I would just like to update you on the decision we have made regarding making Oscars life better as he has severe hip dysplasia.

We have seen the specialist again today and discussed at length FHO surgery and he has recommended, for him to skip, run and jump without being lame, or walk askew, the total hip replacement would be the best, so we will wait until he is 13-14 months and have that done, we are not insured but he is a lovely dog and we want him to be happy & content, without pain & TABLETS!!!

When he has his hip done he is going to be a happy boy as we are retiring to Spain with our two oriental cats and older collie dog (13) rowan, he will get mountain walks & sea swims, and the specialist said the heat is a good thing for his condition.

Thanks again, as I have said before love your dogs they give far more than they ever take.

Thanks Sandy & Phil.

I hope it all goes well and he enjoys a happy life once its all done.

Spain sounds fab will definately do his hips good not getting cold :)

sounds like his gonna have a fab time recoveing and getting his muscles tonned in spain with the walks and swims - wishing you and Oscar all the best

Whereabouts in Spain are you going? Our dogs moved there 5 years ago with my parents and love it, sure Oscar will too! When they lived on an apple farm they used to eat the apples off the floor now it is olives :P

They also get fantastic vet care and at a fraction of the UK cost - about 2 yrs ago my patterdale was attacked by a wild animal, had to have GA, op and lots of meds etc all for 60 euros!

We are going to live near Valencia in small spanish farmhouse we have bought with lots of land, enoy fresh warm air and the lovely spanish people we have as neighbours. You are right about the olives, walnuts, grapes & oranges pomegranets, plums etc, which will do Oscar no good at all, (but he will try them all if we let him!!)

Our english friends have various Spanish strays they have adopted (the Spanish are not so caring with dogs as we are) and we have been told the vets are lots cheaper than we are used too.

Thanks for your reply Sandy & Phil.