Canine hip dysplasia is a medical condition commonly found in dogs, particularly large body mass breeds. Doctor Karen Becker states “It is is a polygenetic multi-factorial disease, which means there is a genetic component, more than one gene is involved, and it is caused by a number of factors, some of which have yet to be identified.” Dog wellness brings to your attention the very important factors on how to prevent this disease from developing in your dog.Â
CHD is when the ball and socket hip joint is malformed, causing separation of the two bones of the joint. The socket is not formed properly to fit the ball completely in place. This less-than-perfect fit causes the bones to separate, resulting in abnormal joint structure along with weak muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support the joints. The result is chafing and grinding joints.
The dog’s body will try to compensate for the poor joint fit by producing a hard bony material around the in and around – attempting to stabilize the problem. Unfortunately this alteration has the opposite effect by creating an even worse fit of the joint.Â
Eventually the wear on the joint from the chafing and grinding results in degenerative joint disease (DJD), which is a painful, debilitating disease that will take your dog down fast.
CHD develops between five and twelve months of age for the severe form of the disease; later for the chronic form.
CHD Testing
Without the gene a dog will not acquire CHD, however if he does have the gene he is likely to develop it but he is also likely not to develop it – so dog wellness preventative measures is highly necessary in order to give your dog a fighting chance of not developing the disease.
With certain breeds of dogs, like the German Shepard, puppies are often tested at a young age in order to rule out any hip problems. The family history of the puppy is also taken into consideration. However, even if prior generations show no signs of CHD, their puppies are still at risk. Even if a dog shows high OFA and PennHIP scores, they can still carry the genes of the disease. Currently, there is no test that can identify if the dog is a gene carrier.
The hip is the biggest joint in your dog’s body and bares the majority of his weight during any kind of movement. That’s why hip dysplasia can be such a painful, debilitating disease, especially as it is predominantly seen in large breed dogs with heavy body mass.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Canine Hip Dysplasia
A dog with CHD may have one or a combination of the following symptoms:
- Abnormal gait – Bunny-hopping when running – Thigh muscle atrophy (loss of muscle mass) – Pain – Low exercise tolerance – Reluctance to climb stairs – Audible “click” when walking – Increased width between points of the hips
Diagnosis is typically made either because a dog is showing symptoms, or as the result of a standard hip exam prior to breeding a purebred dog.
The vet will perform a complete physical exam and take x-rays. Joint problems are easily seen on x-rays of dogs exhibiting symptoms. The vet may also be able to feel looseness in your dog’s hip joint, and note pain when a rear leg is extended or flexed.
Traditional Treatment of Hip Dysplasia
If hip laxity (looseness) is caught very early prior to any joint damage occurring, there are surgical procedures that can correct the joint malformation.
If your dog has already suffered degenerative joint disease from chronic hip dysplasia, surgical options are either a total hip replacement or a procedure in which the head of the femur is removed and a ‘fake’ hip joint replaces it. This option is less costly than a full hip replacement, but is most successful in dogs weighing less than 40 pounds.
The cost of a surgery such as this is extremely costly and usually not affordable to most dog owners, so the best bet is to ensure dog owners put dog wellness strategies into place and look at preventative measures for CHD. Particularly if you have a large breed dog.
Pain Management for CHD
Pain management involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), buffered aspirin and corticosteroids to alleviate inflammation and pain. The side effects of these drugs can include organ problems and gastric ulcers.
Complementary Therapies
In the event a dog is on pain medication for CHD it is highly recommended that the dog owner works with a holistic vet in order to find alternative treatements and pain mangement. This helps protect the dog’s owner from Big Pharma pro vets that will use your dogs unfortunate situation to make more money by recommending medications the dog doesn’t really need, and basically from ripping off pet owners. Utilizing alternative measures will also help protect your dog from the side effects caused by NSAIDs\ and other pain medications, that we know are toxic.Â
Doctor Karen Becker says in her opinion, the most important aspect of managing this debilitating disease is building and maintaining excellent muscle, tendon and ligament health through physical therapy, an anti-inflammatory diet and oral chondroprotective/supportive supplements.
Complementary therapies include:
-Chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic therapy can help your pet avoid the compensating injuries that often result from CHD.
-Massage. Regular massages can alleviate inflammation and prevent further damage through compensation.
