i have an 8 month old dogue de bordeaux which i took to the vets for a check up. He advised me that she should have a few x rays to check her hips and elbows. And then consider having her hip scored. I thought hip scoring couldn't be done until a certain age? I know it's better to be safe than sorry, she's one of two dogs that i have and part of the family now. I don't know alot about hip dysplasia, whether it's hereditry or from over excercising? Could someone give me some help on this?

I also have an 7 month old Dogue de Bordeaux, were the parent hip scored, I know it is a great concern in the breed. Hip scores are usually done between 18 month and 2 years, at the age of 8 month it would be difficult to get a good definition of the bone structure, on an x-ray, have you been haveing a problem with the movement of the dogue, or has it shown any sign of pain in movement, some time at this age you can have a problem with the growth plates, also if the dogue is putting to much weight on to fast, the bones are still soft, and there is a problem with the bones bowing out, and feet beening a a peculiar angle, exercise should be limited, do not let the pup go up or down stairs jump up at gates etc, throwing the weight on to the bones, Elbow can also be a problem ,did the mother's structure seem correct,was this a routine check or was there a problem,if you have a problem I can put you on to the Dogue de Bordeax Club, if you are not already a member, John the secratary has been a great help

thanks britney, I'm not sure whether the parents were hip scored i've been trying to get hold of the breeder today but with no success. It wasn't a routine check but when she gets up from her bed she seems to be limping and a bit stiff. I've read a few articles about growing pains, so thats why i took her to be checked out. I don't think the vet knows alot about the breed and had to ask his collegue about when she could be hip scored. Will he be able to tell just from an xray?

Hi Dogue owner
Dogs can't be scored until they are twelve months, this thread is a good read, and also you'll find good info that explains it more here .

Hope this helps:)
Alison