Chow's and knows about hip dysplasia. When you find a pup that you are interested in, get a trail period from the owners. Then take the pup to the vet. plus you can get a feel of the dog.
