Well this is one example of info I've been given
Hip score 3:3
Current clear KC/BVA eye certificate
Is that good?
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Hi Jilly,
Liz is correct, Piper does indeed have Hip Dysplasia in both hips :( Also, T's Charlie Spud does too - so when it's my turn to get another puppy I would definitely be looking for a breeder that hip scores his/her Cockers. At the moment the recommended health checks for Cocker Spaniel breeding stock is that they have current clear eye certificates and although hip scoring is not currently recommended I know that there are a lot of breeders who do hip score. Obviously you have been busy researching 'hip scores' and the information you posted is correct. So the hip score above would be excellent and off the top of my head I think the breed average for Cockers is 15 as Liz already said.
That said, HD is not solely hereditary, it can also be caused by environmental factors, such as the puppy/dog being overweight or a puppy being over exercised. HD could also be caused by a knock or jumping down from a sofa for example. The reason I say this is that although both parents may have excellent hip scores, it is not unheard of for their puppies to go on and develop HD.
Still, because of what we have been through with Piper, I would feel happier in the knowledge that both parents of my puppy have good hip scores which hopefully in turn would limit the chances of the puppy going on to develop HD.
I hope that this makes sense - it's written in laymans terms I'm afraid - perhaps someone with far more experience than me will be along soon to explain it better :)
Hope this helps Jilly.
Louise x
Hi Jilly,
Liz is correct, Piper does indeed have Hip Dysplasia in both hips :( Also, T's Charlie Spud does too - so when it's my turn to get another puppy I would definitely be looking for a breeder that hip scores his/her Cockers. At the moment the recommended health checks for Cocker Spaniel breeding stock is that they have current clear eye certificates and although hip scoring is not currently recommended I know that there are a lot of breeders who do hip score. Obviously you have been busy researching 'hip scores' and the information you posted is correct. So the hip score above would be excellent and off the top of my head I think the breed average for Cockers is 15 as Liz already said.
That said, HD is not solely hereditary, it can also be caused by environmental factors, such as the puppy/dog being overweight or a puppy being over exercised. HD could also be caused by a knock or jumping down from a sofa for example. The reason I say this is that although both parents may have excellent hip scores, it is not unheard of for their puppies to go on and develop HD.
Still, because of what we have been through with Piper, I would feel happier in the knowledge that both parents of my puppy have good hip scores which hopefully in turn would limit the chances of the puppy going on to develop HD.
I hope that this makes sense - it's written in laymans terms I'm afraid - perhaps someone with far more experience than me will be along soon to explain it better :)
Hope this helps Jilly.
Louise x
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That makes perfect sense Louise, thanks.
And sorry to hear of your experience, I know my brother-in-laws labrador has problems with her hips and it's not nice at all.
I have noticed that most breeders don't hip score although most do eye test. This is something I'll certainly bear in mind as it's obviously very important.
I understand that having parents with hip scores is no guarantee but I guess it's always best to start on the right foot (so to speak).
I've read a lot about puppies not climing stairs/being over-exercised etc so that's something we'll also keep a close eye on.
Thanks for your help.
Jilly x :)
53/53 would mean that the dog had no hips at all!
Well Scully's were tested at 18 months of age and were .....
40/47
:( :( :(
Edited to add Oscar's Mum was 3/4 and his Dad was 0/0 :D Lets hope he has better luck than Scully did.
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See, we learn from our mistakes don't we Liz - I'm sure Oscar's hips will be fine ;)
Edited to add..... We know Oscar's jaws are okay :lol: :lol:
And how lucky are we to have got Scully and Piper eh?