-Stretching and other forms of physical therapy will increase the condition and mobility of her joints, tendons and ligaments, helping to preserve her range of motion.
-Low-level laser therapy can facilitate long lasting pain relief by stimulating the release of your dog’s own pain killing endorphins.
-Acupuncture can be tremendously beneficial in relieving the pain and inflammation of degenerative joint disease.
-Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, uses an underwater treadmill or heated pool to take pressure off your dog’s injured or painful joints. Water therapy can also improve your dog’s cardiovascular health, muscle strength and range of motion critical for supporting dysplastic dogs.
-Adding certain supplements to your pet’s naturally anti-inflammatory diet can provide the raw materials for cartilage repair and maintenance, among them:
1. Glucosamine sulfate with MSM, Eggshell Membrane, Perna Mussel 2. Homeopathic remedies, including Rhus Tox 3. Ubiquinol and other antioxidants 4. Super green foods (Spirulina and Asthaxanin) 5. Natural anti-inflammatory formulas (herbs, proteolytic enzymes and nutraceuticals) 6. Adequan injections, which can stimulate joint fluid very rapidly in pets with arthritis
Dog Wellness Strategies for Prevention of Canine Hip Dysplasia
1. Selective breeding. More hip testing and more careful breeding can go a long way toward limiting the inheritance of CHD.
2. If you’re planning to get a purebred large-breed puppy, find breeders who PennHIP certify their dogs. OFA certification is still the established standard, but PennHIP is a much better indication of hip health. If greater numbers of potential dog owners demand PennHIP certification, more breeders will understand the importance of this test for their animals.
Unfortunately, PennHIP testing is more expensive and not as widely done as OFA, but it is highly preferable to the OFA method. The procedure can be done on dogs as young as 16 weeks. PennHIP uses a network of trained veterinarians and anesthesia is required rather than an option.
3. Slow weight gain in large-breed puppies. When a puppy gains size and weight too quickly, the cartilage in his body often can’t keep up with the growth of his frame, and cartilage deficits result. When imbalances of this type develop in a growing dog, they can contribute to hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis.
4.High calorie diets, which are typically also high in carbohydrates, can cause too-rapid growth, especially in larger breed dogs. In fact, research indicates the amount of calories a dog consumes, especially from the age of three to ten months, can have a significant impact on whether a pup genetically prone to hip dysplasia will develop the condition.
Despite what you might hear from other owners of large breed dogs or even from your vet, it is not protein in the diet that is linked to hip dysplasia, but calcium-phosphorus ratios and high caloric content. A portion-controlled, balanced, species-appropriate diet will provide your dog, no matter his age, with the right nutrition in the right amounts.
5. Obesity can increase the severity of dysplasia. Extra weight can accelerate the degeneration of joints. Dogs born with genes that make them prone to hip dysplasia, if allowed to grow overweight, will be at much higher risk of developing the disease, and subsequently, arthritis as well.
6. Appropriate exercise. There is evidence over-exercising large breed dogs at a young age may be a risk factor for dysplasia. Activities that require your dog to jump and land can apply a great deal of force to his joints.
However, moderate exercise such as running and especially swimming, will help your dog maintain good muscle mass, which has been shown to decrease the incidence and severity of the CHD. Your dog should get at least 20 minutes of sustained, heart-thumping exercise three times a week. However, the more moderate exercise he gets the better. Large breed dogs should be exercised daily for a full impact.Â
A reminder of how important strong dog wellness practices can be for dog owners and their dog is to remember that prevention can save money, pain, and a dog’s life. The introduction of a raw natural diet and utilizing natural pet health care whenever possible is a recommendation that should not go ignored. Pay close attention to the breed, size and needs of the dog you have and put dog wellness practices into place as a part of being a smart and caring dog owner.Â
An extremely common disease in dogs is the canine hip dysplasia or CHD. This usually happens to different breeds to dogs and we list it out for you out here:
• American Bulldog • American Staffordshire Terrier • Beagle • Bernese Mountain Dog • Bloodhound • Bouvier des flandres • Boykin Spaniel • Briard • Brittany • Bulldog • Bullmastiff • Chesapeake Bay Retriever • Chow Chow • Clumber Spaniel • Coonhound (Black and Tan) • Coton de Tul癡ar • Curly Coated Retriever • English Setter • English Springer Spaniel • German Shepherd • Giant Schnauzer • Golden Retriever • Gordon Setter • Irish Water Spaniel • Kuvasz • Neapolitan Mastiff • Newfoundland • Norwegian Elkhound • Old English Sheepdog • Otterhund • Polish Lowland Sheepdog • Portuguese Water Dog • Pudel Pointer • Pug • Rottweiler • Shih Tzu • Spanish Water Dog • St. Bernard • Staffordshire Terrier • Sussex Spaniel • Welsh Corgi • Welsh Springer Spaniel
There are various symptoms which can be seen from the Canine hip dysplasia. You will have to monitor your dog from its puppy stage and once you see the signs you need to tell the vet about it. There are various signs including the lameness of the rear limb especially after your dog has exercised. Then you will find that climbing up a hill or any stiff thing is going to be very hard for the dog.
