Hip dysplasia (HD): X-ray and laxity image
Description
For hip dysplasia (HD), the breeding programmes approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (DWV) use an X-ray (RX) as the examination: a VD image and a laxity image according to Vezzoni or PennHIP. The breed profile shows whether this examination is mandatory or recommended for the breed.
How the examination is carried out
Age: at least 1 year, at least 6 months for the laxity image. Frequency: once. A laxity image is mandatory for dogs registered in Belgium and born from 1 January 2025.
How to read the result
The result is an FCI category (A, B, ...) or, for a laxity image, a risk based on the laxity index (LI): minimal risk (LI < 0.30), low risk (LI 0.30 to 0.49), high risk (LI 0.50 to 0.69) or very high risk (LI ≥ 0.70). The hip with the worst value counts as the final result for the dog. The breeding advice depends on the combination of both parent dogs. In most breeding programmes it is positive for, among others, A with A, A with B and minimal with low risk, conditionally positive for B with B and for low with high risk, and the other combinations are subject to a breeding ban. Dogs with arthrosis may not be used for breeding. The full table is in the breed's breeding programme.
Breeds for which this screening is recommended
We are rebuilding the health information for each breed from the official breeding programme of Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). Until then, you can find the mandatory and recommended health tests for this breed in the breeding programmes under the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). View the official breeding programmes
