Companion Animals

Dog Canine Hip Dysplasia Genetic Screening

Hip dysplasia causes chronic pain in millions of dogs and can be substantially reduced through evidence-based breeding programs.

Key Facts

Hip dysplasia affects large and giant breeds predominantly including German Shepherds and Labradors
The condition causes joint laxity, secondary osteoarthritis, and chronic pain
BVA and OFA hip scoring schemes provide breeding selection guidance
Heritability estimates of 0.4 to 0.6 indicate breeding programs can reduce prevalence
Breeding only from low-scored parents can halve hip dysplasia prevalence within 5 generations

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with hip dysplasia experience chronic, progressive joint pain that limits mobility and quality of life throughout their adult years. Genetic screening in breeding programs prevents this suffering in future generations.

What You Can Do

Only purchase dogs from breeders who screen breeding stock with hip scoring
Discuss hip scoring with your vet for dogs of predisposed breeds
Advocate for mandatory hip scoring requirements for pedigree dog registration in predisposed breeds