The third sign is the bunny hop where the dog is going to move with both of the rear legs together or the dog might simply use the front legs and then drag the rear end. You will also find a sway from side to side of the croup. The dog is going to also have a tendency to tilt the hips and will be reluctant to jump or climb stairs or even exercise if he or she has canine hip dysplasia.
If you have the puppy then it will start to show all the signs from the age of 5 to around 13 months. The symptoms actually vary from a mild discomfort to complete and blinding pain. If this is found in the case of a puppy then later on during the adult life it could pose lots of problems.
When it comes to treatment you will find various options. There are medical treatments along with surgical ones which are also available. But then the treatment which your dog is going to undergo will depend on many different factors. The first is the age; the second is how severe the condition is and the third being your financial situation. If you want to keep the canine hip dysplasia in check then you will have to go through an exercise routine, a management of the dog’s body weight and also symptomatic pain management which usually consists of analgesics and also anti inflammatory drugs. But make sure that you use these drugs only for short term use when it is completely necessary.
Hip dysplasia strikes fear in the heart of many dog owners. I find that most of my dog owning clients are already familiar with and afraid of this diagnostic term. Quite often I’ll see an older Labrador retriever or Rottweiler with some hind end stiffness and her owner will volunteer that he believes the dog may have hip dysplasia. However, simply having pain in the hips doesn’t always mean a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Unfortunately, for large breed dogs, there are a host of orthopedic problems from which they suffer. Knees, backs, and hips are all apt to hurt as dogs age.
Most people equate hip dysplasia with painful, arthritic hips. While these conditions are related, they are not one and the same. Hip dysplasia actually refers to abnormal growth and development of the ball and socket that makes up each of the hip joints. The condition may affect the ball, the socket, or the ligaments that attach them. In effect, if any of these components are imperfectly formed, the hip joint can’t function properly. What is normally a tight fit becomes loose and over time the parts begin to break down and deform. As a dog ages this persistent grinding leads to the painful arthritis many dog owners are familiar with. Larger breed dog are most susceptible to this condition, but any size dog (even rarely cats) can be affected. Â
While it is relatively easy to diagnose arthritis in the hips of an older dog with radiographs and a good orthopedic exam, it’s much more difficult to determine if a young dog has hip dysplasia. Breeders of large breed dogs are painfully aware of the prevalence of hip dysplasia in their particular breed. If you are considering purchasing a large breed dog you will want to question the breeder thoroughly about hip dysplasia and you may want to see documentation that certifies that the parents of your puppy have been screened for the condition by Orthopedic Foundation of America or have the puppy screened by the PennHip Method. However, even with unaffected parents, there is no guarantee that your puppy will be free of this disease.
Most often hip dysplasia is treated surgically. There are multiple procedures available and depending on the degree of arthritis, the weight and age of the dog, some procedures are more suitable than others. In young dogs with early dysplasia and no arthritis a Triple Pelvic Ostectomy can be performed. This procedure essentially reshapes the pelvis to better support the hip joints over the lifetime of the dog. Although a very effective procedure, it is costly and must be performed by an orthopedic specialist.
For dogs that already have arthritic changes two other procedures are available; The Total Hip Replacement and the Femoral Head Ostectomy. Total Hip Replacement involves the implantation of a brand new prosthetic ball and socket joint. This procedure is also most often performed by an orthopedic specialist. The Femoral Head Ostectomy involves simply removal of the top of the femur, the ball part of the ball and socket joint. The procedure is relatively simple and provides immediate pain relief. Comparitively the cost is low and it can be performed by many primary care veterinarians.
