Summary
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD), canine elbow dysplasia (CED), and humeral head osteochondrosis
(HHOC) are inherited traits with uneven incidence in dog breeds. Knowledge of the
combined prevalence of these three disorders is necessary to estimate the effect of
the currently applied breeding strategies, in order to improve the genetic health
of the population. Official screening results of the Belgian National Committee for
Inherited Skeletal Disorders (NCSID) revealed that an average of 31.8% (CHD, CED,
or both; n = 1273 dogs) and 47.2% (CHD, CED, HHOC, or a combination of these three
diseases; n = 250 dogs) of dogs are mildly to severely affected by at least one skeletal
disorder. According to the current breeding recommendations in some dog breeds in
Belgium, these animals should be restricted (mild signs) or excluded (moderate to
severe signs) from breeding. The introduction of genetic parameters, such as estimated
breeding values, might create a better approach to gradually reduce the incidence
of these complex inherited joint disorders, without compromising genetic population
health.
Keywords
Canine hip dysplasia - canine elbow dysplasia - osteochondrosis - combined prevalence
- Belgium
