HIP DYSPLASIA

Hip dysplasia refers to an abnormal or faulty development of the hip joint which leads to an abnormal laxity of the joint, deformation of normal joint architecture and ultimately, degenerative joint disease. Most dog owners erroneously say that their arthritic dog has hip dysplasia, which most often will not be the case; most dogs with hip dysplasia develop degenerative joint disease, but most dogs with degenerative joint disease of the hips do not have hip dysplasia. The disease, however, is quite prevalent, more so in larger breeds of dogs and is considered a genetic, inheritable trait.

Clinical signs are similar to those of DJD including lameness, pain, stiffness and crepitation of the joints. One or both hips may be affected, with some dogs showing clinical disease as early as 6 months of age, but most showing signs in later years. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, history and X-rays. Owners of valuable breeding dogs should have their dogs X-rayed at 2 to 2 1/2 years of age and certified by the Orthopedic Foundation of America, with dogs not being used for breeding until after they are certified to have good or excellent hips. Even so, this will not be a 100% guarantee against having a dysplastic pup.

Symptomatic therapy for dogs with hip dysplasia is as for DJD and that section should be referred to. For dogs with severe DJD, especially those with the problem at a young age, there are several options for surgical procedures that can be employed. Total hip replacement is common, with many larger cities having veterinary surgeons qualified to perform such a procedure. Over 95% of dogs treated this way show a good response, but the cost may be several thousand dollars per hip. (A real medical bargain if you consider the cost of a human hip replacement)

Many surgeons perform a procedure known as the triple pelvic osteotomy, which in short, rearranges pelvic bones to improve capture of the femoral head and limit subluxation of the hip. Many dogs show a good response to this procedure and the cost is generally less than for total hip replacement. Another procedure called a pectineal myectomy can be employed as a simplistic and inexpensive method of alleviating joint pain. A small muscle in each thigh is cut near the tendon on the femur; this seems to reduce pressure within the joint. It does not, however, alter the progression of DJD.

Another procedure, the femoral head and neck resection which involves removing the femoral head and making somewhat of a fake joint out of muscle tissue. This considered a salvage procedure. It is best performed on dogs under 40lbs; most canines move in a pain free manner, often with little or no limp. Lastly, the intertrochanteric osteotomy, a procedure uncommonly performed, involves rearranging the femoral head by taking small wedges from areas of the femur. Many dogs can function free of pain after such a procedure, but DJD can still develop.

Back to Medical Issues

Home