Tell your friend to get a new vet's opinion. There are no substitutes for X-rays and no amount of palpation will predict the future status of the puppy's hips. Back in the early seventies there were many theories of palpation and loose hip joints - and after discarding many good dogs, we found there was no validity in these predictions. Unfortunately there are a lot of ignorant vets in this world that have no knowledge of GSDs structure. Advise your friend to find an experienced vet - one that is familiar with GSD growth and development and give this puppy a chance. Dania ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================