Help With Understanding Hip Score Results

[Tatjana]

Hi everyone, I received the hip score for my Bella a 16 month old rottweillor bitch (pure breed, papers and a reputable breeder just unlucky) who has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia. I was wondering what I should expect in the future, how bad are they in practical terms. What can I expect. I have read the other articles and have changed diet, added supplements and modified her exercise. Any advice is appreciated.

Norberg angle. R 5. L6

Subluxation. R4, l5

Cranial acetabular edge right 2, left 3

Dorsal acetabular edge 0,0

Cranial effective ace tabular rim right 1, left 2

Acetabular fossa right 1,left 0

Claudal ace tabular edge 0,0

Femoral head/head exostosis right 1,left 1

Femoral head ?contouring right 1,left 0

Total right 14

Total left 18

Total 32 ? ? ? ? ??

[becks]

isn't it right 15 and left 17 total 32

[kiahzen]

Did the vet actually say that it was HD?

High scores don't always mean HD it just means that they are more prone to developing it.

You can have a dog with a Hip score of 32 who never shows any signs or symptoms of HD and you can have a dog who is totally crippled with pain with the same score.

I don't understand hip scores 100% to know the difference but it might be worth asking the vet?

I believe it depends on where the scored and what the hip's look like.

I would just add in a joint guard formula, human joint tablets are fine and keep them on the leaner side.

Walking and swimming are the best forms or exercise.

[D & D]

Have a look here

http://www.online-vets.com/hipscore_2.html

It explains what each score means.

Hope this helps.

[sandgrubber]

A stray hope for you. Check to see if there are any notes on the report. Sometimes you get awful scores because the person taking the Xrays aligned the dog wrongly.

If the dog is a pet, I guess I'd do what you are already doing, and give the dog the best chance of leading a healthy life using diet and exercise. I'd keep monitoring and get lined up with a vet I trust to help make the right decision, should the theoretical dysplasia shown in the Xrays turn into actual pain for your dog. Many dogs with bad scores do fine until they get old . . . and their old age aches and pains can be eased by anti-inflammatories of one sort or another.

If you have any thoughts of breeding the dog, I'd be preparing to back away.

A vet is in a better position to advise you than a discussion forum . . . but you need to make sure you're working with a vet that knows his/her stuff and you need to learn what questions to ask.

[Rottsup]

Hi Tatjana

32 is not extremely high in the scheme of things with HD in Rottweilers. However it does mean you CAN NOT ever breed with her. 32 does not mean she has HD or even that she will develop HD. My suggestion is to make sure she receives regular low impact exercise (like swimming), give her fish oil with chondroitin daily and have her desexed. This way you are doing everything possible to ensure she has a long happy healthy life with you. Good luck

[Tatjana]

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your replies and the info you have provided has been very helpful, just for your info my rotty is a pet and desexed so there is no issue with breeding, i have started her on her supplements and monitor her exercise. Thanks again.