One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. It recognises that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent. [OHHLEP et al., PLoS Pathogens 2022].
One Health is a key research focus area in UCD. In CORI, we are researching hip dysplasia in humans and in dogs. Large dogs such as German Shepherds and Labradors are particularly susceptible to hip dysplasia, and just like in humans, the mechanisms underlying the degeneration of the hip due to dysplasia are not well understood in dogs. In our research, we aim to understand how abnormal hip joint shape affects localised wearing away of the cartilage in the joint, leading to pain and the potential eventual need for a hip replacement (hip replacements are a very successful treatment in dogs!). We hope that our research will improve diagnosis and prognosis of hip dysplasia for both dogs and for humans.