Hip conformation
by Renee H
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
This one's for you experts out there ! Have you ever heard anyone X-raying a young puppy ( 15 weeks) to check for hip problems ? I was told that hip problems are generally a large breeds problem and would be extremely rare in the Maltese ? Looking forward to some REAL answers , thanks !

DISCUSSION:

I stopped breeding about 5 years ago, but dealt with a veterinarian who was very experienced with this problem. Generally this is a larger dogs problem, but not necessarily rare in the Maltese. None the less it does occur. If a puppy at 15 weeks needed x-rays to confirm a suspicion then there would had to have been some outward signs of a potential problem. Next step obviously would have been x-rays. If I remember correctly you would want to have lateral and ventrodorsle pelvic x-rays done. If you are seeing problems then don't hesitate to investigate further. If you are considering breeding with this puppy later on you most certainly would want to know. Hip conformation is hard to detect at this age, but if it is sever enough your veterinarian will see it. If this is so then you would not want to breed with him/her. Also, research the blood line. As a former breeder it was without a doubt to produce the best quality dog possible. If I sold for show or pet this problem would have been unacceptable. During my years (24) in the field, and show ring, I was considered an expert. Normally I am a lurker here (long winded can be added), so back to it I go.
Roger