Orthopedic

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) occurs in most breeds of dogs including mixed breeds. A dog that has hip dysplasia is said to be dysplastic and has hip joints that are not formed perfectly. CHD is a common canine inherited condition that is not apparent at birth, the imperfection can be slight or severe. The dysplastic dog may experience no pain or problems from its condition or it may experience mild to severe discomfort when moving. Veterinary prescribed anti-inflammatory medication can control the symptoms in milder cases. Management includes keeping weight off, regular moderate exercise, medical management, and, in some cases, surgery. Hip dysplasia can only be properly diagnosed by an x-ray.

The Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph offers a limited number of outpatient appointments directly with the Imaging section for hip and elbow dysplasia evaluation and PennHIP evaluation. A radiology consultation service is provided by Dr. H. Dobson. For more information on outpatient appointments and radiographic referral evaluation call 519-767 5022 or visit their wesite.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is an organization of Veterinary Orthopedists. (see www.offa.org) They evaluate hip x-rays that are submitted to them. This service is provided for a modest fee. An x-ray taken of a dog less than two years old will receive only a temporary “Preliminary” rating. An x-ray of a dog two years old or older evaluated as not dysplastic will receive permanent certificate with an “OFA number” and rating status of “Excellent”, “Good” or “Fair”. If the dog is determined to be dysplastic, only a rating as to the degree of dysplasia from “Mild” to “Severe” will be provided. The PWDCA maintains a database of all the PWD's who have been evaluated by the OFA and found to show no signs of having CHD at age 24 months or older.

All dogs considered for breeding should be evaluated at 24 months for CHD.