Hip Dysplasia

German Shepherds can develop hip dysplasia as early as 6 months old, but it can also occur later in life, between 4 and 7 years old. 

Symptoms 

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after a long nap 
• Decreased muscle mass in the back legs 
• Reluctance to run or jump 
• Narrow hind leg stance 
• Bunny-hopping gait 
• Reluctance to go up stairs 

Causes 

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that occurs when the hip joint doesn't develop properly. This causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. 

Risk factors 

The rapid growth that German Shepherds experience during their first year of life can put additional stress on their hip joints. Injury, obesity, and/or over-exercise can also contribute to hip dysplasia. 

Treatment 

Hip dysplasia is a treatable condition. Monitoring your dog's growth and activity levels can help reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. 

The cost of hip dysplasia surgery for a German Shepherd can range from $1,200 to $2,500 or more depending on the severity of the condition, the dog's size and age, and the specific type of surgery performed, with a common procedure like a Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO) falling within this range; however, in some cases, the cost could reach up to $10,000 or more for a more complex surgery like a total hip replacement. 

Key factors affecting the cost: 

• Type of surgery: A basic FHO is usually less expensive than a total hip replacement. 
• Veterinary clinic location: Costs can vary based on your geographic location. 
• Pre-operative tests: Bloodwork and X-rays are often required before surgery, adding to the total cost. 
• Anesthesia and post-operative care: The cost of anesthesia and necessary medications after surgery will also be factored in. 

Important points to remember: 

• Consult your veterinarian: Always get a detailed estimate from your vet to understand the full cost of the procedure for your specific dog. 
• Pet insurance: Check if your pet insurance policy covers a portion of the surgery cost. 
• Financing options: Consider payment plans or veterinary credit cards if needed. 

Other hip problems in German Shepherds:  Osteoarthritis and degenerative myelopathy are other hip problems that can affect German Shepherds. 

Testing for Hip Dysplasia

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing is a program that provides health screenings for dogs, focusing on orthopedic and genetic conditions. 

Purpose: 

• Identify potential health issues early on 
• Prevent the transmission of genetic diseases to offspring 
• Improve the overall health and well-being of dogs 

Procedure: 

• Dogs undergo a veterinary examination, including X-rays or blood tests. 

• The results are submitted to OFA, where they are reviewed and certified. 

• Certified results are added to the OFA database, which is accessible to breeders, owners, and veterinarians. 

Benefits: 

• Provides valuable information for breeding decisions 

• Helps identify dogs at risk for health problems 

• Enables early intervention and treatment 

• Increases the chances of healthy puppies 

Additional Information: 

• OFA is a non-profit organization. 

• Testing fees vary depending on the type of exam. 

• Breeders can use OFA results to qualify their dogs for the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program. 

• Owners can access their dog's OFA results online through the OFA website. 

Note: It's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine if OFA testing is appropriate for your dog.

Process For Getting Tested & Certified

1. Radiographs, taken by the veterinarian of your choice, are submitted to the OFA along with the completed application form and service fee. The application can be downloaded from their website. Detailed instructions on the correct radiographic positioning and required film identification are included on the second page of the application. Please note, digital radiographs may only be submitted by the attending veterinarian.
2.  

For more information, visit the OFA website at https://ofa.org/ or contact OFA directly. Hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST.
Phone Number: (573) 442-0418
Fax Number: (573) 875-5073
Mailing Address: 2300 E Nifong Blvd, Columbia, MO 65201-3806
Email Address: ofa@offa.org

 

 

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