Slovak health: 10 month old slovak needing hip replacement

I was sorry to hear recently of a young 10 month old slovak bitch who has got very bad hip dysplasia and will require a hip replacement if not a double hip replacement. The parents of the pup have apparently good hip scores, but these don't tell you if there are any hip problems in the lines. And, of course, most pet owners don't hip score their dogs so the stats are skewed.

I'm in touch with the owners of a closely related dog to this pup who has hips so deformed they were off the charts and who is having to have a double hip replacement at 3 years old. Yet other closely related dogs are out there winning awards and will be bred from. Thankfully she is now recovering and enjoying a full lease of life for the first time. The current average hip score for slovakian rough haired pointers is 9. The advice is that anyone breeding should only breed from dogs with a score well below the breed score average and definitely not above 9.

If anyone has a health issue such as hips, teeth, coat or suspected epilepsy come up with their slovak, it is really important that they contact the breeder and the breed club. Fill out and to send off a health form to the breed club, which is then passed on to the Kennel Club. This is the only way the breed fault average is worked out.

Anyone thinking of buying a slovak pup from a reputable breeder can then ask them about reported problems. Also try asking the breed club for advice on reported health issues and some of the owners you find on Facebook and forums for advice.