Effectiveness of Canine Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia Improvement Programs in Six UK Pedigree Breeds.

"A new study has revealed a marked general improvement in hip and elbow scores for some of the UK’s most commonly health-screened dog breeds.

The research, carried out by the Kennel Club’s Health team, examined the importance and impact of health schemes for hip or elbow dysplasia on the long-term health of dog breeds. The study specifically examined data from six commonly hip and elbow-scored breeds (Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Newfoundland).

Hip and elbow dysplasia are both complex inherited diseases that cause a dog’s joints to develop incorrectly, which can result in pain, arthritis and lameness as they get older. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and Kennel Club (KC) run two health screening schemes to assess the health of a dog’s hip and elbow joints. X-rays of the dog’s joints are taken by a vet and sent to the BVA to be closely examined, measured and given a grade or score. These results can then be used by breeders to help identify the most appropriate dogs to breed from, and so reduce the risk of producing puppies affected by dysplasia. Results from these health schemes are recorded and published by the Kennel Club.

Researchers analysed data from the BVA/KC Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes and found that not only have the proportion of dogs screened for hip and elbow dysplasia increased over time, but that the grades and scores of dogs used for breeding have also been improving too. In the majority of the reviewed breeds, there was a notable decline in severe hip scores and a more modest, but still notable, decline in severe elbow scores. In addition, the study examined data from Estimated Breeding Values (a resource that links hip scores and elbow grades to family/pedigree data), and found that recent generations of dogs in the six breeds studied are genetically at a lower risk of dysplasia than dogs bred 30 years ago."

Full KC article HERE

Original Research Article can be found HERE

Females being mated to stud dogs with good hip scores (nice and low) also good elbow scores (0/0) will hopefully continue to improve over time, it's the only way forward, great news.