Limitations of the OFA Certifications

We are in the process of getting our dogs OFA certified; not because we believe in the validity of the certification, but because of the pressure of the industry to do so. The OFA screening is deeply flawed as in it gives a false security to the buyers that their dogs will not have joint problems simply because the parents pass the OFA screening. There are three weaknesses in OFA screening: the imaging, the genetics and premises of prediction.
First, the OFA screening is dependant on individuals interpreting the x-rays... not to mention the readings are subject to the way the veterinarians positions the dog at time of x-ray. The next limitation of the OFA is that joint diseases, for the most part, are degenerative.... that means hips that are classified as healthy early in a dog’s life, may very well fail the same securitization if they were screened later in the dog’s life.
Second genetics play an important role. Just because a dog appears disease free (OFA certified), genetically, it does not guarantee what traits will be passed down the line. A genetically flawed gene can be coupled with a dominant healthy gene, and you will only see healthy traits. When genes structures are reconfigured in the genetic make- up of the pup, they have a 50/50 chance of receiving the submissive gene; if this gene is dormant in both parents, it is very likely the pup can come out with the flawed gene as the dominant gene (i.e. hip dysphasia), thus, the appearance of the defective trait despite both parents being clear of the defect.
Third, scientist are still debating Nurture vs. Nature (is the defect due to genetics or environment). Personally, I believe both affect the process of this disease. OFA testing disregards the importance of the care of the pup affecting the outcome of the progression of dysphasia. Can hip dysphasia be brought on by improper nutrition, poor living conditions, and injuries? The answer is yes. Can it be worsen under these conditions? Yes. We know that living on concrete, eating inferior foods, large dogs receiving too much protein in formative years, jumping from excessive heights, and injuries all contribute to hip dysphasia.
When you add all these factors to extended lives, we are uniquely privilege to come to an era where we witness bodies reaching a natural point of deterioration.