Myth - Only hip joints and surrounding tissues are affected.
Fact -
Evidence now indicates that the shoulder and knee joints and some
intervertebral joints may show similar changes: the loss of cartilage, inflammation of the joint capsule, bone damage and
the growth of spurs at the bone-cartilage interface. Hip dysplasia is
simply the most conspicuous -- and most painful -- manifestation of this form of osteoarthritis.
Myth - The absence of hip dysplasia in canine parents guarantees dysplasia free pups.
Fact
Unfortunately, out of 100 matings of "normal" dogs in breeds affected by
canine hip dysplasia, 75 percent of puppies will be "normal" but 25
percent, on average, will have hip dysplasia. Genes for hip dysplasia are believed to be
"masked" or hidden in some generations, making the elimination of the disease from
breeding stock even more difficult.
Myth - All large-sized breeds of purebred dogs are candidates for hip dysplasia.
Fact
Although the disease is particularly common among certain large breeds, mixed
breeds of all sizes also are subject to hip dysplasia and not even the toy breeds are spared. However,
the incidence is lower in small dogs. Large-sized breeds with a relatively low incidence of hip
dysplasia include the Borzoi, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound and
Siberian Husky.
Myth - A hearty diet helps avert dog hip dysplasia.
Fact
To the contrary, dogs that are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia seem to
benefit from a lean diet during their first two years. In one study beginning at eight weeks
of age, pups that were restricted to a 24-percent smaller ration had a 46-percent lower
occurrence of hip dysplasia than pups that could eat freely. Slowing the growth rate during the
early months of life, some veterinary nutritionists now believe, can lessen the severity of hip
dysplasia and even prevent it.
Myth - Only dogs suffer hip dysplasia.
Fact
While 50 percent of some of the larger dog breeds are afflicted, the disease is
not unknown in humans. About 1 percent of the general human population suffers hip dysplasia,
and the rate for the inherited disease is higher in some populations of American Indians.
Credits:
John M. Olin Laboratory for the Study of Canine Bone and Joint Diseases
James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University
