X-RAY RISKS "SHIELDED"

   by Barbara J. Andrews  

Along with other journalists willing to risk life, limb, and reputation, I have warned about the dangers of repeated x-rays. And repeated is the name of the game, beginning with "prelims" and followed by "studies" and in some cases, interspersed with medically necessary x-rays.

 In particular, I've stressed the routine shielding of humans as compared to the total lack of concern for animals. When the dentist x-rays your tooth, your lap is shielded. There's a good reason for this. When the vet x-rays your dog's hips, the reproductive organs and genitals receive the full radiation blast..... 

As we learn more about the effects of toxic waste, chemicals, and air pollution upon our environment, concepts which we've held to be truth are falling like worn out leaves.

Realizing that the use of disin­fectants was once considered as radical as bathing, dog owners are beginning to expect explanation for common doctrine. Just because something is does not necessarily mean it should continue to be. Medical research brings new solutions, and often uncovers past inaccuracies. A growing number of long-time breeders feel that relying on the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA) to find a "cure" for hip dysplasia has been a waste of time. X-raying as a form of prevention has proven to be an ineffectual tool unless combined with other methods of selection and rearing. Of more importance to your dog's health, vets are beginning to speak out (well, whisper) against outdated theories which have led valuable breeding stock down the primrose path to the x-ray machine.

The old Swedish study published by Dr. Jerry Schnelle offered irrefutable evidence that selection of breeding partners based on radiographic information failed to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia. The facts were swept under the table in favor of the more profitable approach based on xray-xray-xray and re-x-ray.

Sylvia Hammerstrom, the world's top breeder of champion Giant Schnauzers, was interviewed by a leading dog press magazine in 1991. She stated that the incidence of hip dysplasia has actually increased in the last twenty years! Sylvia keeps excellent records and personally, I will accept her unbiased and un-self serving assessment over that of an organization whose continued existence is dependent on a belief in the effectiveness of hip x-ray. In fact, an over emphasis on hips may lead to a false complacency about the overall soundness of our dogs. One can't help but wonder if our reliance on the singular aspect of acquiring an OFA number hasn't led to the deterioration of many other joints in the canine skeleton? Spinal, elbow, and knee joint problems abound in today's purebred and most long time breeders don't see much connection between better hips - better breed specimens - and overall soundness.

Another detriment to the overall health of the purebred and one which is seldom addressed is the hypocrisy. For example, breeders who wouldn't think of breeding a bitch without an OFA number seem to see no ethics problem in using their males before two years of age. If a pre­liminary report, often done only by their personal vet, is good enough for the yearling male, why isn't it sufficient for the two year old bitch? Equally controversial, the most ethical of breeders sell puppies in breeds known to have an OFA failure rate of over fifty percent. That's pretty poor odds for the buyer. Ethically, perhaps they should not sell before at least obtaining that "preliminary" x-ray at six months - or two years! Even more confusing, many breeders use dogs who have OFA numbers but not much else - like a AKC titles. And lastly, why haven't breeders been educated about all the other orthopedic problems which plague our dogs?Why indeed?

OFA has finally bowed to public pressure and agreed to begin certifying knees and elbows. Can we trust an organization which has taken over twenty five years to get around to addressing more than two joints out of the dozens which may be affected by debilitating conditions every bit as serious as hip dysplasia? Why did it take OFA so long to acknowledge what breeders have known since they first stepped down off a horse and looked at their dog's conformation with a new interest and understanding. To OFA or not is an individual decision. Let's hope it remains so and that well mean­ing clubs never succeed in making it mandatory to risk our dogs for the sake of a piece of paper which is only as valid as the integrity of the vet who took the x-ray and the owner who submitted, hopefully, the right dog...

Preserving type and the elements of breed character is far more important to future generations than going off on tangents based on selection for color or excessive bone, soft (marketable) temperaments, hip certification, or any singular exaggerated feature of type.

One note of caution and a "hat's off" to OFA. In a 1992 Press Release, there was one small phrase which caught my eye. In several of my national press columns of the late eighties and continuing on into the nineties, I stressed the routine shielding of humans exposed to x-ray as compared to the total lack of concern for animals. Other writers also began to question the practice and apparently, so did many vets. The result? With no preface, no preceding sentence or discussion of the inherent dangers of radiation, one paragraph in the PR entitled "Role of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in the Control of Canine Hip Dysplasia" by E. A. Corley DVM, PhD, stands alone.

"Proper collimation and protection of attendants is the responsibility of the veterinarian. Gonadal shielding is recommended for male dogs. Radiography of pregnant or estrous bitches should be avoided."

Period. No elaboration on the subject but thankfully, at least that paragraph is contained in the release. Has there been any sort of memo to vets? I don't know but let's hope that your vet will have a lead shield handy when he x-rays your dog.  After all, your dentist has always known what OFA has neglected.

Excerpted from World Of The Akita T.F.H. Publications

back to previous page