If your dog is slowing down and you think she might be suffering from hip pain talk to your veterinarian. Hip dysplasia is a progressive, degenerative disease, so early intervention is best. There are many treatment options and no need for her to suffer in silence.
As I suffer from this condition myself I thought that a page on this problem may be of help to others in order to watch out for this condition that some of us Labradors and other bigger dogs get:
HIP DYSPLASIA
Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a polygenic trait, that is affected by environmental factors in the production of the final phenotype. It can be found in many animals and occasionally in humans, but is most commonly associated with dogs, and is common in many dog breeds, particularly the larger breeds. Hip dysplasia is one of the most studied veterinary conditions in dogs, and the most common single cause of arthritis of the hips.
NORMAL HIP ANATOMY
In the normal anatomy of the hip joint, the root (the thigh bone) is connected to the pelvis at the hip joint. The almost spherical end of the femur head (the caput, or caput ossis femoris) fits into the acetabulum (a concave socket located in the pelvis). The bony surface of the femur head and of the acetabulum are covered by cartilage. While bones provide the strength necessary to support body weight, cartilage ensures a smooth fit and a wide range of motion. Normal hip function can be affected by congenital conditions such as dysplasia, discussed in this article, trauma, and by acquired diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
DYSPLASTIC HIP ANATOMY
In a hip suffering from dysplasia, two things are commonly abnormal. First, the caput is not deeply and tightly held by the acetabulum. Instead of being a snug fit, it is a loose fit, or a partial fit. Secondly, the caput or acetabulum are not smooth and round, but are misshapen, causing abnormal wear and tear or friction within the joint as it moves. The body reacts to this in several ways. First, the joint itself is continually repairing itself and laying down new cartilage. However cartilage repair is a relatively slow process, the tissue being avascular. So the joint may suffer degradation due to the abnormal wear and tear, or may not support the body weight as intended. The joint becomes inflamed and a cycle of cartilage damage, inflammation and pain commences. This is a self-fueling process, in that the more the joint becomes damaged, the less able it is to resist further damage. The inflammation causes further damage. The bones of the joint may also develop osteoarthritis, visible on an X-ray as small outcrops of bone, which further degrade the joint. The underlying deformity of the joint may get worse over time, or may remain static. A dog may have good X-rays and yet be in pain, or may have very poor X-rays and apparently almost no problems. The hip condition is only one factor to determine the extent to which dysplasia is causing pain or affecting the quality of life. In mild to moderate dysplasia it is often the secondary effects of abnormal wear and tear or arthritis, rather than dysplasia itself, which is the direct causes of visible problems.
A Labrador Retriever standing with hind legs close together to compensate for hip dysplasia.
CAUSES AND EFFECTS
In dogs, a femur that does not fit correctly into the pelvic socket, or poorly developed muscles in the pelvic area. Large and giant breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia, and Cocker Spaniels and Shetland Sheepdogs are also known to suffer from it. Cats are also known to have this condition, especially Siamese. To reduce pain, the animal will typically reduce its movement of that hip. This may be visible as “bunny hopping”, where both legs move together, or less dynamic movement (running, jumping), or stiffness. Since the hip cannot move fully, the body compensates by adapting its use of the spine, often causing spinal, stifle(a dog’s knee joint), or soft tissue problems to arise. The causes of hip dysplasia are considered heritable, but new research conclusively suggests that environment can also play a role. To what degree the causality is genetic and what portion environmental is a topic of current debate. Environmental influences would include overweight condition, injury at a young age, overexertion on hip joint at a young age, ligament tear at a young age, repetitive motion on forming joint (i.e. jogging with puppy under the age of 1 year). As current studies progress, greater information will help provide procedures to effectively reduce the occurrence of this condition. My own condition has been proven to be genetical, via x-rays, tests etc. In dogs, the problem almost always appears by the time the dog is 18 months old. Richard Pitcairn theorizes that the hips of young dogs are weakened by heavy vaccination.The defect can be anywhere from mild to severely crippling, and can eventually cause severe osteoarthritis. It is most common in medium-large pure bred dogs, such as German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador or Golden Retrievers, rottweilers and mastiffs, but also occurs in some smaller breeds such as spaniels and pugs and occasionally (usually with minor symptoms) in cats. SYMPTOMS
Dogs might exhibit signs of stiffness or soreness after rising from rest, reluctance to exercise, bunny-hopping or other abnormal gait (legs move more together when running rather than swinging alternately), lameness, pain, reluctance to stand on rear legs, jump up, or climb stairs, subluxation or dislocation of the hip joint, or wasting away of the muscle mass in the hip area. Radiographs (X-rays) often confirm the presence of hip dysplasia, but radiographic features may not be present until two years of age in some dogs. Moreover, many affected dogs do not show clinical signs, but some dogs manifest the problem before seven months of age, while others do not show it until well into adulthood. In part this is because the underlying hip problem may be mild or severe, may be worsening or stable, and the body may be more or less able to keep the joint in repair well enough to cope. Also, different animals have different pain tolerances and different weights, and use their bodies differently, so a light dog who only walks, will have a different joint use than a more heavy or very active dog. Some dogs will have a problem early on, others may never have a real problem at all. Each case must be treated on its own merits, and a range of treatment options exist.
