Hip Dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia has been identified by the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) in at least 82 recognized breeds of dog. This disease is of major significance to dog breeders, dog owners, and veterinarians. 
Hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis are the most frequently seen problems of the canine hip joint. Look for your dog's breed on the incidence list to see what his chances are to develop hip dysplasia. If he is high on the list, don't procrastinate. Ask your veterinarian to palpate and x-ray your puppy at 6-8 months of age while you can still prevent or reduce the crippling arthritis that accompanies Hip Dysplasia. Even if your dog is over 8 months of age, make an appointment soon to have your veterinarian check him for this disease.
Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent the pain and arthritis that accompany dysplasia. Early diagnosis also increases the number of available treatment options. Some of the surgical procedures must be done prior to the development of arthritic changes. For mature dogs that already have radiographic evidence of arthritis, surgery is still highly effective in alleviating signs of pain and lameness. Prompt examination by your veterinarian will avert or alleviate future problems in any case!
Hip dysplasia is an inherited problem. You can help eliminate this disease from your breed by spaying or neutering your dog if it is dysplastic.
Give your dog the best chance for a long and painless life. Help improve the quality of your breed. Work with your veterinarian to assess potential problems such as hip dysplasia at an early date. Both you and your dog will benefit.
Is your dog at risk for Hip Dysplasia? Check our table on the next page to see the percentages of dysplasia and of risk of developing dysplasia in certain breeds
Is your dog at risk to develop Hip Dysplasia?
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| * % of films submitted for certification by OFA that were dysplastic. (Jan, 1974 - Mar, 1989)
**Estimated % of incidence within a breed. The OFA prevalence figures are generally recognized to be conservative.Recent data was presented by Gail K. Smith, VMD, PhD at the Assoc. for Veterinary Orthopedic Research and Education (AVORE) Council Meeting, September 1990, from a large study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania of several hundred hip evaluations using the OFA scoring criteria. In Dr. Smith's study, the OFA prevalence figures were shown to underestimate the prevalence of hip dysplasia in 4 popular breeds by an average factor of 2.8 (range, 1.8-3.9). In other words, the true prevalence of hip dysplasia may be several times that reported by the OFA. |
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