Regardless of size, there are a variety of joint problems found in most breeds. Hip dysplasia is probably the best-known problem. This is a malformation of the ball and socket of the hip joint, found primarily in large breed dogs, which leads to premature development of arthritis in the hips. In many breeds, 30% and up of individuals may be affected.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is an organization which provides certification based on pelvic X-rays that the dog being evaluated does not show radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia. To have your dog certified by OFA, he or she must be at least two years of age, although preliminary films may be done at an earlier age. Carefully positioned X-rays are taken, usually with sedation, by your vet and are submitted for rating by OFA.
OFA issues a rating (excellent, good or fair) and a certification number if the dog “passes”. OFA will issue a preliminary rating for dogs less than 2 years of age to aid breeders in their decisions regarding their dog’s future. The goal of using dogs in a breeding program with OFA certification is to reduce the incidence of dysplasia in your breed. Selecting dogs that are free of dysplasia and whose parents and relatives were also OFA certified will help reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in your lines over time. OFA will also certify elbows (for elbow dysplasia), shoulders (for OCD) and patellas (for patellar luxation) free for defects which can lead to debilitating disease.
An additional method of evaluating hips is a procedure known as PennHipR. This requires general anesthesia and a series of 3 X-rays. The films are submitted to PennHipR at Antech to have measurements taken to compare distracted with compressed views. A number evaluating the amount of laxity or looseness in the hip is reported. This laxity is felt to have predictive value in the development of hip dysplasia.