Every dog deserves a life free of pain and limited mobility. That is why Canine Association Uganda has made hip and elbow dysplasia screening a core part of our mission to build a healthier, stronger population of purebred dogs in Uganda.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are hereditary conditions affecting the joints, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis over a dog’s lifetime. They have been studied since the 1930s, and for just as long, responsible kennel clubs worldwide have used x-ray screening to identify and reduce these conditions through careful breeding choices. CAU is proud to bring this same standard to Uganda.
What Screening Involves
The process is straightforward and designed to protect both dogs and owners:
Dogs are eligible for screening from one year old, or 18 months for large and giant breeds, once their skeletal development is complete. Each dog must be microchipped or tattooed, and owners confirm in writing that the dog matches its pedigree and has had no prior hip surgery.
A veterinarian sedates the dog to ensure full muscle relaxation, then takes x-rays in a standard extended position, and sometimes a second position, to capture a clear, accurate view of the joints. These films are reviewed by a specialised veterinarian approved by CAU, who scores the hips from A (normal) to E (severe) and the elbows from 0 (normal) to 3 (significant changes). Owners who disagree with a result may appeal, and every dog receives an official Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Certificate recording the outcome.
Why This Matters for Everyone
This is not paperwork for its own sake, it is an investment in the future of dogs in Uganda. When breeders know the joint health of their dogs before mating them, they can make informed choices that reduce the risk of passing dysplasia to the next generation. Puppies born from screened, healthy parents have a better chance of a long, active, pain-free life. Owners gain confidence in the dogs they bring home. And the breeds we love become progressively stronger with every generation.
CAU sees this as a shared win: healthier dogs, more confident breeders, and happier families. We are excited to keep raising the bar for canine health in Uganda, one screening at a time, and we encourage every breeder and owner to take part in this important step forward.