We often hear people talking about dog hip scores and whether a dog has ‘good hips’ but what does that actually mean and what are vets looking for? Bad hip conformation results in hip dyplasia which is genetic or can be caused by an injury, resulting in pain and discomfort.

Dog Hip Conformation: The Good and The Bad

So what constitutes good hip conformation?

  1. The ball and socket joint is functional and doesn’t pop out of place.
  2. The socket is well formed and deep.
  3. The femur head sits tightly in the socket with minimal space.
  4. There is no arthritic changes to the head of the femur.
  5. The leg rotates easily in the socket.

What constitutes bad hip conformation?

  1. The socket is shallow and does’t create a good fit.
  2. The femur head is loose in the joint.
  3. The femur head shows signs of arthritic changes.
  4. The joint can pop out of place.
  5. There is abnormal movement of the leg.

Hip Scores and What They Mean

Dog hips are scored at the vet under general anaesthetic and X-rays are taken at very specific angles. Experts then grade the X-rays and look at the angle of the hip, how well the ball sits in the joint, the socket shape, and the shape of the femur and the femur head. The scores range from 0 (perfect) to 6 (joint is non functional).

After all the scores are worked out and a final score is given. Between 0-3 is acceptable and between 4-6 is unacceptable for breeding purposes.

By only breeding dogs with a better than average hip score, the overall occurrence of hip dysplasia in the breed can be reduced. This is way its SO IMPORTANT to get your dogs hip score before breeding and ONLY breed from dogs with a better than average score.

Unfortunately hip dysplasia is common and sometimes dogs only present with symptoms in middle age. The disease is progressive and painful, and although surgery is an option, it is expensive. Good breeding is important to eradicate this disease. Although therapies such as hydrotherapy and a Dog Chiropractor can help relieve some pain they cannot cure this condition.

Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment

Areas covered in UK: Worcestershire and surrounding counties.

Book a McTimoney Canine Chiropractic Treatment or Call Emily Walters on 07983 565 438

Similar Posts