A potential spring forward in the evolution of canine health, the University of Missouri & OFA are performing a study looking for biomarkers that can predict Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD).
Currently, Canine Hip Dysplasia can only be diagnosed through x-rays of hips in adult dogs. There is no way to gauge if a puppy may develop dysplasia as it grows, it’s a wait-and-see game. This study is looking at the markers available in puppies’ urine and blood to verify and validate the Mizzou Canine Hip Dysplasia Biomarker Panel for predicting dysplasia.
This could make a huge difference in the health of dogs everywhere. This test would benefit many, owners and fanciers alike. The results would help plan future health, general care, performance capabilities, and even breeding decisions for dogs. With the success of the test being made available to the public, it would help greatly improve our canine companions’ quality of life over time if responsible breeders utilized the results properly. And also help breeders to make better-informed decisions on how to proceed with their breeding programs with the earlier results to produce the healthiest prodigy possible.
The Thomspon Lab at UoM has a team of veterinarians and researchers who have developed a method using proteins found in the blood and urine of dogs. These proteins are found associated with inflammation of the joints and deterioration of cartilage. The proteins may be the key to better predicting if young puppies will later develop hip dysplasia.
A panel, called Mizzou Canine Hip Dysplasia Biomarker Panel, how shown to be successful in a small group of puppies at the young age of 5months old. Excitingly, the OFA has partnered with the research team to further investigate these findings and fully validate the marker panel with fluid sample testing from up to 500 puppies between 4 & 6months of age. The research will follow the dogs, having them radiographed at 1 year and 2 years of age through the original OFA hip dysplasia screening process to verify if the findings match their hypothesis and successfully predict CHD, or lack thereof.
To Participate:
To find out how to participate, please follow the link to the article: https://www.ofa.org/biomarker
You’ll find enrollment guidelines and more benefits listed.
I’m over-joyed with the possibility and advancement of science. I truly hope that this study is fruitful and brings us one step closer to eliminating CHD. I know it will be on my list of health tests for our dogs in an effort to improve our breeds and breed responsibly.
What are your thoughts?