From: ALI00JEV@UNCCVM.UNCC.EDU (Judith Van Noate)
Subject: Re: OFA - Is it worth appealing?
Organization: UNC Charlotte
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 22:46:58 GMT

In article <BzCyDz.2to1@austin.ibm.com>
lance@hartmann.austin.ibm.com (Lance Hartmann) writes:
 
>
>I would like to hear from the experiences of others who have dealt
>with the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of Animals).  What follows is
>our current situation.
>
>We have a beautiful, finished Standard Schnauzer bitch.  We were very
>much looking forward to breeding her soon and as such had her hips
>x-ray'd.  We then sent the x-rays to OFA for their approval.  I cannot
>begin to express how surprised we were when we received failing results --
>mildly dysplastic.
>
>After recovering from shock a few months later, we learned that we
>could submit x-rays to OFA for a 2nd chance.  Recently, we once
>again received bad news.
>
>"Gracie" is a beautiful dog.  One of the things judges always comment
>on is her excellent MOVEMENT.  Watching her run and jump in the backyard
>removes any speculation of possible dysplasia.  We've had two separate
>veterinarians (both experienced with doing x-rays for OFA) from different
>offices do the x-rays.  BOTH vets stated that her hips looked great!
>BOTH vets also commented that the hips FELT great too when they moved
>them around for the x-rays.  Gracie's breeder and other breeders who have
>seen the x-rays are also confused as to the OFA's decision.
>
>Now I certainly am not going to claim any wonderful experience at
>canine radiology, but I have seen several x-rays showing hip dysplasia
>and none of them look ANYTHING like Gracie's.  Her x-rays look great;
>the balls of her hip bones are nicely shaped and fit perfectly in the
>sockets.
>
>I would like to state that my first and foremost concern is
>the health of Gracie.  I pray that she never becomes dysplastic.
>Secondly, since Gracie is such a beautiful dog and excellent specimen
>of the breed, we would like to continue her line.  Currently, however,
>we have shelved all thoughts of breeding her.  We are very distressed.
>
>At least one of the vets who did the x-rays is going to call the OFA
>and try to discuss with them their decisions.  Interestingly, both vets
>have seen not-so-great hips which have passed!  We just may have to live
>with OFA's decision, but we cannot leave their analysis unquestioned
>since everyone else (here) seems to believe they look fine.  It may
>very well turn out to be that our untrained eyes just aren't seeing
>something which is a valid concern.  I pray that is not the case.
>
>I am very interested in hearing from anyone else out here who has
>gone through anything similar, or who has any info, in general, about OFA.
>Is it worth appealing to OFA?  Does the OFA consider themselves the be-all
>of dogdom?  Does the OFA adopt an "attitude" for questioning them?  Or,
>are they quite "humble" and open to discussion?
>
>Many thanks to all in advance!
>Lance Hartmann (lance%hartmann.austin.ibm.com@ibmpa.awdpa.ibm.com)
>               Yes, that IS a '%' (percent sign) in my network address.
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>All statements, comments, opinions, etc. herein reflect those of the author
>and shall NOT be miscontrued as those of IBM or anyone else for that matter.
 
Lance,
I have had almost exactly the same experience.  My beautiful finished
champion German Shorthaired Pointer with a pedigree some people would
commit a crime for, who was running about 60 miles a day, and leaping
and jumping got a mild monolateral dysplasia reading from OFA.  The
vet doing the X-rays was experienced, a breeder of show dogs, etc. and
thought she might get a borderline reading or a pass.
I did breed the dog.  I kept 6 of the litter and had them x-rayed.
Two radiographed dysplastic.  The bitch began to deteriorate after
having the litter.  Her hip, now both hips have grown steadily worse
and now her elbows are affected as well.  She has been on pain medication
for about three years, she's now aged nine and never moves around at all
any more than she has to.  I regret that I bred her, but I did have all of
the bitches spayed and do not intend to breed the male.  I was flabergasted
when I got this reading given the bitch's activity level, but I now know
that this can be a slow developing disease.  My poor bitch is in so much
pain now that I'm not sure I will be able to keep her going much longer.
Her kids are still asymptomatic except for a slight atrophy in one hip.
They move around fine.  They are 5 1/2 so I hope they will do better than
their mom.  In your case I think I would have another x-ray taken and
re-submit it.  However, things have not turned out so well for me.
This disease seems to have various manifestations--it can cripple a
young dog or be very slow to develop.  I think if I had had Sophie's
hips x-rayed at age 2 she would have passed with flying colors.  Now
she is pathetically crippled.  Sorry to have only negative experiences
to relate, but felt I had to tell this.
Judith