Hip dysplasia in retrievers

[Frenchfancy]

Does anyone have any experience of hip dysplasia in retrievers? We have the opportunity to adopt an eight month old retriever. She has been in guide dog training but they have just found out she has hip dysplasia so can't continue with the training. We wouldn't have to pay for her but would have to pay 50% of any treatment. I gather there is an operation she could have at 3 yrs old that could cure the hip problem but would cost us about £1000. Should we go for it? We have one 18 month old dog who is just starting to calm down and would love a friend.

I have no experience of this in retrievers, but I do know someone whose springer x lab had hip dysplasia. They had both of the dogs hips operated on, and he seems to lead a pretty normal life.

It would also depend on the severity of the dysplasia. In your shoes I'd see if you get hold of the dog's hip score, read up on what it means (0/0 is perfect, 5/5 is okay and so on), and have a chat with a vet about the options, implications and costs.

I'm waiting on the hip score at the moment.

We weren't really looking for retriever, but having a fully trained one meaning we wouldn't need to go through the puppy stage is very tempting.

HD can vary hugely in the impact on the dog. Also the x rays will show damage but some damaged joints have little impact on the dog and other dogs with "less" damage in the hips may have more pain and symptons.

If it has been picked up by the organisation through symptons in the dog I would think hard about getting the dog. Also if you want a play mate for your existing dog , dog play and rough ad tumble would be one of the worst things for a dog to do with HD.

I can understand the reasonings to get a trained puppy but time spent on treatments, hydro, rehabilitation, restricted exercise etc will be as much if not more than you would spend on training a healthy pup.

I would want ask lots of questions

The dog in question doesn't currently have symptoms. She was at the vets to be spayed. And they did an x-ray at the same time to check the hip.

I am concerned that rough and tumble play might not be the best.

Photo of the dog for reference. She is currently being trained by DDs flat mate. We get first dibs and wouldn't have to pay.

Personally, it's not something I would voluntarily take on. Plus, if It's been picked up by the organisation (so a pre-existing condition) you may never be insured for it.

Could you afford to spend thousands of pounds on surgery and the recovery period?

As PP, apart from anything else, if it won’t just be the GBP1k in all likelihood. You insurer won’t cover anything in future that they can link to the HD. And if you’re paying 50%, what is the rehabilitation plan and how much is it going to cost (ie not just the Operation)? In later life the dog may need medication and or supplements for pain relief, hydrotherapy etc - none of which will be insured if they are as a result of the HD