Symptoms can vary: lameness, stiffness, difficulty getting up, loss of desire to play or run. However, some dogs with severe dysplasia may be asymptomatic for a long time.
Dysplasia: hereditary or environmental?
Bone growth in puppies and the importance of preventing ligament hyperlaxity
Contrary to popular belief, Dysplasia is not only a genetic problem and therefore hereditary. Veterinary studies, including those relayed by the Société Centrale Canine, show that only 23 to 25 % cases would have a strictly hereditary origin.
The development of dysplasia depends on a complex interaction between genetics, epigenetic factors, and the environment. Poor nutrition, maternal stress, a disrupted microbiota, or excessively rapid growth can alter the expression of genes responsible for joint development. Lack of physical stimulation, particularly in puppies raised on concrete without freedom of movement, exacerbates this risk by preventing proper muscle strengthening and proprioception.
Direct environmental factors, such as excess weight or unsuitable soils, further accentuate these imbalances. Dysplasia is thus the result of a progressive misalignment between genetic heritage, mechanical stresses and growth conditions.
7-week-old Des Crocs Véritables puppies, note the natural musculature and controlled weight
Prevention and best practices
Prevention begins at a very young age, even before the puppy arrives in the family:
• Rigorous selection of breeders: at the breeding farm, only officially tested dogs free from dysplasia are used for breeding.
• Appropriate nutrition: Slow growth is preferable to rapid growth. Good quality food, an appropriate calcium-phosphorus ratio (see the nutrition section for more details).
• Controlled weight: a puppy that is too heavy is more at risk, even with good genetics.
• Reasonable physical activity: avoid long walks, rough play, repeated stairs, jumping, etc. until the end of growth (12 to 18 months).
• Suitable environment: no slippery floors, no smooth tiles for growing puppies.
Screening
Understanding Screening Result Ratings
Official hip and elbow dysplasia screening radiographs are evaluated according to the standards of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The ratings are used to guide breeders in their selection of breeding stock.
Examples of grading the different stages of hip dysplasia
– Hip dysplasia (HD) – letter grade:
HD A: No abnormalities (normal hips)
HD B: Very mild suspicion (still considered normal) HD C: Mild dysplasia
HD D: Moderate dysplasia
HD E: Severe dysplasia
– Elbow dysplasia (ED) – notation by numbers and symbols: ED 0: No abnormality
ED SL (Slight): Minimal anomaly (sometimes called “0.5”) – recognition varies depending on the country
ED 1: Mild dysplasia ED 2: Moderate dysplasia ED 3: Severe dysplasia
Note that the overall score corresponds to the worst limb, so some dogs may have an A on one hip and a C on the other, particularly due to an accident. The overall score is then a C, but that's why you also need to know how to interpret the score.
Recommendation FCI (International Cynological Federation):
Breeding is allowed up to C for the hips and ED 1 for the elbows, but it is recommended to favor combinations with a partner HD A or ED 0.
Our breeding policy is:
• only use breeders with official HD A or B / ED 0 or SL results
• advise families on puppy management to limit environmental factors,
• monitor the progress of the puppies after their departure, in order to best support the owners.
