Complete Guide to Testing for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition that affects the hip joints of dogs, causing painful abnormal development and affecting their quality of life. Testing for this condition is crucial in preventing its spread through breeding and ensuring the health and wellbeing of future generations. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about testing for hip dysplasia, including what it is, which dogs are at risk, how tests are performed, and how to interpret the results responsibly.

Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket joints of a dog’s hips do not fit together properly during growth from puppy to adult. Normally, these joints are well-aligned and stable, allowing smooth movement. However, in dogs with hip dysplasia, the joint is loose or malformed, which over time can cause subluxation – a partial dislocation – leading to pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Symptoms may not appear until the dog is two years old or more.

Dogs born with hip dysplasia often seem normal initially, but as their muscles around the hip weaken and the joint deteriorates, they develop difficulty walking, stiffness, and pain. This condition is inherited genetically, meaning dogs with poor hip structure can pass the risk onto their offspring if bred. Therefore, early and accurate testing is essential in managing this condition.

You can read more about the condition in detail here.

Identifying Dogs at Risk of Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is more common in large and giant breed dogs, though it can occur in any breed or mixed breed. Breeds such as German Shepherd and St. Bernard are known to be at higher risk. The Kennel Club’s Breed Information Centre provides a valuable tool to check breed-specific health concerns and recommended health tests, helping owners and breeders make informed decisions.

When and Which Dogs Should be Tested?

Testing for hip dysplasia is typically done on adult dogs over two years old, as hip structure becomes fully developed by this age. The test is mainly aimed at potential breeding dogs to ensure only those with healthy hips are used for reproduction, reducing the risk of passing the condition genetically. Both the dam and sire should be tested to provide confidence in the health of future litters.

In some high-risk breeds, hip scoring is mandatory for registration with The Kennel Club. Dogs with a family history of hip dysplasia, regardless of breed prevalence, should also be tested before breeding. Once tested, the hip score results are valid for life and only need to be done once for each breeding dog.

How is Hip Dysplasia Tested?

The primary method of testing is hip scoring, which involves taking X-rays of the dog’s hips under sedation or general anaesthesia to get high-quality, accurate images. These X-rays are then assessed by specialists who assign a hip score indicating the health of the joints. The scoring scale ranges from 0 to 106, with a lower score signifying healthier hips.

Several methodologies exist, including the widely used BVA/Kennel Club hip scoring scheme in the UK. Some tests also involve physical examination techniques like the Ortolani test, which detects looseness in the hip joint. Specialized radiographic techniques such as PennHIP can measure joint laxity more precisely and can be done earlier, from as young as four months, offering predictive insights into future hip health.

Interpreting the Hip Score and Making Informed Breeding Decisions

Each dog breed has an average hip score, and responsible breeding practices recommend only breeding dogs with scores below their breed’s average to improve overall breed health over time. A high hip score suggests a higher likelihood of hip issues developing later, and such dogs should be excluded from breeding programmes to prevent spreading the condition further.

Testing and score interpretation is a collaborative effort between owners, breeders, and veterinary professionals. By ensuring stud dogs have good hip scores, breeders contribute to healthier future litters and help reduce suffering caused by this painful condition.

Additional Considerations for Responsible Pet Ownership

While hip dysplasia testing is primarily aimed at breeding dogs, responsible owners of any adult dog can also seek assessment if they suspect mobility issues or pain. Early detection can guide veterinary care and lifestyle adjustments to improve comfort for affected dogs. Maintaining proper weight, regular exercise, and muscle strengthening can help delay or reduce symptoms.

When looking to add a dog to your family, consider adopting from reputable breeders who perform hip scoring and other health tests, which helps protect the health of breeds and supports ethical breeding practices. If you want to find a German Shepherd puppy or a St. Bernard puppy, choosing a breeder prioritising health testing is vital.

Summary and Next Steps

Hip dysplasia remains a significant hereditary health concern in dogs, especially larger breeds. Testing through hip scoring and specialist assessments plays a critical role in identifying affected dogs, guiding responsible breeding choices, and improving the health of future generations.

To summarise:

Hip dysplasia affects the hip joint’s proper development, often causing pain and difficulty in movement.
Large and giant breeds, like German Shepherds and St. Bernards, are more prone, but all breeds can be affected.
Testing is primarily recommended on breeding-age dogs, usually from two years old, to ensure accurate results.
Hip scoring via X-rays is the standard method, with lower scores indicating healthier hips.
Only dogs scoring better than breed averages should be used for breeding to promote healthier litters.
Responsible ownership includes early detection, veterinary care, and lifestyle management for affected dogs.

For further information and testing details, visit The Kennel Club’s hip dysplasia scheme page.