What is hip dysplasia in dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a problem that can affect most dogs, although some breeds are affected more than others. It is a condition that describes an abnormality of the hip joint. A healthy dog has a hip socket that fully covers the ball portion of the joint, whereas a dog with hip dysplasia will have a hip socket that is too shallow and does not cover the ball portion of the joint. The prevalence of hip dysplasia can be monitored and controlled by proper pedigree research and a responsible breeder.
How is hip dysplasia rated for dogs?
Hip dysplasia is rated in different ways depending on the country and health organization that performs the tests. The majority of ratings are tested by the GCI and OFA. Unfortunately the different rating systems can cause confusion among potential buyers. In Europe, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) rates using a scale of A1 (no dysplasia) - E2 (most severe dysplasia): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2, E1, E2. In North America, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has the following rating system: Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, Severe.
How do different countries and organizations rate hip dysplasia?
The following is a chart that compares the various hip dysplasia ratings that are used in pedigrees amongst different countries and organizations.
| OFA Classification | FCI Classification | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | A1 | HD F |
| Good | A2 | HD F |
| Good | B1 | HD V |
| Fair | B2 | HD V |
| Borderline | C1 | HD L |
| Mild | C2 | HD L |
| Moderate | D1 | HD M |
| Moderate | D2 | HD M |
| Severe | E1 | HD S |
| Severe | E2 | HD S |
How do I add hip dysplasia information to a dog's pedigree?
After you add a dog to the database, you can go to the "Edit Information" page to add all sorts of additional information for the dog. You will see a section titled "Health Information" where you can specify your dog's hip dysplasia rating, among other details.