Hip dysplasia (HD)

What is Hip Dysplasia (HD)?

Hip dysplasia is defined as a coxo-femoral joint laxity of genetic origin. Most breeds of dogs - including Epagneul Breton- can be affected and HD is a very common cause of arthritis or degenerative joint pathologies.

Clinical symptoms vary depending on how the hip joint is injured. In mildest forms, outward signs can be very light and only consist in a slight decrease in exercise ability. At the opposite, severe forms can be higly crippling.

According to scientific studies, it is now well established that the expression of the pathology is linked to genetic factors, due to the action of many genes, some other factors such as overweight and/or overexercise have also an incidence, so its variability is very wide and its transmission pattern complex.

Diagnosis

Because some dysplasic dogs experience no or little trouble, HD cannot be diagnosed by simply observing hows the animal walks or runs.

The only way to diagnose HD consists in a radiographic evaluation performed in compliance with strict procedures. This involves taking radiographs of a carefully positionned dog - often during a short anesthesia - and sending the pictures to an expert reader who will evaluate HD and rate the dog. In France, these official exams require that the dog is over one year of age.

HD Prevention

Because HD can lead to severe crippling it is really important to prevent it. Unfortunately there is no known prevention method except for meticulous breeding with selected X-rayed sires and dams.

CEB and HD control

In order to help breeders and potential dog buyers, the French Club de l'Epagneul Breton developed a selection scale for sires and dams that officially specifies the qualities of these dogs, though not being a substitute to the awards and titles allowed by the S.C.C. (French kennel Club).

Except for the first one, each degree of the Epagneul Breton selection scale requires the dog to be HD evaluated. Hips must not be rated worse than “C” for the lowest levels. "A" or “B” for the highest ones.

Moreover, radiographs can only be read by official specialists (three at this time: 2006). This ensures the best reliability and prevents fraud or misreading.