Insights into the Demographics of Canine Hip Dysplasia: A Comprehensive Registry Analysis
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a widespread issue in the field of veterinary medicine, affecting various dog breeds. Drawing parallels with the human condition known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), this article explores the demographic characteristics of CHD using an extensive registry compiled by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Analyzing these demographics can provide valuable insights into the prevalence and potential solutions for CHD, while also contributing to cross-disciplinary research between canine and human hip dysplasia.
The study utilizes the complete hip dysplasia registry maintained by the OFA up to April 2015, encompassing a vast dataset of 921,046 unique records. Dogs are categorized based on the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) systems to ensure genetically related groups are analyzed separately. The analysis considers factors such as sex, breed, birth season, hip scores, and latitude.
Results:
Key findings from the analysis include:
Prevalence: The overall prevalence of CHD in the study stands at 15.56%, underscoring its significance in the dog population.
Gender: Female dogs are slightly more likely to develop CHD, as indicated by an odds ratio (OR) of 1.05.
Season of Birth: Dogs born in spring and winter have a higher likelihood of CHD, with respective ORs of 1.14 and 1.13.
Latitude: Geographic location plays a role, with dogs in more southern latitudes exhibiting a higher risk of CHD (OR 2.12).
Breed Groups: Both the AKC and FCI systems show varying CHD prevalence across breed groups. For instance, working dogs in the AKC system have the highest risk (OR 1.882), with hounds as the reference group. In the FCI system, the pinscher/molossoid group has the highest risk (OR 4.168), with sighthounds as the reference group.
The similarities between CHD and DDH are remarkable, particularly in terms of demographic patterns. While DDH manifests in two forms, infantile and late-onset adolescent/adult acetabular dysplasia, CHD demographics align more closely with the latter. Comparative studies between these two conditions can offer a better understanding of both CHD and DDH. This comprehensive analysis of the OFA's CHD registry provides crucial insights into the demographics of this prevalent canine condition. By understanding the factors contributing to CHD's prevalence, future research can be better informed, potentially leading to preventive measures. The parallels between CHD and DDH highlight the importance of interdisciplinary studies to benefit both human and canine health.
Read full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28386583/