A dysplastic animal has probably lived with the condition since it was only a few months old, and has therefore grown up taking the chronic pain for granted and have learned to live with it. Dogs suffering such pain do not usually exhibit acute signs of pain. Sometimes, they will suddenly and abnormally sit down when walking, or refuse to walk or climb objects which they usually would, but this can equally be a symptom of many other things, including a thorn in the paw, or a temporary muscle pain. So pain recognition is less common a means of detection than the visible gait and other abnormalities described above.
DIAGNOSIS
The classic diagnostic technique is with appropriate X-rays and hip scoring tests. These should be done at an appropriate age, and perhaps repeated at adulthood – if done too young they will not show anything. Since the condition is to a large degree inherited, the hip scores of parents should be professionally checked before buying a pup, and the hip scores of dogs should be checked before relying upon them for breeding. Despite the fact that the condition is inherited, it can occasionally arise even to animals with impeccable hip scored parents. In diagnosing suspected dysplasia, the x-ray to evaluate the internal state of the joints is usually combined with a study of the animal and how it moves, to confirm whether its quality of life is being affected. Evidence of lameness or abnormal hip or spine use, difficulty or reduced movement when running or navigating steps, are all evidence of a problem. Both aspects have to be taken into account since there can be serious pain with little X-ray evidence. It is also common to X-ray the spine and legs, as well as the hips, where dysplasia is suspected, since soft tissues can be affected by the extra strain of a dysplastic hip, or there may be other undetected factors such as neurological issues (e.g. nerve damage) involved. There are several standardized systems for categorising dysplasia, set out by respective reputable bodies.
TREATMENT
There is no complete cure, although there are many options to alleviate the clinical signs. The aim of treatment is to enhance quality of life. Crucially, this is a congenital condition and so will change during the life of an animal, so any treatment is subject to regular review or re-assessment if the symptoms appear to get worse or anything significantly changes. If the problem is relatively mild, then sometimes all that is needed to bring the symptoms under control are suitable medications to help the body deal better with inflammation, pain and joint wear. In many cases this is all that is needed for a long time. If the problem cannot be controlled with medications, then often surgery is considered. There are traditionally two types of surgery – those which reshape the joint to reduce pain or help movement, and hip replacement for animals which completely replaces the damaged hip with an artificial joint, similar to human hip replacements.
