From: lance@hartmann.austin.ibm.com (Lance Hartmann)
Subject: OFA - Is it worth appealing?
Summary: Appealing OFA's analysis of hip x-rays.
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 15:15:35 GMT
Reply-To: lance%hartmann.austin.ibm.com@ibmpa.awdpa.ibm.com
Organization: IBM, Austin
Keywords: OFA hip dysplasia health x-ray

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.
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