Originally Posted by Dobemom2b

I am sorry to hear that he may have hip problems, it seems that more do now than should for a breed not really considered high risk. I know all large dogs can have hip issues but the ofa stats for dobes is pretty good compared to some other large breeds.

I worry about Lestats for some of the same reasons you have listed. He keeps his legs under him imo more than he should. (several other signs that worry me that I wont go into) I have the same problems getting him into a stack, it's as if it's an unnatural position and he is uncomfortable and pulls them back under him. His knees also pop loud enough to hear or at least it sounds like its coming from the knees. When he was 5mths old, the vet suggested xraying his hips at 6mths but it was given as "the only way to know for sure is to x-ray". His breeder told me to wait till a yr, which will be next month. I have been trying to budget to have the funds then. Since his front elbows pop regularly and he recently went through a day of limping till the back knee popped, he needs everything x-rayed. His breeder thinks I am just too picky but is seeing some of what i have said in photos now.

Best wishes to you both, I have to wonder whether it's becoming a more common problem or just that with access to more info now we are becoming more aware of how many are never submitted to ofa because of obvious problems.