NON-SURGICAL
Non-surgical interventions include three elements: weight control, exercise control, and medication. Weight control is often, “the single most important thing that we can do to help a dog with arthritis”, and consequentially “reducing the dog’s weight is enough to control all of the symptoms of arthritis in many dogs”.Reasonable exercise stimulates cartilage growth and reduces degeneration (though excessive exercise can do harm too),] and also regular long walks in early or mild dysplasia can help prevent loss of muscle mass to the hips. Medication can reduce pain and discomfort, and also reduce damaging inflammation. Non surgical intervention is usually via a suitable non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which doubles as anti-inflammatory and painkiller. Typical NSAID’s used for hip dysplasia include carprofen and meloxicam (often sold as Rimadyl and Metacam respectively), both used to treat arthritis resulting from dysplasia. It is important to follow veterinary advice. A glucosamine based nutritional supplement may possibly be suggested to give the body additional raw materials used in joint repair. Glucosamine can take 3–4 weeks to start showing its effects, since it can take up to 6 weeks to reach full therapeutic effect in the body, so the trial period for medication is usually around 3–5 weeks minimum before assuming it isn’t working. It is also common, if necessary, to try multiple anti-inflammatories over a further 4-6 week period. This is since an animal will often respond to one type, but will fail to respond to another. If one anti-inflammatory does not work, a vet will often try one or two other brands for 2–3 weeks each, also in conjunction with ongoing glucosamine, before necessarily concluding that the condition does not seem responsive to medication. This regime can usually be maintained long term, for as long as it is effective in keeping the symptoms of dysplasia at bay.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
It is quite comforting to know that there are several types of surgery to treat the problem. Veterinarian surgeons can choose from different procedures to help canine patients. Usually, their choice is dependent on the severity of the dog’s condition and its age. Certain procedures can only be sustained by older dogs, while some are most effective when done on the younger dogs.
HIP REPLACEMENT:Canine hip dysplasia  is a degenerative disease. This means that it can get worse over time. If your dog is diagnosed to suffer degenerative hip dysplasia, it may have to undergo total hip replacement. This type of procedure aims to eliminate the pain and the degeneration of the hips. The hip joints of the dog will be removed and prosthetics will be put in its place. When done successfully, the pain associated with this disease will be gone and the functions of the joints will greatly improve. However, only dogs weighing 20 pounds or more can undergo this procedure. Smaller and lighter dogs will not be cleared for it. Aside from totally removing the hip bones, it is possible only the femoral neck and head to be removed to solve the problem. This is yet another surgical choice for vets. The procedure is usually done on pets that are not qualified for total hip replacement. While this procedure is mostly prescribed to lighter dogs, the larger breeds can also benefit from it.
TRIPLE PELVIC OSTEOTOMY: TPO, is one procedure effective for younger canines. If your pet is ten months old or less, this is the preferred surgery type. TPO is most effective for dogs that have severe laxity in the hips but have no observable damage in the joints. In the procedure, the pelvic bones are surgically broken down so that certain parts are realigned accordingly. While this type of surgery is very expensive, it is also one of the most successful procedures your dog can go through to correct the problem.
JUVENILE PUBIC SYMPHYSIODESIS: This is also a type of surgical procedure, although it isn’t as invasive. This surgery calls for the infusion of two hip bones. It is normally done to so that the problem joints will develop normally and correctly. The procedure is also known to lessen your dog’s risks of developing arthritis due to hip dysplasia.
Proper diagnosis is very important. By submitting your pet to regular check-ups, the vet will know the severity of the condition and devise the most effective way of correcting the problem. With all these surgical choices, the only way your pet can be treated accordingly is if you submit it to the necessary diagnostic exams.
I hope this has been helpful or at least of interest. Information from Wikipedia.
if my dog ever gets hip dysplasia to the point where it changes hes mood or he has trouble walking around the block, and has trouble getting up, then its time for him to be put down, and all you so called dog lovers out there who let their dogs suffer and live with this problem should be put down them selfs. i find its mostly the old people that allow their dog to carry on suffering with this problem, i hate old people, their so fucking boring and annoying.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint in which the rounded portion of the femoral head inserts into a socket (called the acetabulum) in the pelvic bone. When this joint functions normally, it allows a wide range of motion, as well as provides maximum body support.
