Looking for a good vet for hip certification

[Birdguy]

I am looking for some input form folks who have had good experiences with vets and hip certification. I have a male lab that will be 24 months in January and I have to get his hips, eyes, and elbows done before he is 26 months for his health guarantee. I have heard great things about a vet in Tonasket and plan on taking him there. However, with the winter it looks like we will be having I am making a plan "B" as well. On a good day Tonasket is over 300 miles and 5 1/2 hours of driving one way for me so winter conditions may make it to tough. I know almost any vet can do what I need done but I want to make sure the vet does the right things by my dog as well. Anytime you put one under there is risk. Also I know some vets put a little more effort into trying to get good quality shots rather then a couple to be sent in. There are some folks on here who do this stuff regularly and I am really looking forward to hearing from you. Please include vet name and location. Thank you for your help.

[Old Dog]

Try Dr Ries in Gig Harbor/Purdy area.  I was real impressed with his thouroughness, and the way he explained everything makes it very clear what you are looking at in the x-ray.

[Birdguy]

Thanks Old Dog, I will look him up as he cannot be more then 10 minutes from the house. If I remember you had a dog done this last year correct?

[Old Dog]

I had two of them done.  Unfortuneately Kalle did not pass on her hips, so I had her spayed, But Misty is ready to go as soon as I find the right stud.

[Birdguy]

 
Still looking for more input on this  One is better then none but I expected a few more responses one way or the other. Thanks

[wildweeds]

I would think that ANY vet would know the protocol for X raying hips.....................they don't read the film anyway, its the ofa that does the evaluation.....................or that's what I was lead to believe anyhow.I had the setter I gave away last weekends hips shot,I looked at the film and so did the vet(I'm a welder and look at X rays all the time).I said upon looking at them that they must be good(very very thin black line around the joint) and the vet informed me that the dog would score excellent.I don't know where your at but Fountain Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Todd Perry, Bellingham 360-733-2660.Wazzu schooled

[YellowDog]

I wouldn't drive 300 miles to get x-rays for OFA certification.  There has to be a vet closer to you that can do the job but since we don't know where you live its hard to give suggestions.  So, where are you located?

[Happy Gilmore]

Folks who OFA swear by certain vets. If the x-ray is marginal in quality it may score lower upon OFA review- so they say.

I've heard,

Dr. Gary Johnson in Mt. Vernon is one of the best. He's also an active field trialer and lab breeder.

[Birdguy]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I am located on the Kitsap Peninsula northwest of Tacoma. As mentioned in my original post I know almost any vet can do but some are better then others. Quality of the x-ray can make a difference in how it is read from what I have been told  and most importantly I want to take my dog (and family member) to the right place for him. I will not send my Wife or kids to just any Dr. (a little asking around can go a long way in good care) so goes with my dog. Thanks again  .