Hip Dysplasia
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is an inherited orthopaedic problem of the hip joint seen in a range of species, but most commonly associated with dogs. Abnormal development of the structure of the hips can lead to its subsequent deformity.
What are the Symptoms?
Most dogs that show clinical symptoms of hip dysplasia do so by the age of 18-24 months. Environmental factors such as obesity during puppy hood play a role to a degree in dogs who have the genes that code for hip dysplasia, however to date there is no evidence to support that over exercise during puppy hood will contribute to the onset of hip dysplasia. If left untreated, degeneration of the joint will occur, leading to pain and lameness for the animal. In severe cases, movement can be greatly restricted to the point that the animal is suffering.
How can it be prevented?
Hip scoring of dogs has been available in the UK for approximately 30 years and in this time in excess of 100,000 radiological images have been processed. Each ball and socket joint that make up the hip are scored using 9 radiological features which tell us the level of dysplasia present. These are:
The lower the score, then the less the degree of dysplasia. The best (lowest) score is ‘0’ and the worst (highest) score is ‘53’ per joint, thus giving a score range of 0 – 106.
Ideally hounds should only be bred from if their offspring have scored consistently low. Using hounds with higher than ideal scores will increase the risk of offspring with higher than ideal scores.
How can Hip Dysplasia be treated?
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia can be controlled moderately well by variety of means. Medication such as anti-inflammatory and other pain relieving drugs may play a big role in keeping your hound comfortable. Complex surgery such as hip replacement is also available in some cases nowadays and rehabilitation medicine such as physiotherapy, heat therapy and hydrotherapy may also help your hound keep comfortable. Things that you can do at home can include keeping your hounds weight down, providing comfortable bedding to sleep on and keeping your hound out of any drafts or damp areas.
How do I get my hound Hip Scored?
Hip scoring can be carried out by your veterinary surgeon, who will submit the x-rays to the BVA (British Veterinary Association). The procedure is carried out under General Anaesthetic or heavy sedation to allow for the correct positioning of the x-ray.
Owners must ensure;
What score is ‘good’ for a Bavarian Mountain Hound?
The current breed mean or average score is 10 with a range between 4 and 20. Breeding of Bavarians should ideally be between individuals with a hip score lower than the breed mean score.
Useful Links:
British Veterinary Association
The Kennel Club Online Database
RETURN
Hip dysplasia is an inherited orthopaedic problem of the hip joint seen in a range of species, but most commonly associated with dogs. Abnormal development of the structure of the hips can lead to its subsequent deformity.
What are the Symptoms?
Most dogs that show clinical symptoms of hip dysplasia do so by the age of 18-24 months. Environmental factors such as obesity during puppy hood play a role to a degree in dogs who have the genes that code for hip dysplasia, however to date there is no evidence to support that over exercise during puppy hood will contribute to the onset of hip dysplasia. If left untreated, degeneration of the joint will occur, leading to pain and lameness for the animal. In severe cases, movement can be greatly restricted to the point that the animal is suffering.
How can it be prevented?
Hip scoring of dogs has been available in the UK for approximately 30 years and in this time in excess of 100,000 radiological images have been processed. Each ball and socket joint that make up the hip are scored using 9 radiological features which tell us the level of dysplasia present. These are:
- Norberg Angle
- Subluxation
- Cranial Acetabular Edge
- Dorsal Acetabular Edge
- Cranial Effective Acetabular Rim
- Acetabular Fossa
- Caudal Acetabular Edge
- Femoral Head/Neck Exostosis
- Femoral Head Recontouring
The lower the score, then the less the degree of dysplasia. The best (lowest) score is ‘0’ and the worst (highest) score is ‘53’ per joint, thus giving a score range of 0 – 106.
Ideally hounds should only be bred from if their offspring have scored consistently low. Using hounds with higher than ideal scores will increase the risk of offspring with higher than ideal scores.
How can Hip Dysplasia be treated?
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia can be controlled moderately well by variety of means. Medication such as anti-inflammatory and other pain relieving drugs may play a big role in keeping your hound comfortable. Complex surgery such as hip replacement is also available in some cases nowadays and rehabilitation medicine such as physiotherapy, heat therapy and hydrotherapy may also help your hound keep comfortable. Things that you can do at home can include keeping your hounds weight down, providing comfortable bedding to sleep on and keeping your hound out of any drafts or damp areas.
How do I get my hound Hip Scored?
Hip scoring can be carried out by your veterinary surgeon, who will submit the x-rays to the BVA (British Veterinary Association). The procedure is carried out under General Anaesthetic or heavy sedation to allow for the correct positioning of the x-ray.
Owners must ensure;
- The hound be at least One year old
- The Hound must have a permanent form of identification – either Microchip or Tattoo. This number will be added to the x-ray.
- Have the hounds Kennel Club Registration Certificate which should be available to the veterinary surgeon
- Complete and sign the relevant documentation at the Veterinary Surgery
What score is ‘good’ for a Bavarian Mountain Hound?
The current breed mean or average score is 10 with a range between 4 and 20. Breeding of Bavarians should ideally be between individuals with a hip score lower than the breed mean score.
Useful Links:
British Veterinary Association
The Kennel Club Online Database
RETURN
