A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CANINE HIP-DYSPLASIA IN 116 MILITARY WORKINGDOGS .1. ANGLE MEASUREMENTS AND ORTHOPEDIC FOUNDATION FOR ANIMALS (OFA) GRADING

The progression of hip dysplasia was investigated in 116 military work ing dogs. Serial pelvic radiographs were graded for degree of dysplasi a and degenerative joint disease (DJD). Norberg angles, angles of incl ination, and joint space widths were measured. There was a significant correlation between the Norberg angle and the degree of dysplasia (p less than 0.0001). Angles of inclination and joint space width measure ments did not demonstrate a correlation to canine hip dysplasia. Dyspl astic dogs had a significant estimated risk for development of DJD com pared to normal dogs (p less than 0.0001; odds ratio of 70.2). Dogs wi th normal hip conformation at 24 months of age or older did not develo p moderate nor severe DJD.