hip dysplasia

Question
Katie, Hi My 7 month old Golden ret. Sadie was to the vet today and the vet said she has hip dysplasia in both hips to the point that the vet could pop her "good" hip in and out without any trouble,the vet recomonded a total hip replacement on both hips, first I should tell you we got her from a lady who sold the puppys out of her home and did say she had papers but we have yet to see any,but we love the dog to death and the paper thing isnt really an issue for us but my question is say we spend the four thousand something to get her hips done, Do you know what the results are for the THR and do you have any advice on where to take her to have it done we live in the Pocono Mt. in Pennsylvania,I wish we had known more about breeders and what not, we love this dog like she's are child, Also is there anything else as far a genetic disorders you recomend we get her tested for, I hate to say it but I hate to spend that much money and then find out there is something else wrong because this so called "breeder" is running a puppy mill, Thank you so much for your time I hope this all makes sence to you I am very upset right now, Thanks again, Linda Motts  

Answer
I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you.  This is the 4th question that I didn't get.  I'm getting the notices that I have questions pending, but don't seem to be getting the questions themselves.  Anyway. I'm sorry to hear about your puppy.  I think you've learned a good lesson here and hope you pass on the word to others about puppy mills and backyard breeders.  The certainly DO NOT know anything about what they are doing and are producing these puppies with little or no regard to their health, welfare and their buyers in mind.  In my personal opinion, preforming a total hip replacement is very, very expensive.  It's a lot of work and discomfort for the puppy, however the pain reduction is incredable.  There may some alternatives, however.  I would check out the internet, read everything you can find, consult with at least 3 other vets in and around your area and see what they suggest.  I breed healty, OFA certified puppies and have never had to run into this problem before.  As far as other gentic diseases to test for, there is Thyroid Disease, Von Willebrands Blood Disease, Eye Cateracts, Muscular Dystaphy, Gastric Torsion, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Entropion, Hemangiosarcoma.   I would have as many of these diseases tested for, before I do that kind of surgery.  It is very expensive, $4,000 per hip and not to mention elbows if that is problem too.  If this puppy has any other serious proplems, putting her down and starting from scratch would be your best option.  I know that you love her, I would have a very hard time doing this with any of my dogs, but sometimes, it's in the pups best interest.  I would then contact the AKC and report this breeder.  But if you're willing to spend that kind of money, then that's great too.  If she just has problems with her hips, then it might be worth it.  good luck