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Originally Posted by brunie's mom Have your pup's hips and elbows x-rayed at the time of his neuter. They must be knocked out to have it done properly anyway... |
What is important as to hip and elbow x-rays isn't if the dog is "out" or not. It is solely dependant on how good the vet is at positioning and how good their x-ray equipment is. It doesn't matter if the dog is completely unconscience or not if the vet doesn't know how or have plenty of experience in positioning or if the film is old or if it is under or over exposed or the x-ray source isn't strong enough, it will produce an x-ray that might show that the dog is dysplastic.
I know, I had my dog put under to do x-rays and his positioning was so bad that he was diagnosed by the vet that took the x-rays to be moderate dysplastic. 6 months later I took him to a vet that is known for doing OFA x-rays (his sole practice at that time) and he did it without putting the dog out. He was evaluated by GDC as excellent. When I did his OFA's his positioning (other vet retired so had to go with a less experienced, but very experienced vet) wasn't quite as good and OFA gave him a "good".
Positioning is generally "easier" FOR the vet and staff if the dog is out, verses an awake dog that might resist being positioned. If you are going to spend the money on doing hip and elbow x-rays, do your reseach. Find the vet that does a lot of OFA films AND has a good track record for good and excellent ratings.
I will never waste my money again on a vet that insists on having a dog out or sedated for x-rays of any kind. I will not waste my money on a vet that doesn't have a good reputation for doing OFA x-rays when I get OFA x-rays done.