Jennifer, I agree with you that if the post that stated that a puppy owner whose puppy was diagnosed with hip dysplasia was verbally abused by their breeder and blamed for the dysplasia that is not right, and not something that should happen. I'm sure this has happened to some unfortunate people but in this case I do not have the facts. Many, many years ago I purchased a BMD bitch puppy who I went on to put 12 points on toward her AKC Championship only to find she had severely dysplastic hips and elbows, and luxating patellas. When I informed her breeder I was told I must have done something wrong, not restricted her exercise, fed her wrong etc. I could not get any info. on littermates. I was not offered any compensation. So, I know very well the feeling when this happens and it is not good. My position in this thread is not that HD is not genetic, my position is that bone problems and irregularities can be caused by improper nutrition and exercise in puppies. Therefore do not believe that it is only in the genes and you should not take measures in raising a puppy to optimize the puppy's chances of having healthy joints through caution and reasonable prudence in diet and exercise.
Bernerly, Mary Jeff & Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
