REGALWISE SHEPHERDS
H I P D Y S P L A S I A: Effects of Limited Food
Consumption on the
Incidence of Hip Dysplasia in Growing Dogs (Dr. Richard D. Kealy, Ph.D.,
Ralston Purina Company)
The aim of this project was to determine whether the amount of food
regularly consumed by a dog was a risk factor for the development of hip
dysplasia. For this study, 48 Labrador Retriever puppies at 8 weeks old
were studied in two groups of 24 dogs each. Until the dogs were 2 years
old, one group was free-fed, and the other group was given 24-percent less
of the same feed.
Radiographs done when dogs were 2 years old revealed less hip dysplasia in
the limit-fed dogs and 16 of the 24 free fed dogs were diagnosed as
dysplastic. The food-intake related differences were significant. The
findings support the clinical recommendation to avoid overfeeding of
growing dogs, particularly in breeds prone to hip dysplasia.
Clubs sponsoring AKC/CHF-supported hip dysplasia research at the University
of Michigan include the Alaskan Malamute Club of America, Great Dane Club
of America, Rottweiler Health fonundation and Samoyed Club of America
Education and Reserch Foundation.
AKC July 2000 Gazette: The official Journal for the Sport of Purebred Dogs
|