Canine Hip Dysplasia; What Is It?

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  XRAY OF HIP DYSPLAYSIA

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Most breeds of dogs can be affected with hip dysplasia. However, it is predominantly seen in the larger breeds of dogs, such as the German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Labrador Retriever, Pointers, and Setters. There is equal distribution of the disease between male and female dogs.


What is canine hip dysplasia?


Canine hip dysplasia is the irregular growth and thickening of a dog’s hip joint. It occurs ordinarily in large breed dogs such as Labrador retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Saint Bernard’s. However, it can occur in dogs of any breed and size and also in cats. 


There is no particular cause of hip dysplasia; instead, it is provoked by various factors, including genetics and diet. The uneven development of the hip joint that transpires in young dogs with dysplasia leads to extreme hip joint laxity (looseness). This laxity induces stretching of the supporting ligaments, standard enclosure, and muscles around the hip joint, leading to joint instability, pain, and permanent damage to the frame of the affected hip joint.


If left untreated, dogs with hip dysplasia usually develop osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). Dogs with hip dysplasia generally show clinical signs of rear leg lameness, discomfort, and muscle wasting (atrophy). Owners describe that their dogs are limping after exercise, run with a “bunny-hopping” gait, are reluctant to rise or jump, or aren’t as active as other puppies. Many dysplastic dogs will show these signs early in life (6-12 months of age), but some do not show signs of pain until they are more adult.


Radiographs (X-rays) of an average dog’s pelvis and hips. The head of the femur (arrow) is seated profoundly within the acetabulum, showing remarkable hip joint congruity. 


What are the treatment options for hip dysplasia?


Several surgical treatment options depend on your pet’s age, physical condition, and degree of hip pain/lameness. Young dogs that show hip pain or favoring a leg early in life (usually 6-12 months of age) that show no evidence of osteoarthritis (wasting away joint disease) on X-rays; may be eligible or qualify for a triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO). This procedure allows your pet to keep its personal hip joint and eradicate pain and lameness by adjusting the carelessness within the hip joint. 


Dogs older than 12 months with osteoarthritis within the hip joint secondary to severe hip dysplasia can be healed with a total hip replacement or THR by removing the affected joint and replacing it with a prosthetic hip. Some advantages of THR (total hip replacement) surgery are that it eliminates pain and balance problems. THR additionally provides a standard range of motion and gait (how your pet walks).


Total hip replacements are usually very successful for the lifetime of your pet, and active dogs are able to resume a can activity for the rest of their lives. Radiographs (X-rays) of a young dog with subluxation of both hip joints after hip dysplasia.


There is no evidence of common degenerative disease (arthritis). Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) is another procedure used to treat dogs with pain from hip dysplasia. In this procedure, the surgically removed; however, a replacement joint is not placed. Instead, a “false” joint made of scar tissue is allowed to develop. Because, dogs that have this procedure often have an abnormal gait at the walk and run, even in the absence of pain. For active dogs, return to high levels of activity is more variable. Although biomechanically inferior to total hip replacement, the advantage of FHO is that it reduces pain without the long-term risks and commitment of a total hip replacement. 


Many pets with hip dysplasia can be succeeded with conservative/medical therapy. Traditional medicine does not cure arthritis caused by hip dysplasia but is aimed at controlling it. Still, it isms to prevent (hip pain, lameness, reluctance to exercise). Conservative treatments include joint administering an ®, Cosequin ®), pain medications, weight loss, and rehabilitation. Many dogs can be made comfortable with conventional treatment; however, arthritis, pain, and lameness often worsen over time. At this point, surgery is usually recommended. Radiographs (X-rays) of a mature dog with degenerative joint disease secondary to chronic hip dysplasia.


Bibliography
Breeding Dogs and Hip Dysplasia 1970, Viewed 4 August 2021, <https://orchardhillsvet.com/canine-health-topics/hip-dysplasia/&gt;.’


Canine Hip Dysplasia | Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching … 1970, Viewed 4 August 2021, <https://vethospital.tamu.edu/small-animal/orthopedics/orthopedic-services/canine-hip-dysplasia/&gt;.

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