Ensuring a better future for dogs
The Pupscan Project is researching the many reasons for faulty development of hips and elbows in dogs by identifying predominantly genetic causes from those that are acquired throughout life.
What is The Pupscan Project?
The Pupscan Project feasibility studies began in 2015 and are supported by specialist orthopaedic consultants both in the field of veterinary and human medicine. The project is investigating the life events that result in disordered development of joints, particularly in hips and elbows. Our base line is to establish normal joint development as early in life as possible. University College Dublin is working with Pupscan in the fields of genetics and environmental influences. The Irish Kennel Club have partnered with Pupscan to progress and improve the health and welfare of dogs.
“A huge step forward for breeders in the fight against hip and elbow dysplasia.”
- Tan Nagrecha
Our Services.
Puppy Screening
Since 1992 it has been demonstrated by various veterinary research groups that puppy hips can be reliably imaged using ultrasound. Several subsequent studies in peer-reviewed journals have confirmed this. The Pupscan team have discovered, (by screening over 5000 puppy hips across 70 + breeds) puppies with faulty hips as young as five weeks of age. With early non-invasive intervention, all went on to develop normally by the age of 12 weeks.
Hip and Elbow Evaluation
Breeders/owners are invited to submit their dogs skeletal x-rays to our consultation panel of specialist Orthopaedic consultants, who are working together from both the Veterinary and human world of medicine. Our service is designed to identify the faulty process that occurred during joint development. If the process can be clearly identified, the breeder can be reassured of the absence of any predominantly genetic fault.
Pregnancy Screening
Early pregnancy screening could identify not only the number of puppies on the way, but also the adequacy of the intro-uterine environment. Using modern up to date ultrasound, we start screening from 21 days of mating. Information gained from an early scan confirms pregnancy and allows better planning.
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