Me and another trainer entered in a discussion about hip displaysia. The disussion centered around just how many dogs with hip displaysia is a result from genetics or physical activity. It was a long and debated topic between both of us. There were several good points made. My questions to everyone are.

1. how much physical activity should a young dog do.
2. What percent do you think hip displaysia is caused by activity rather than genetics.

There were alot more points but these were the main topics. I know there is no way to know what type of activities dogs encounter.

I just thought some rather good points were brought up and a fresh look on the subject

http://www.vonhunterkennels.com

Jason,
Not to throw a wrench in your discussion, but IMO HD has a lot more to do with Genetics and Nutrition, than Physical Activity.

Though humans are fallible, I agree.

That's yet another reason why good non HD-breeders have in their hip guarantees that a "dog must be at proper weight."

I'm also with the 'genetics and nutrition' side of this. I think the normal amount of exercise a pup can take is WAY more than most our pups get. They are 'puppies' and no matter the breed, they can keep going and going and going and that's the very thing that gives NORMAL bone and joint growth to puppies with the potential for normal and healthy structures.

Have you read these articles:

http://www.showdogsupersite.com/hips.html

http://www.gsdhelpline.com/causeofhd.htm

One reason I like PennHip xrays is that it is an actual measurement of hip laxity. They know all dogs with HD have lax hips (though not all lax hips mean your dog WILL get HD). But with an actual measurement and knowledge of your dog, you can choose another dog with as tight or tighter hips, and continue to improve your lines in a way that you want.

http://www.yourdoghealth.com/dog_ester-c_study.htm and this can't hurt.

Thanks for the articles, I have seen them before.

I've always heard that exercise kept their hips in shape. Keep the dog running, and the muscles form around the joint to keep them mobile. True working shepherds that live out with the flock and move all day never have hip problems.
(of course you have to start with good and tight hip sockets).

I guess that that would fall into the "keeping them fit" category.

I disagree with those who say that bad hips are caused more by genes than by environmental factors. I skimmed the first article mentioned in one of the posts above and agree with a lot that’s said. http://www.showdogsupersite.com/hips.html

For a few years I have heard about a study done by the SV in Germany (I do not have the report) that studied over 400,000 GSD's in their database and found that genetics played 25% to 30% factor in bad hips. The report indicated that over feeding and over exercising a young dog (under 12 months).

I tend to believe this. We still get the occasional bad hip in our breeding program yet our dogs have had more than 5 generations of good hips from the time I started breeding.

Fact is it's too easy for many to point a finger at the genetics and a breeder for problems that are a result of poor nutrition and exercises.

My advice to our puppy customers is:

1 - Keep your puppy THIN - see a definition behind the rib cage in the loins

2- Feed an all-natural diet

3- DO NOT OVER EXERCISE a puppy - DO NOT JOG with a puppy until after its 12 months old

4- The best exercise for young dogs that will not hurt hips is swimming

5- Do preliminary x-rays at 6 to 9 months old

6- Swim a dog as much as possible for a month before the actual hip x-rays are taken

7- We are going to start using a vet that does not put a dog to sleep to do x-rays.

Ed, I know from the OFA stats that your dogs have an impressive history of good hips.

I guess that ALL of the things you mention are still NOT a guarantee.

I did everything on your list except for x-rays at 6-9 months and still wound up with a severely dysplastic dog. Parents are a-normal and only in the third generation do any fast normals appear.

So not disagreeing as it all seems complex to me but I guess and you did say genetics play a role in 25-30% of all cases - so I gather it is a combination of things.

Good thing is - dog appears to NOT be in pain and is still very active and has amazed the physical therapist we go to that she is such an energizer bunny. I attribute THAT to the lean muscular physique and tight muscles holding everything together.


Ed's Comments Edited in:

Unfortunately it sounds like your dog fell into the 30% catagory - it's always a sad thing when it happens or in most cases a frustrating thing.

If nutrition and environment were the only contributing factors it seems that more dogs in the general population would suffer with HD....genetics has to play a part as it is seen more often in certain breeds, even specific lines within a breed are more prone than others. Otherwise, more mixed breeds would have this problem. Not saying that you never see it in mixed breeds but, there is nothing like hybrid vigor!!!

Proper nutrition and exercise can control many ills and add to the quality of life in general for both animals and people.

Just MHO based on my limited experience. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Regards,
Debbie

question, i'm looking to buy a pup the dam has a 'a' fast normal rating and the sire has a OFA fair rating , do the pups have a good chance to get or have bad hips?