Examination of HD/ED joints
Dysplasia of HIP and ED joints (hip and elbow) and their examination
(price – 85- €, register for an appointment by calling number +370 5 2105048)
Why is HIP dysplasia examination necessary?
What do you need to know in order to minimize the risk of being diagnosed with heavy form of dysplasia?
What is HIP dysplasia (hip)
In dogs, hip dysplasia (later – dysplasia) – is a complex of diseases as a result of which appears anatomical defect of surfaces, of bones and joints that form them. That might pose a threat to motor function of hindlimbs. This is a hereditary polygenic disease. Development of dysplasia is based on many factors, main ones include – fast growth and excess weigh of an animal (often due to overfeeding) during the period of growth. Clinical dysplasia is often displayed during the age from 4 to10 months and old dogs. Dysplasia is often a problem for big dog breeds. Small dog breeds do not display clinical dysplasia. The most common symptoms include: decrease of activity, sudden appearance of lameness, an animal experiences difficulty while trying to stand up, appearance of pain during passive movement of hips. If you see these symptoms you need to urgently contact a veterinary doctor about the possible dysplasia. This should especially concern owners of young dogs, development of heavy forms of dysplasia can be avoided with the help of timely doctor advice and treatment.
Picture 1. No hip dysplasia.
Why is HIP dysplasia examination necessary?
Here you can see 2 clinical cases. Owners of these dogs contacted me in December 2005 with an interval of one week. Both female dogs were diagnosed with heavy form of hip dysplasia. In both cases the main symptoms were: loss of activity, difficulty standing up, did not want to take long walks.
Picture 2. Hortaya borzaya, female dog, 8 months, purebred, with documents of pedigree (this breed does not have to get a dysplasia examination according to the regulations for breeding by the Lithuanian Cynological Society (LKD)).
The animal was directed for further surgical treatment to associate professor V. Vaitkus (Lithuanian Veterinary Academy).
Picture 3. German Shepherd, female dog, 8 months, bought without documents of pedigree, additionally noticed lameness in the left limb, muscular dystrophy.
The animal was directed for further surgical treatment to associate professor V. Vaitkus (Lithuanian Veterinary Academy).
Advice:
Do not buy animals without pedigree documents. Pedigree documents do not protect from possible genetic diseases; however, they decrease the risk significantly.
Factors which influence development of HIP dysplasia, but do not depend on genetics:
– Excess weight of a puppy during the growth period (8-10 months);
– Feeding with low quality or inadequate dog food;
– Increased physical activity during the exercises that is applied incorrectly.
All the showed radiographs are made in UAB “Jakovo veterinarijos centras”.
Examination of HIP and ED dysplasia (hip and elbow joints) – FAQ
What is this?
Examination of HIP (hip joints) and ED (elbow joints) is an X-ray examination of the mentioned joints and their assessment, it is performed in accordance with requirements of FCI (World Canine Organization).
Which dogs should get HIP and ED dysplasia examination (later – examination)?
Examination is performed for purebred dogs which are planned to be used for breeding. The list of dog breeds, which have to undergo the examination is determined by the regulations for breeding by the Lithuanian Cynological Society (LKD). Examination can also be performed after request by a breeder for other dog breeds and in cases if such examination is optional in accordance with the regulations for breeding by the Lithuanian Cynological Society (LKD).
Since what age a dog can undergo a HIP and ED dysplasia examination?
For many dog breeds an examination can be performed since the age of 12 months. However, for giant dog breeds (for instance: Bloodhound) expertise is performed at the age of 18 months.
Who and where in Lithuania performs HIP and ED examination?
Examination in accordance with the requirements of FCI (World Canine Organization) is performed by approved Lithuanian Cynological Society (LKD) specialists Yuozas Kvalkauskas and Valdas Vaitkus (small animals clinic doctor L.Kreuchelyunas Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, Kaunas), Jakov Sengaut ( “Jakov Veterinary Centre”, Vilnius).
Results of the assessment:
Assessment of HIP dysplasia (hip joints):
A – no hip dysplasia
B – hip joints are almost in a normal condition
C – light form of hip dysplasia
D – moderate form of hip dysplasia
E – heavy form of hip dysplasia
Assessment of ED dysplasia (elbow joints):
0 – no dysplasia of elbow joints
1 – light form of osteoarthritis
2 – moderate form of osteoarthritis
3 – heavy form of osteoarthritis
Announcement of examination results, procedure of appealing the results
After the examination is performed the owner of an animal is given a certificate that attests the result of the examination, copy of the certificate is given to Lithuanian Cynological Society (LKD). Results of the examination, radiograph and other materials connected to the examination may be used for scientific purposes. While publishing the statistical data or radiographs, data of the animal and the owner is not disclosed, this information is only accessible to authorized representatives of Lithuanian Cynological Society (LKD), owner of the animal or his/her authorized representatives.
Procedure of appealing the results is regulated by rules of FCI (World Canine Organization). All the questions regarding appealing the results of an examination should be directed to the Lithuanian Cynological Society (LKD). Usually, in order to confirm or deny examination results, radiographs are directed to the expert commission, decision of which is final and cannot be appealed.
