Chet we just had a dog evaluated at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialist.
It was only about $350 for the visit, and that included xrays,sedation, and them doing a full work up on the dog. Ours turned out to be knee but you won't find a more advanced place for orthopedic diagnostics, and treatment.

Thanks Kindall getting a third opinion from a vet in Austin and then will start to think about what procedures might help. Trying some meds first.

Talked to Mike Branscum yesterday and he told many stories but the most amazing was Ch. Texas Fight who had the entire head cut off the femur and had only muscle holding the his hip together and still competed. Lots of pointers have been affected.

Any updates on Frank

Have three evaluations now and the conclusion is hip dysplasia and a fairly bad case. I am now trying to decide on a way to the best outcome for Frank. A full hip replacement would allow him to walk and play in the back yard and for a smaller less athletic dog make a "full recovery". But all the vets that looked at his x-rays said that a dog his size and activity level may never allow him to run and train for field trials (52 lbs. in peak condition). So looking at less intrusive procedures such as shaving or removing the head of the femur which would allow him to play and live without pain.

No decisions have been made and have him on a regiment of meds for joint maintenance and pain. He runs the back yard and makes me wince though it doesn't seem to cause him pain but as you know they don't let you know if it hurts very well. He's a heck of a dog and this is just a very bad deal.

Man what a terrible spot for you both. I feel for him and you Chet. You are right, they won't let on until it is unbearable for them.