Hip Dysplasia

Causes
Hip Dysplasia and ED are genetically caused either by deformed or underdeveloped, ball and socket joints of the joint affected, this condition is hereditary. Other causes are excessive exercise in young pups (i.e. long walks, climbing stairs repeatedly) and also dietary and obesity can play their part.

Diagnosis
In severe cases it is usually fairly easy to spot Hip Dysplasia as the dog affected will move irregularly and seem to waddle from behind (sway their hips from side to side). However the severity can only be accurately diagnosed and assessed by getting the dogs BVA Hip scored. They generally will have to be anaesthetised for this procedure BUT please, please do not believe the old wives tale that Utes are more at risk under anaesthetic than other breeds, they are not!!!! They are at no more risk than any other breed of dog. Though if you still do not wish to have them anesthetized, please contact myself and I’ll give you the number of a specialist in this field who does the tests under local anaesthetic only.

There has only been one case of suspected Elbow Dysplasia and one other possible sufferer from the same Redkite litter. Therefore at this time we do not feel it necessary for all potential breeding stock to have their Elbows x-rayed too. All we ask is that you are aware of the possibility of this condition occurring and that you all closely monitor your dogs’ action/movement to ensure this is fluid and pain free.

Treatment/Cure
If a dog is found to be dysplastic, depending on the cause (i.e. obesity) and severity, either a hip replacement, weight loss, change of lifestyle or analegesics and anti-inflammatories will be suggested.

Information obtained from The Utonagan society