[Susan]

I don't understand the biggest part of this vet report, but if a 1 year old dog has this, is this a dog to avoid getting or are these manageable conditions?

On exam everything normal except Muscoskeletal ("SI sensitive upon manipulation of right coxofemoral joint, coccygeal tail deformity)"
Assessment: Endoparasitism, tail deformity/coccygeal vertebra

Right side of reproductive tract not normally developed

Deformity of lumbar spine (L4 and L5 are fused) as well as mild bilateral hip dysplasia

 

[Tagrenine]

The biggest things here is that the dog has parasites, hip dysplasia, and a lumbar spine fusion. It appears there is also a crook in his tail near the base they are attributing to the pain on manipulation

 

[Susan]

Are these easily manageable or would I be better to keep looking? It says the hip dysplasia is mild and wasn't sure if it gets worse with age.

 

[Tagrenine]

Are these easily manageable or would I be better to keep looking? It says the hip dysplasia is mild and wasn't sure if it gets worse with age.

It will get worse and he’s in pain when his back is touched. Everything is manageable with pain meds, possibly surgery. The report (radiograph report?) also says there is a repro abnormality, which I assumed is an undescended testicle, but could be more involved since it is not specific.

Whether you should pass depends on you! He’s going to be a lifetime of work

 

[Susan]

Thank you so much! Your last sentence actually answers the question for me. I've already got 2 golden retrievers from a breeder that did all of the testing but you still never know what might happen with them down the road. I don't want to do anything that would possibly prevent me from being able to provide them the care they need.

 

[DblTrblGolden2]

I have an almost 5 year old that has been a lifetime of work, and joy, but would I have knowingly done it? I don’t think so. Moe has genetic sesamoid malformation, plates in his feet were deformed and cause pain. We managed that the first year of his life. Found an amazing ortho sports medicine surgeon and rehab specialist. We worked through it and thought he was going to be fine, with extra care.

He’s field bred. He earned his Junior and Senior Hunt titles, a Senior Dock Diving title, his CGC. We really thought he was going to be okay.

We started running Master Hunt and his health issues came screaming back. We, and his surgeon, assumed front feet. Long story short he has a herniated disc putting pressure on his nerves at L7 in his spine, just above the tail. We found a terrific neuro surgeon. He’s had a series of 3 spinal injections and six months of restricted activity and rehab. We are just now trying to transition back to being a normal dog.

Hoping the spine doesn’t get any worse and he can be happy as a pet. He loves to run, jump, retrieve, so restricted activity isn’t fun. Spinal surgery is an option, but less favorable due to his feet.

I have two other Goldens and it’s hard to restrict one dogs activity. You have to separate them. You feel guilty for training the others. You can’t let them rough house, or play. A spinal issue is no fun.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but know what you’re getting into. I’ve thought 100 times in the last 6 months how much easier it would be to have Moe if he was the only dog I had. I love him dearly, and he knows it, but there’s nothing easy about him. (Or inexpensive). The expense can be huge!

 

[Susan]

I’ve thought 100 times in the last 6 months how much easier it would be to have Moe if he was the only dog I had. I love him dearly, and he knows it, but there’s nothing easy about him. (Or inexpensive). The expense can be huge!

Thank you so much. I have decided to wait. I have 2 goldens (1 and 3) and it would be so hard to have such different activity levels. I would also be worried about the expense in case something were to happen medically with the 2 of have. On top of everything else, this dog eats rocks and I am already having to watch my youngest like a hawk. I feel bad for her because she came from a puppy mill that has been discussed on this forum before. Now if I could just figure out how to get them shut down, I would be happy!!!

 

[Prism Goldens]

Just an aside- 'greek to me' has real meaning in my world.. some of you know, I do DNA surprise daddy finding for people w an Angel group... and recently had a Greek unknown daddy... no joke- trying to read Greek records is crazy- I do lots of Spanish and German and even some Chinese and can easily enough mostly translate those documents... at least names and dates. But the Greeks! OMG! it IS Greek to me!