Hip dysplasia is a complex disease. It was first described in the 1930s and was thought to be a rare, uncommon disease. The disease process begins early in life, and as it progresses, causes a deformation of the hip joint as well as the development of degenerative joint disease (commonly called arthritis). Abnormal hip joint laxity (looseness between the femoral head and the acetabulum) is the initiating factor that results in hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia can be seen in almost all breeds of dogs, although it occurs most commonly in the large and giant-breeds. It is the most common inherited joint disease of large dogs and the most important cause of arthritis in the hip. Breeds of dogs with a high incidence of hip dysplasia include Akitas, German Shepherds, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, and Chow Chows. Hip dysplasia is not caused by one single gene. It is a polygenitic, complex disease, caused by several genes. The expression of the disease, or how it affects individual animals, depends upon several factors. Altering the environment in which the puppy is raised can contribute to the severity of symptoms. Experiments have shown that low protein diets and reduced activity during the puppy stage may reduce the symptoms of hip dysplasia. In these dogs, even though symptoms may not be as severe, they still have dysplastic hips and carry the genes that contribute to the disease. Another factor that influences the symptoms of hip dysplasia is pain tolerance level. Like humans, individual dogs have different pain tolerance levels. Some dogs with mild hip dysplasia have painful hips and are severely crippled. Other dogs with similar radiographic features do not have painful hips and do not exhibit the same degree of lameness. In both situations, the dogs have dysplastic hips and should not be considered for breeding. The only current method for reducing the occurrence of the disease is by selective breeding. Only dogs that have sound hips, with no radiographic signs of hip dysplasia, should be used for breeding. Dogs with radiographic signs of hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding and should be neutered at the appropriate age. Radiography (X-rays) is the only method for accurately diagnosing canine hip dysplasia. Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia Clinical symptoms of hip dysplasia commonly begin between five to eight months of age. In some dogs, symptoms appear earlier. In other dogs, symptoms appear later in life. A small percentage of dogs with radiographic signs of hip dysplasia show no symptoms at all. Dogs that are radiographically positive for hip dysplasia that show no clinical symptoms of the disease should not be bred as they contribute their genes to their offspring. There is a wide range of symptoms for dogs with hip dysplasia. Some animals have a slight limp, while others are severely crippled. A hind end lameness is the most common feature seen in dogs suffering from hip dysplasia. Symptoms seen in dogs with hip dysplasia include:
Wobbly gait—the back end appears wobbly
Bunny-hopping gait (in the rear legs) when running
Difficulty rising from sleep or a sitting position—when rising, the weight is often placed on the front legs to relieve the pressure on the hips.
Dogs often shift their weight from the back end to the front. These dogs often have well-developed muscles in the front and lack muscular development in the rear.
Dogs with hip dysplasia often have degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Like humans, the disease is worse in the mornings and improves after mild exercise.
All dogs with hip dysplasia do not experience severe pain. Some dogs experience little pain and you would never know that they had the disease.
Diagnosis Since hip dysplasia can often be confused with other rear leg injuries, a complete veterinary exam (along with X-rays) is required for a diagnosis. X-rays are essential for confirming the diagnosis as well as evaluating the nature and severity of the disease. X-rays and Hip Dysplasia There appears to be a general misunderstanding regarding x-rays and hip dysplasia. A dog showing symptoms of hip dysplasia can be x-rayed at any age. If there is radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia, the diagnosis is for the entire life of the dog. It doesn’t matter if the dog is three months or eight years old: once x-rays are taken and there are radiographic signs of hip dysplasia, the animal is labeled for the rest of his or her life. Even if the dog exhibits absolutely no symptoms of hip dysplasia (limping, etc.), if there is radiographic evidence, the animal has the disease. If used for breeding, these dogs can pass their dysplastic genes to their puppies as easily as a dog exhibiting severe symptoms of the disease. This is the rationale behind radiographing all medium and large-breed dogs before establishing a breeding program. All puppies appear to be born with normal hips. In dogs affected with hip dysplasia, radiographic changes become evident within several months to several years. A good x-ray at a young age does not rule out the possibility of hip dysplasia occurring later in life. At 24 months, more than 95 percent of dogs with hip dysplasia show radiographic changes associated with the disease. The O.F.A. does not classify a dog’s hips until he or she is at least two years old.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) For more detailed information, visit the OFA’s excellent and informative website. The OFA is a private non-profit foundation. Presently, they maintain the largest data base on canine hip conformation in the world.The purpose of the OFA is twofold:
To provide a standardized evaluation for hip dysplasia.
Serve as a database for the control of hip dysplasia.
How the OFA Functions Veterinarians who have specialty degrees in veterinary radiology evaluate all x-rays that are sent to the OFA. There are about 20-25 board certified veterinary radiologists who make up the OFA. These radiologists are located throughout the United States in both private practice and at universities. From the pool of 20-25 veterinary radiologists, three are randomly selected for each case. Each radiologist independently evaluates an animal’s hip x-ray. This evaluation takes into consideration variations due to sex, age, and breed. After interpreting the x-ray, each radiologist independently assigns a rating to the hip. Hip ratings fall into 7 classifications. These categories include:
Excellent
Good
Fair
Borderline
Mild Hip Dysplasia
Moderate Hip Dysplasia
Severe Hip Dysplasia
Hip grades of excellent, good, and fair are considered within the normal limits for the breed and are given OFA certificates with OFA numbers. Radiographs classified as borderline, mild, moderate, and severe hip dysplasia do not receive OFA numbers. Dogs must be at least two years old in order to receive an OFA number.
