Radiographic Assessment of Hip Dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs in Jos, Plateau State

Canine hip dysplasia is a hereditary orthopedic condition that causes progressive joint instability and osteoarthritis, primarily affecting large breed dogs. This study assesses the radiographic prevalence and severity of hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs presented at veterinary clinics in Jos, Plateau State, within Nigeria's North Central zone. A cross-sectional radiographic survey was conducted from April 2022 to March 2024, during which 84 German Shepherd Dogs above 12 months of age were examined. Standard ventrodorsal extended hip radiographs were obtained under sedation and graded using the Federation Cynologique Internationale scoring system. Radiographic findings were correlated with clinical signs including gait abnormalities and crepitus. Hip dysplasia was confirmed in 38.1% of examined dogs, with bilateral involvement occurring in 69% of affected animals. Grade B changes were most prevalent, comprising 43% of dysplastic cases. Dogs sourced from unregistered breeders had a significantly higher dysplasia prevalence than those from documented breeding programs. Clinical signs correlated poorly with radiographic severity in younger dogs. These findings advocate for the establishment of a systematic breeding control and radiographic hip screening program for German Shepherd Dogs in Nigeria, aligned with international standards. Veterinary practitioners in Jos and surrounding communities are encouraged to integrate routine hip screening into annual wellness protocols for large breed dogs. Keywords: hip dysplasia, German Shepherd, radiography, Plateau State, canine orthopedics.