Hips, Elbows… And Beyond

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250 – September, 2025

By Sue M. Copeland

The idea for Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (OFA) started in a lab. Not a laboratory, but a Labrador Retriever.

It grew out of a breeder’s concern after seeing some of his aging Labs go lame. That observation and the deep care he had for his breed launched what is now the largest animal health database in the world.

“OFA’s founding principle came through philanthropist John Olin, who owned Winchester Arms,” says the Foundation’s president, and top Labrador Retriever breeder Dr. Frances O. Smith, DVM, PhD, DACT. “His interest in orthopedic disease started when he observed some of his Labrador Retrievers becoming lame in their later life. He provided the seed money to start OFA, whose veterinarians’ and radiologists’ work eventually led to the discovery of hip dysplasia in dogs, how to diagnose it, and how to make inroads in controlling it through selective breeding.”

She continues, “Without a caring owner who loved Lab-radors, OFA probably never would have existed.”

As a result of that research, breeders found that by only breeding dogs without hip dysplasia could they decrease its crippling incidence. OFA’s subsequent research has identified testing that can help identify genetic links for other heritable diseases, such as elbow dysplasia, spinal issues, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), and cataracts, thus helping breeders reduce the incidence of those conditions–and more.

A VOLUNTARY (AND SUCCESSFUL) MISSION

Click here to read the complete article
250 – September, 2025

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