Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Hip Dysplasia Welfare and Breeding

Hip dysplasia causes chronic pain in affected dogs, and breeding selection through hip scoring reduces prevalence over time.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia affects 15-80% of dogs in predisposed breeds without screening
Hip scoring schemes include BVA/KC scoring in UK and OFA certification in USA
Breeding only from low-scoring parents consistently reduces prevalence within breeds
Total hip replacement provides excellent pain relief but is costly
Surgical management including triple pelvic osteotomy in young dogs prevents arthritic progression

Welfare Considerations

Hip dysplasia causes lifelong chronic pain in affected dogs. Breeding reform through hip scoring programs demonstrably reduces prevalence, preventing suffering in future generations. This is a clear example of genetic welfare improvement that committed breeders can achieve.

What You Can Do

Ask for hip scores from both parents when purchasing from predisposed breeds
Support kennel club and breed health committee hip scoring initiatives
Advocate for mandatory hip scoring in breeds with high dysplasia prevalence