Hip Dysplasia
Introduction to Canine Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) was first described in 1935 and termed
rare condition but is now recognized as the most common orthopedic disease.
CHD afflicts millions of dogs each year and can result in debilitating orthopedic disease of the hip. Many dogs will suffer from osteoarthritis, pain, and lameness, costing owners and breeders millions of dollars in veterinary care, shortened work longevity, and reduced performance. The occurrence of CHD is well documented in the large and giant breed dogs, but there is also evidence that CHD is prevalent in many small and toy breeds as well as in cats.
Hip dysplasia is a disease of complex inheritance. Veterinarians and dog breeders have attempted to eliminate CHD through selective breeding strategies. However, the reduction of CHD frequency in pure-breed dogs has been disappointing.