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Canine Hip Dysplasia  (CHD)

By: Brigitte Rhinehart



Canine Hip Dysplasia is the irregular  formation of the coxofemoral joint. This is the
joint that joins the femur, the  longest bone in the body, to the hip socket.
The hip is a ball and socket joint,  and the ball (femoral head) must fit well
into the socket (cup) for the joint to  function properly. The main contributors
to the development of CHD are joint  laxity and the depth of the acetabulum
(cup). Early signs of CHD include: -  Reluctance to go up and down stairs or to
jump - Difficulty rising or laying  down - Bunny hopping when running, i.e. both
hind limbs move together. Diagnosis  is made through radiographic findings,
either by the method advocated by the  Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
or by that of the University of  Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP)
which measures joint laxity.  While CHD is among the principal orthopedic
diseases in the GSMD, fortunately  for Swissys, it manifests itself rarely in a
severe and crippling form. Indeed,  unless x-rays are taken, many Swissy owners
are not even aware that they have a  dysplastic dog. Quite often, mildly and
even moderately affected Swissys do not  show any or only very subtle clinical
signs of the disease. While treatment  options for severely dysplastic dogs are
available, we will not discuss them  here as they are so rarely applicable to
Swissys. Prior to breeding, Swissys  should be screened for CHD and evaluated by
an established registry such as OFA  or PennHIP. It is preferable to use only
CHD free animals. 

 

 


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