Hip dysplasia causes chronic pain in millions of dogs globally, primarily in large and giant breeds. The condition is largely preventable through responsible breeding but persists due to inadequate screening requirements.
Hip dysplasia causes chronic pain that is among the most prevalent preventable welfare problems in companion dogs. The progressive nature of the condition means many dogs live years in chronic discomfort with reduced mobility and pain on movement before receiving diagnosis and treatment. The welfare cost is borne disproportionately by dogs in breeds where screening is least consistently practiced. Mandatory pre-breeding screening requirements for breeds with known high prevalence would substantially reduce the inheritance of problematic hip conformations. The existence of effective screening tools makes the continuation of breeding without screening a preventable source of chronic animal suffering. Treatment, while effective, is expensive and not accessible to all dog owners, meaning prevention through breeding standards is the most equitable welfare intervention.