My 4 year old lab/chessie cross was just diagnosed (via X-rays) with hip dysplasia. The vet says that the left side is the worst, but there is "enough to subluxate the left side". Not quite sure what that means.
The right side is "abnormal".
He said if we take 15 pounds of weight off of him - he's been gaining cause he's been increasingly inactive due to pain - that it should alleviate much of the problem in the hips.
Couple questions for those who have gone through this before:
Is this (age 4) REALLY young to already be having problems?
What is the general outlook on the number of years I can reasonably assume the dog will be usable in the field?
Should I possibly look to start a new puppy soon to have a back up?
Kind of devastated and misery loves company so hope to hear from some of you guys.
The right side is "abnormal".
He said if we take 15 pounds of weight off of him - he's been gaining cause he's been increasingly inactive due to pain - that it should alleviate much of the problem in the hips.
Couple questions for those who have gone through this before:
Is this (age 4) REALLY young to already be having problems?
What is the general outlook on the number of years I can reasonably assume the dog will be usable in the field?
Should I possibly look to start a new puppy soon to have a back up?
Kind of devastated and misery loves company so hope to hear from some of you guys.