Hip dysplasia(HD)
Also known as: Hüftgelenksdysplasie · Canine Hip Dysplasia · CHD · Hüftdysplasie · Coxofemoral Dysplasia · …
Overview
What it is
Hip dysplasia is an inherited skeletal disorder where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly. Instead of sliding smoothly, the bones rub and grind against each other, wearing down the protective cartilage. Over time, this chronic friction causes joint instability, painful inflammation, and progressive arthritis, which is the gradual wear and tear of the joint.
How it presents
Symptoms typically become noticeable during a puppy's rapid growth phase between 4 and 12 months of age, though they can also develop in older dogs. Owners may observe a swaying or 'bunny-hopping' gait, stiffness after resting, and a reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs.
Treatment
The condition is treatable, either through lifelong medical management like pain relief and physical therapy, or via corrective surgery. Depending on the chosen approach, lifetime treatment costs typically range from €2,000 to €10,000.
How it's tested
Hüftgelenksdysplasie-Auswertung (HD-Röntgen) nach FCI(HD-FCI)
Primary testRadiographRöntgenaufnahme der Hüftgelenke unter Sedation, ausgewertet nach FCI-Standard (A-E). Standardpflicht bei den meisten VDH-Zuchtvereinen.
Issuing body: FCI
Result scheme: HD-FCI
Röntgenuntersuchung auf Hüftgelenksdysplasie(HD-Röntgen)
Primary testRadiographRöntgenologische Untersuchung der Hüftgelenke unter Sedierung zur Beurteilung der Gelenkkongruenz und des Norberg-Winkels gemäß FCI-Klassifikation.
Issuing body: FCI
Result scheme: OFA-Hip
OFA Hip Evaluation(OFA-H)
RadiographNorth American Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip evaluation (Excellent/Good/Fair/Borderline/Mild/Moderate/Severe).
Issuing body: OFA
Result scheme: OFA-Hip
PennHIP Distraction Index(PennHIP)
RadiographQuantitative hip joint laxity measurement (distraction index 0–1, lower = tighter).
Issuing body: PennHIP
Result scheme: PennHIP-DI
Affected breeds
24 of 375 breeds
Mandatory testAffenpinscherMandated by Pinscher-Schnauzer-Klub 1895 e.V.
Mandatory testAiredale TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier e.V.
Mandatory testAkita
Mandatory testAlaskan Malamute
Mandatory testAlpine Dachsbracke
Mandatory testAmerican AkitaMandated by Akita Club e.V.
Mandatory testAmerican Bulldog
Mandatory testAmerican Bully
Mandatory testAmerican Cocker Spaniel
Mandatory testAmerican Collie
Mandatory testAmerican English Coonhound
Mandatory testAmerican Eskimo DogMandated by American Eskimo Dog Club of America (AEDCA) / OFA CHIC
Mandatory testAmerican Foxhound
Mandatory testAmerican Hairless TerrierMandated by American Hairless Terrier Club of America (AHTCA / OFA CHIC)
Mandatory testAppenzell Mountain DogMandated by Schweizer Sennenhund-Verein für Deutschland e.V.
Mandatory testAriégeois
Mandatory testAussiedoodle
Mandatory testAustralian Cattle Dog
Mandatory testAustralian KelpieMandated by VDH
Mandatory testAustralian Labradoodle
Mandatory testAustralian ShepherdMandated by Club für Australian Shepherd Deutschland e.V. (CASD)
Mandatory testAustralian TerrierMandated by Klub für Terrier von 1894 e. V.
Mandatory testAustrian Pinscher
Mandatory testBarbetMandated by Verein für französische Vorstehhunde – VBBFL e.V.
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is an inherited skeletal disorder where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly. Instead of sliding smoothly, the bones rub and grind against each other, wearing down the protective cartilage. Over time, this chronic friction causes joint instability, painful inflammation, and progressive arthritis, which is the gradual wear and tear of the joint.
How is Hip dysplasia tested?
Tests currently in our database: Hüftgelenksdysplasie-Auswertung (HD-Röntgen) nach FCI, Röntgenuntersuchung auf Hüftgelenksdysplasie, OFA Hip Evaluation, PennHIP Distraction Index.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Affenpinscher, Airedale Terrier, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Alpine Dachsbracke, American Akita, American Bulldog, American Bully.