Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Breeding, Prevention and Management

Canine hip dysplasia is a heritable developmental condition causing chronic pain, and responsible breeding with health screening is the key to reducing its prevalence.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia affects up to 70% of some large breeds including German Shepherds and Labradors
The condition results from abnormal hip joint development causing laxity, subluxation, and osteoarthritis
BVA/KC and OFA hip scoring schemes grade hip quality and guide breeding decisions
Breeding only from dogs with good hip scores reduces prevalence in subsequent generations
Puppies from high-risk breeds should not be purchased from unscreened parents
Treatment options include conservative management, physiotherapy, and surgical interventions
Total hip replacement provides excellent long-term pain relief in appropriate candidates

Welfare Considerations

Hip dysplasia causes lifelong chronic pain that progressively worsens with advancing arthritis. Millions of dogs live with undiagnosed or undertreated hip pain, limiting their mobility and quality of life. The condition is substantially heritable - responsible breeding with hip screening measurably reduces prevalence across generations. Purchasing puppies from unscreened parents perpetuates this welfare burden. For affected dogs, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management - from NSAIDs and physiotherapy to surgery - maximizes quality and comfort of life.

What You Can Do

Only purchase large-breed puppies from parents with certified good hip scores
Have at-risk breeds hip scored before breeding and only breed from those with acceptable grades
Assess any large-breed dog showing rear-end weakness or exercise intolerance for hip dysplasia
Begin multimodal pain management early in diagnosed dogs - do not wait for severe disease
Discuss surgical options including total hip replacement with an orthopedic specialist for appropriate candidates