puppy hip displexia

Question
hi, my german shepherd is 9 months old now and whilst taking him to the vet to be castrated i asked if he could be x-rayed for his hips. this is because recently whilst taking him out he has been falling whilst running to fetch the ball. we have a collie also and the shepherd tries to keep up with him.
it ended up that he needs both hips replacing.
i have never heard of this happen to a dog so young before, does it happen? is it common? also is it my fault for over excercising him?
i am feeling really guilty at the moment.

Answer
Hi Sharon,  No it is not your fault for over-exercising him.  Hip Dysplasia is genetic in origin, and when you see it at such a young age, more than likely both parents were dysplastic too.  One of my first search & rescue dogs I owned had severe hip dysplasia at 6 months old.  He had his first surgery at a year, and his 2nd surgery at a year and a half.  He ended up living a very full life, working in search & rescue, and even doing guard work until the ripe old age of 13.  Hope this helps,

Dawn