HIP DYSPLASIA IN THE SIBERIAN HUSKY

Hip dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip joint in which the head of the thighbone (femur) does not fit properly into its pelvic joint socket (acetabulum). At birth, the hip joint of the puppy is normal and bone changes in severe cases can occur as early as 12 weeks of age. In mild cases of hip dysplasia, the dog may be over 2 years of age when clinical signs occur. The disease is often progressive, causing reluctance to lie down, stiffness when getting up, difficulty climbing stairs, lameness after exercise, and an unsteady gait. This disorder affects dogs of both sexes and may be present in one or both hips. It is regarded with utmost concern in our breed because Siberians with hip dysplasia will not be able to perform work as a sled or obedience dog, and the disease can be devastating to both the owner and the pet.

Canine hip dysplasia is an inheritable disease. Its mode of inheritance is termed polygenetic meaning that it is due the combination of many genes. Because of the polygenetic nature of this disorder, some normal dogs may produce offspring that have hip dysplasia. The sire and dam may both transmit the genes that cause hip dysplasia to the offspring. Thus the puppies may receive a combination of detrimental genes from either parent in any combination. The parents may appear normal and have no signs of hip dysplasia yet transmit the defective genes. Environmental factors and dietary feeding of high caloric foods during the rapid growth phase of a puppy cannot cause hip dysplasia.

A diagnosis of hip dysplasia can only be established through radiographic examination by a veterinarian. Most dogs need to be sedated and the hind limbs are rotated and extended to allow a proper positioning of the hips and femurs. Females in heat or in pregnancy should not be radiographed since the hormones may interfere with joint laxity and cause an erroneous reading. The proper positioning of the X-ray is essential for diagnosis of hip dysplasia. The films are sent to a veterinary radiologist for review. If a dog is to be hip certified for breeding, the films are mailed to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (O.F.A.). for interpretation and evaluation. A team of three radiologists independently review the films and a hip certification is give to the dog in the form of an O.F.A. Registry Number if the hips are found to be normal. All dogs must be over the age of 2 years to receive an O.F.A. Registry Number; however, a dog can be evaluated at any age for a preliminary report.

From January 1994 through December 2000, a total of 13,025 Siberian Huskies have been evaluated by O.F.A. for hip dysplasia. Out of this total, 31.5 % of the dogs have received excellent hip ratings and only 2.1% have been dysplastic. (Please note that radiographs showing hip dysplasia may not be mailed to the O.F.A.).

Out of the 126 breeds of dogs at risk for hip dysplasia, the Siberian Husky is ranked at #122 out of a possible 126 based upon evaluations from January 1974 through January 2000. This impressive ranking has been achieved through the co-operation of breeders whom followed the breeding program guidelines established by the O.F.A. to decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia.

All puppies should have both parents certified by the O.F.A. and buyers should ask for copies of these papers. Stay away from breeders whom cannot provide O.F.A. certification papers for both parents. The O.F.A. maintains a hip registry open to the public and is available on the O.F.A. website at the following address: www.offa.org

Kathleen Stryeski, DVM

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