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Canine Hip Dysplasia Dysplasia literally means "abnormal growth or development." Hip dysplasia in animals, particularly dogs, can and most often is extremely painful. It is genetic -- some breeds are more prone than others, and some lines are more likely to produce dysplastic animals than others. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for the presence of CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), and never breed animals that are OFA rated less than Fair; or with a PennHIP DI of less than 80%. Animals that are dysplastic or have a high rate of dysplastic offspring should be neutered and removed from any breeding program. In the United States, there are two registries that evaluate hips for dysplasia. The most common registry is the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA); the other is the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP). Each registry uses x-ray films to determine whether CHD is present and to what degree. OFA uses a grading system, and rates dogs from Excellent (perfect hips, free from dysplasia) to Severely Dysplastic. PennHIP uses a physical measurement of the laxity (distance between the two bones that make up the hip joint). This measurement is called a Distraction Index (DI), and is given a value from 0 to 1. When rating an individual dog's hips, PennHIP also gives a percentile rating -- how that dog's DI compares to other dogs of that breed. For more information on CHD, the methods of evaluating, and treatment options -- please click any of the links below. Hip
dysplasia FAQ (Cindy Tittle
Moore)
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