Analysis of hip dysplasia in the Italian dog population

This study aimed to investigate frequency of hip scores (FCI method) and risk factors for hip dysplasia (HD) in 6 dog breeds in Italy. Screening data for hip dysplasia of 27278 x-rayed dogs of 6 breeds (German Shepard, Boxer, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Terranova, and Rottweiler) were analysed. Frequency of dogs showing “A” and “B” hip scores was high for all breeds and the frequency of “C”,”D” and “E” scores ranged from 4.2 to 32.8%. Analysis of risk factors was performed considering dogs with “A” and “B” scores as “not affected” and dogs scored “C”, “D” or “E” as “affected” by HD. Logistic regression was used. For most breeds, females were more at risk of hip dysplasia than males. Age of animals at x-ray assay was not a significant risk factor for most breeds. Recent years of birth showed a decreasing risk of HD, and dogs born in spring and winter were more at risk than dogs born in summer or fall. A limited experience of the x-raying veterinarian was often a risk factor for hip dysplasia. A joint analysis of screening results of all breeds indicated that Rottweiler was the least at risk breed for HD. However, selection of dogs for official screening performed by the breeders might have caused biased results.