Many people have heard of hip dysplasia, but do not know very much about it. Here are some common questions and myths about CHD. (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
* What is CHD?
Canine Hip Dysplasia is a developmental hereditary disease involving the hipjoint of a dog. It results from the failure of the head of the femur to fit tightly into the acetabulum (like a ball and socket). Common results are lameness, degenerative joint disease and arthritis. Severely affected dogs can show clinical signs as early as 4-5 months of age. These symptoms can resolve and then reappear later. Signs can be intermittent or constant (or practically nonexistent) and tend to worsen with age.
* Hip dysplasia is only found in large breeds.
False. It is found in most breeds. The severity may be worse in large breeds due to their rapid growth and greater weight resulting in more stress on joints. But, any breed of dog, even mixed breeds, can have hip dysplasia. Environmental factors, such as being overweight or excessive excercise, can worsen the problem.
* I know my dog does not have CHD because he does not limp.
The ONLY way to know for certain that your dog has or does not have CHD is to radiograph (x-ray) his hips. Dogs are very good at compensating for or ignoring pain. They can go years without showing clinical signs. Meanwhile, the joints are deteriorating and less expensive/ invasive procedures can no longer be considered because of the dog's age or extent of deterioration. Also, your dog's gait might look fine to you, but to an experienced eye he may be showing early signs of pain by bunny hopping or consistently sitting crooked.
* CHD is just something that happens, it's not the breeder's fault.
True and false. False because CHD is hereditary. Breeders can and should do something to try to diminish the chances of CHD. Breeders should only use breeding stock that has been x-rayed and certified free of CHD and other genetic diseases common to the breed. These may include elbow dysplasia, heart and eye problems as well as CHD. The best way to prevent these genetic problems is to use stock that has several generations of clear ancestors.
True, ONLY if the breeder has already done everything in their power to try to eliminate the possibility of CHD from occurring in their breeding. Because CHD is a polygenic trait and not a simple recessive, genes can be carried through generations without being expressed, only to surface when combined with the right genetic match. Therefore, breeders who breed normal to normal will have an excellent chance of producing normal puppies. But, occasionally, even with the best research and planning, CHD can occur.
* My dog has good hips because:
1) The breeder told me he has never had any problems with hips.
2) The breeder told me he has good hips.
3) The breeder told me the parents have good hips.
4) The breeder told me that all that stuff about CHD is hogwash!
Answer to all the above: Unless the breeder shows you OFA, GDC or Penn-Hip scored certifications of the parents, you cannot know for sure that the parents have been radiographed. And, unless your dog has been x-rayed, you cannot know for sure that 'he' is clear, even if the parents are clear. There are no 100% guarantees. When a breeder says he has never had any problems and does not have any documentation to back it up, beware. He probably has never 'had' any problems because he has never checked for any problems and neither has anyone who bought a puppy from him. As for it all being hogwash…tell that to the little girl who had to have her puppy be put to sleep because it could no longer walk and her family could not afford the expensive surgery. Your best bet is to buy from a breeder who can prove that several generations of your puppy's pedigree are certified clear of CHD.
* What is OFA?
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is a nonprofit organization which evaluates the x-rays of your dog's hips and gives them a rating based on the consensus of three board certified radiologists. If the dog is dysplastic, it is rated mild, moderate or severe and will not be given a certification number. If the dog passes, it receives a number and an evaluation of fair, good or excellent. They also give a pass/fail rating for elbows. In order to receive certification, a dog must be at least two years old at the time of the x-rays. (OFA will screen dogs under the age of two years for breeders to use, as a preliminary evaluation in their breeding program, but no number will be assigned.) Once a number is assigned that number goes on any further registrations or pedigrees printed by the AKC, if your dog is AKC registered. So, it becomes very easy for buyers to determine if their puppy's parents were OFA'd at the time of breeding. When you receive your registration slip to send in to AKC, the parents' certification will appear after their names. It will appear something like this: OFA24G. This means they did receive a number. The numbers "24" stand for the age in months that the dog was x-rayed and the "G" is the initial of the rating received, in this case, "Good". Some older dogs may not have a rating initial, as OFA did not give ratings then, only pass/fail. If there is elbow certification it will say OFEL24. These same things will appear on your dog's AKC pedigree after any dog's name that has been certified.
* But dogs from OFA clear parents are so expensive.
You can pay a little extra now or pay a lot later. Even the mildest CHD treatment of supplements can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. Surgical treatments such as femoral head removals can be $1,000.00 or more and total hip replacements will start at around $2,000.00 per hip. Over the lifetime of the pet, a few hundred dollars more when you buy is a small price for a healthy dog. Many breeders who breed from OFA stock will offer a full or partial refund or a replacement if the dog is diagnosed with dysplasia. Also, buying from a reputable breeder who is using OFA will 'usually' mean they are concerned about the breed in other ways as well. This includes doing other genetic clearances and breeding for proper temperament, intelligence, structure and type. All of these things will help assure that you will be getting a quality dog and lessen the chances of genetic problems down the road. If price is a determining factor in buying, think about adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group. Your chances for CHD will be just as risky as buying from a non-OFA breeding, but you will be giving a dog a second chance.
* What can I do if my dog does have CHD?
If you suspect CHD, have your dog radiographed to make a definitive diagnosis. A great time to do this is while your dog is being neutered or having a dental, as they need to be anesthetized to get a proper positioning of the hips. After diagnosis your veterinarian can recommend several options to you depending on the severity and the age of your dog. You may be referred to a specialist. There are many different treatments available ranging from the use of GAGS (glycosaminoglycans) and physical therapy/exercise to total hip replacement surgery.
Watching a dog suffer from moderate or severe hip dysplasia is heart wrenching for owners. Your dog may not show any signs until he is older. Then, he will finally succumb to the increasing pain and you will realize just how stoic and full of heart your dog has been all those years. They will not complain until they can no longer ignore the pain. In the meantime, they tolerate it and compensate for it because they love you and want to be near you; walk with you, play with you, fetch for you, work for you. As one vet said to me after viewing one of our dysplastic dog's hip x-rays, "Let's just say that when he jumps in the back of the pickup to go hunting, it's all heart."
Copyright 1998 Julie A. Reeves