Hip Dysplasia

I need reassurance or advice or something because I'm getting so paranoid about hip dysplasia. Genetically speaking, Ivy's a shot in the dark. Both her breeds are susceptible to HD, although, in terms of OFA, they both really aren't that bad (Dobes are 6% dysplastic and Labs are 12%). So genetically, I figure she can't be that bad.

Physically, I'm a little concerned with the agility training, but the only thing I'm really worried about are her jumps. I figure it can't be that bad, though, because her jumps are at 8-12" and I try not to do them everyday. However, when we go to dog parks, we usually stay about an hour. Throughout that whole hour, Ivy runs like a madwoman. I know people say that puppies will stop and pause as they please, but the worrywart in me wants to stop her and force her to take a quick time-out. Should I do that? I just really want Ivy to have healthy hips and I'm getting SO paranoid =/

With all puppies no matter what the breed is the agility equipment is best kept at a low height until you can be sure that the growth plates are properly closed. So as long as you don't raise the jumps from the 8-12 that they are currently at and you don't jump her every day she should be fine.

In the classes at our work we don't start raising jump heights until we get to the more advanced level classes, just because by then we have already weeded out the people who aren't serious about the sport and usually by the time the dog reaches that level of class they are able to handle their proper jump height or a height or two below. Personally speaking I most likely won't start jumping Kizmit at anything close to his full height until he's past the 18 month mark, mainly because his full height is going to be around 26" or so for competition.

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Originally Posted by Giselle

I need reassurance or advice or something because I'm getting so paranoid about hip dysplasia. Genetically speaking, Ivy's a shot in the dark. Both her breeds are susceptible to HD, although, in terms of OFA, they both really aren't that bad (Dobes are 6% dysplastic and Labs are 12%). So genetically, I figure she can't be that bad.

Physically, I'm a little concerned with the agility training, but the only thing I'm really worried about are her jumps. I figure it can't be that bad, though, because her jumps are at 8-12" and I try not to do them everyday. However, when we go to dog parks, we usually stay about an hour. Throughout that whole hour, Ivy runs like a madwoman. I know people say that puppies will stop and pause as they please, but the worrywart in me wants to stop her and force her to take a quick time-out. Should I do that? I just really want Ivy to have healthy hips and I'm getting SO paranoid =/

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If you want to maintain the hips avoid the agility training or anythng involving jumping. Instead find a place where puppy is allowed to swim be it a pond or lake. The lab part will definitely take to swimming. Absolutely no stress on the joints and great exercise. Then of course keep the weight down. Labs are the pigs of the dog world. My previous dog 1/2 Lab, 1/2 Golden two breeds with hip dysplasia had no hip problems during her 11 yrs. Regular swimming on the weekend, and short walks during the week.

P.S. If puppy wants to play let it play. Unless it gets into rough play injuries are infrequent.

Thanks, I'm definitely keeping the jump height at 12" and I told my trainer to keep it at that height until she's at least a year (at which point I'm getting her PennHip'd).

In actuality, though, I've been reading up some more on HD and I got the impression that the cause is completely hereditary. Either they have it or they don't have it. Diet and exercise will only exacerbate the already existing, or about to develop, HD. With that in mind, I wonder at how much I should actually worry. If Ivy has HD, she's going to develop it no matter what I do, albeit I can control the severity of the disease. If she doesn't, however, diet and exercise alone can't cause it.

Hmm. I think I'm going to PennHip her soon to see my course of action.