Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Housing and exercise risks for hip dysplasia in four dog breeds
By Krontveit, Randi I et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2012·Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Housing- and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of hip dysplasia as determined by radiographic evaluation in a prospective cohort of Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds in Norway.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that puppies, especially breeds like Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds, are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia (HD) if they walk on stairs from birth to 3 months old. On the other hand, allowing them to exercise off-leash on soft ground in moderately rough areas during the same period can help reduce this risk. Puppies born in spring or summer and those raised on farms also showed a lower chance of developing HD. These findings suggest that careful management of a puppy's environment and exercise can help prevent hip dysplasia.
People also search for: puppy hip dysplasia prevention · Labrador Retriever exercise needs · Newfoundlands stairs safety · Leonberger outdoor exercise tips
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify housing- and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of hip dysplasia (HD) as determined by radiographic evaluation in Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds in Norway. ANIMALS: 501 client-owned dogs from 103 litters. PROCEDURES: Dogs were assessed from birth until official radiographic screening for HD at 12 (Labrador Retriever [n = 133] and Irish Wolfhound [63]) or 18 (Newfoundland [125] and Leonberger [180]) months of age. Information regarding housing and exercise conditions during the preweaning and postweaning periods was obtained with questionnaires. Multivariable random effects logistic regression models were used to identify housing- and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of radiographically detectable HD. RESULTS: Puppies walking on stairs from birth to 3 months of age had an increased risk of developing HD. Factors associated with a decreased risk of developing HD included off-leash exercise from birth to 3 months of age, birth during the spring and summer, and birth on a farm. Significant clustering of dogs with HD was detected within litters. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that puppies ≤ 3 months old should not be allowed access to stairs, but should be allowed outdoor exercise on soft ground in moderately rough terrain to decrease the risk for developing radiographically detectable HD. These findings could be used as practical recommendations for the prevention of HD in Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22620698/