Poor Minga!

We just found out that Minga has hip dysplasia so we shouldn't breed her. We will be getting her spayed soon so at least now we won't have to deal with her bi-annual bleeding when she's in heat. Craig took her to the vet after she had been yelping here and there and refused to jump in the Jeep (something she loves to do). At first he thought she hurt her paw while playing in the yard, but then thought her hips or some other joint was hurting her.

Canine Hip Dysplasia is caused by a loose hipbone-thighbone connection and is genetically transmitted (common in Labrador Retrievers, among many others). Dog Hip Dysplasia results from the abnormal development of the hip joint in the young dog. It leads to hind-end pain and lameness that can range from mild to crippling. Therapy consists of weight control, moderate exercise (most importantly, to improve muscular support), vitamin supplementation and pain relief medication.

On a happier note, Minga has matured a lot this year (her 2nd year of life). She is SO good with Alisa (she's always been good, but now is even better and calmer). She lets Alisa sit on her, touch her ears, etc. If Alisa drops food from her highchair while eating, instead of Minga rushing to get it as she used to, she waits for me to say "go get it". I didn't think that would ever happen on it's own like that!