Hip Dysplasia

Breeds afflicted with the genetic disposition are required to test prior to breeding by our governing State Bodies, that run under Dogs Australia (originally A.N.K.C.).

Our breed doesn't ordinarily suffer from genetic hip dysplasia in Australia and there are no breeding requirements to test for hip dysplasia in German Shorthaired Pointers.

Delaquois seedstock has been sourced from highly credible breeders here in Australia, in Canawindra Kennels who have been breeding for over 50 years and has never had a known case of genetic hip dysplasia.              

Delaquois have been breeding since early 2014 and have never had a known case of genetic hip dysplasia.

Whilst without doubt there would be unethical breeders out there and it is important when looking to purchase from a registered breeder that you conduct your due diligence, unfortunately as with various conditions, it is increasingly commonplace to "blame the breeder".

This is despite hip dysplasia often being caused by environmental factors as was the case with the O’Connor’s dog Odin.

Environmental factors which can cause hip dysplasia include where young dogs have been subject to prolonged exercise, overexertion and even jumping.  Especially when immature bone growth and development has not been fully taken into consideration.  

This is why it is extremely important to stick to the guidelines in terms of how much exercise and exertion is appropriate for pups.             

In the case of the O'Connor's dog Odin, a bite from another dog resulted in an infection localising in the hip joint, causing sepsis.  

As Odin was still a developing dog, the sepsis resulted in arthritic problems with the developing joint which ultimately resulted in him requiring a hip replacement.

There are other environmental factors which can present as “hip dysplasia” including inadequate balanced feeding for puppies 

such as in Murphy’s case.    (below) 

If ever concerned your dog may be suffering from a presentation of hip dysplasia it is always important to obtain a second and even sometimes a third opinion to ensure your dog receives the best treatment for their specific condition.

The  O’Connor’s  Case

I feel the need to discuss the O'Connor case, as whilst I have recently been vindicated along with my Stud Delaquois' integrity, misinformation in relation to hip dysplasia was spread across social media and gained public attention.

Background

In November 2019, Carol O'Connor telephoned me saying Odin had been bitten by her other dog and had an infection in his hip.  He had spent time in Brisbane at a specialist Veterinary Clinic to try to control the infection.

Subsequently, Odin was diagnosed with Septic Arthritis which caused the Hip Dysplasia condition.

In the same month, Carol posted on GSP Australia Facebook Group that Odin had been bitten by her other dog, had an infection in the hip and she had 3 choices; hip replacement, leg removal or putting Odin to sleep.

Between November 2019 and February 2020 Carol and I maintained an open dialogue as I do with all my Delaquois families.             

In June 2020, Odin had a hip replacement.

Following this, the posts above were deleted, and both Carol and Tim O’Connor began publicly blaming Odin’s hip dysplasia on a genetic breeding issue. This included posting on Facebook, making comments on other individuals posts and private messaging individuals who had or were looking at getting a Delaquois pup.             

These publications were not only defamatory to myself and Delaquois, but utterly heartbreaking given my passion and dedication to my dogs, this breed and the improvement of it.

Despite me engaging a defamation law firm, Clutch Legal and demanding the O’Connor’s remove their defamatory publications and apologise, they remained unwilling to do so until November 2023 following lengthy and costly litigation for both parties.

Thankfully the matter was finally brought to an end in November 2023 with a settlement being reached between myself and Carol and Tim O’Connor which included that the O’Connor’s:

· Sign the below apology to myself; 

· Post apologies on the German Shorthaired Pointers Australia Facebook page and the German Shorthaired Pointers QLD-Events Group Facebook page;

· Delete all comments and posts on the above pages that in any way relate to myself other than the apology posts above; 

· Pay $30,000 for vindication of and compensation for the damage caused to by reputation; and

. Waive their right to recover any costs pursuant to the Order of the Court made 22 September 2023, assessed at $21,296.43 

Not only am I pleased that mine and Delaquois’ reputation has been vindicated, but I am grateful that this dissemination of misinformation regarding not only Odin but hip dysplasia more generally has ceased after this four-year ordeal.

If you ever have any further questions in relation to the condition, breeding of German Shorthaired Pointers or anything else generally, please do not hesitate to get in touch.