Hip Dysplasia

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is an important developmental disease of domestic dogs, affecting the stability of their hips which can often lead to chronic joint pain and lameness. It is a common disease in many dog breeds and is widely considered a significant welfare concern. Because CHD is caused by a complex interaction of many different genes and aspects of a dog's environment from its conception onwards, preventing puppies from being born at increased genetic risk of CHD is more complicated than simply looking at the hips of possible parents.

Ideally, screening of potential parents will involve a survey of the hips of a large number of both close and more distant relatives. Using mathematical models widely used in livestock industries worldwide (including Australia), the results of this survey of relatives can be correctly integrated to calculate an index called an Estimated Breeding Value (or EBV) which gives a more accurate ranking of breeding dogs. Veterinary graduate Bethany Wilson is in the third year of a PhD project to develop protocols designed to optimise the calculation of such EBVs, given the unique challenges of CHD.

Contact

• Bethany Wilson - email:
• Peter Thomson - email:
• Frank Nicholas - email: