Hip Dysplasia
Unfortunately, not many breeders
in our breed have their dogs x-rayed and scored for Hip-Dysplasia.
Or, if they do have them x-rayed, they may not submit the x-ray plates
for scoring on the basis of ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
As with many large and giant breeds, HD is very much a real problem, and
if it is not constantly monitored, can and will have disastrous consequences for
the breed. If anyone ever tells you
that HD is not a problem in our breed, they are lying! Ask them how their
dogs score when x-rayed!
I hope to bring to
you a little information about the system in the U.K for Hip Scoring in an easy
to understand form. There is much
literature about hereditary diseases in dogs, and I urge you to read up on as
many as possible.
HD is a genetically transmitted condition, but there may be environmental factors which influence the final score, and so the final score should be regarded as an indicator of possible transmission. For the scheme to be meaningful and successful, it is important that a plate from every dog x-rayed be submitted for scoring, regardless of whether the dog is for breeding, and whatever the state of the hips, to ensure the widest possible range of information for use by breeders, clubs and geneticists, this is the only way to obtain a true picture of HD in any breed.
The procedure itself involves the dog being sedated, and the hips/pelvis area radiographed with the dog lying on its back. A clear, and even x-ray plate is required to be submitted for scoring. Once the plate is developed, it must be submitted to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) for scoring. This is done by the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme Panel of Scrutineers. The final score given is it sum of the points awarded for each of the nine radiographic features of both hip joints – the lower the score, the lesser the degree of HD present. The best score which can be obtained for one hip is 0, and the worst score is 53, therefore, 0-0 hips being excellent, and 53-53 being the worst possible. (a total combined score from 0 to 106). Whatever the score, the results are returned to the Kennel Club, and are permanently recorded on the dog’s registration record, and will appear on the registration papers of any future progeny. The owner is sent a copy of the score sheet, with a breakdown of the scores given to the nine points.
The ‘mean
score’ or ‘breed average score’ is calculated from all the scores recorded
in that breed, and divided by the number of dogs scored;
125 Anatolian Shepherd Dogs have been x-rayed and scored, with scores
ranging from 0 to 68, therefore giving a ‘mean score’ of 14.
The BVA recommends that breeders wishing to reduce the risk of HD should
only select their breeding stock, dogs and bitches, from animals with hip scores
well below the mean score. Many
visually sound dogs, or top winning show dogs may actually be suffering from
varying degrees of HD, but are bred from on the basis that they are show winners
– unfortunately, it is not what is on the outside that is so important, it is
what is on the inside that makes the difference!
Those breeders who are working towards the preservation of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, working, pet and guardian, have a duty to ensure they are producing the best possible examples, from the best possible stock, for those who do not health test, what is their intention?
