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Siberian Husky vs. Hip Dysplasia |
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Written by MY PHC
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Thursday, 31 January 2008 |
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What is canine hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip joint in which the head of
the thighbone (femur) does not fit properly into its pelvic joint
socket (acetabulum). This condition, while not present at birth,
develops during the first two years of the dog's life. It is often
progressive, causing inflammation, pain, and arthritis of the affected
hip. It is aggravated by strenuous exercise and, sitting up, lying
down, or climbing stairs.
This disorder afflicts dogs of both sexes, and may be present in one or
both hips. The condition may range from mild to severe, and clinical
signs may become more evident in dogs under one year of age. It is
regarded with utmost concern in our breed because the dysplastic
Siberian Husky cannot do the work for which it was bred, nor can it
exhibit the freedom and effortlessness of movement so highly prized in
the show ring and on the sled.
What is the cause of hip dysplasia?
Canine hip dysplasia is an inheritable disease. Its mode of inheritance
is termed "polygenic," meaning that it is due to a combination of
multiple genes. Because of the polygenic nature of this disorder, some
normal dogs produce a percentage of dysplastic offspring. The breeding
pair, although physically normal, may each transmit some of the
dysplastic genes to their offspring, thus the offspring may receive a
combination of complementary genes from both parents which may cause
hip dysplasia. The division of defective genes is very uneven, with one
parent contributing more defective genes than the other. Environmental
factors such as a high caloric diet during the rapid growth phase of a
puppy can exacerbate the changes in dysplastic hips, but cannot create
a dysplastic dog.
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