This dog was x-rayed again at two years and had normal hips.
The OFA accepts radiographs of puppies as young as four months of age for preliminary hip evaluation. These dogs do not receive an OFA number and must be radiographed again at two years of age (or later). This is often done for dog breeders who are interested in detecting puppies with hip dysplasia. If a puppy is diagnosed with hip dysplasia at a young age, the economic loss associated with training, handling, and showing is greatly reduced. Treatment Both medical and surgical treatments are available for dogs with hip dysplasia. Medical treatment focuses on exercise restriction, controlling body weight, and management of pain. Most cases of moderate hip dysplasia are managed this way. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs suffering from mild hip dysplasia. Pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to control symptoms associated with hip dysplasia. Medications frequently used include:
Aspirin
Naproxen
Adequan
Cosequin
Phenylbutazone
Carprofen
Some of these drugs may cause harmful side effects. Before beginning a treatment regime, a thorough consultation with your veterinarian is required. Frequent visits to the veterinarian may be necessary in order to adjust dosages and change medications. Surgery is generally performed on young dogs or dogs with severe cases of hip dysplasia. The decision for surgery should should be discussed in detail with your veterinarian. Surgery is expensive and often requires extensive post-surgical home care. Presently, three surgical techniques are used for dogs with hip dysplasia. Each one is briefly described below.
Triple pelvic osteotomy—This surgery is almost exclusively reserved for young animals (usually aged five months to one year). Radiographs of the dog’s hips cannot show any signs of degenerative joint disease (arthritis). The surgery involves rotating the acetabulum (socket portion of the hip) to a more normal position in relation to the femoral head. This changes the orientation of the hip socket.
Results of the Surgery
Ball is seated more deeply in socket. Eliminates joint laxity and corrects the abnormal conformation of the ball and socket.
Femoral head excision—This procedure eliminates the pain of hip dysplasia associated with arthritis. It is considered a salvage procedure, recommended when pain and irreversible arthritis are present. The surgery involves the removal of the femoral head (ball portion of the joint). After a period of time, scar tissue fills the area between the femur and the acetabulum. This scar tissue functions like a joint and about 70% of hip-joint functionality is restored. Femoral head excision surgery is relatively inexpensive, requires minimal post-surgical home care, and can be done at any age. The surgery works well in small and medium-size dogs (dogs weighing less than 45 lbs.).
Total hip replacement—This surgery is similar to total hip replacement in humans. The ball and socket are removed and replaced with implants. Success rates are high (95 percent) as optimal joint function is generally restored. Presently, this is the best surgical technique for correcting hip dysplasia in adult large-breed dogs. After a recuperation period, most dogs regain full, pain free hip function and live normal active lives.
The decision to perform surgery should not be taken lightly. Discuss the various options with your veterinarian before making your decision. Forty years have passed since hip dysplasia was first described. Despite years of research, it is still the most common inherited joint disease of large-breed dogs. Â
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a congenital disease that mainly affects large breed dogs. The word “dysplasia” means improper growth. Hip dysplasia can be described as a faulty or abnormal development of the hip. In CHD, the hip becomes loose and wobbly, eventually leading to a form of arthritis which is commonly referred to Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). The degree of lameness that occurs is usually dependent upon the extent of arthritic changes in the hip joint. So too do environmental conditions such as amount of physical exercise, and weight gain contribute to the disease, and bring out symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia?
The symptoms of CHD depend on the severity of the dysplasia. Another factor is the whether or not degenerative joint disease (DJD) is present. Dogs less than 1 year old have a tendency to have periods of acute bilateral (or unilateral) lameness in their rear legs. Older dogs with CHD exhibit rear limb lameness with an obvious weight displacement to the forelimb (front paws). Furthermore, the signs of lameness become more obvious with exercise or after a minor trauma. Again depending on the degree of joint destruction, visible signs vary.
Typical signs are
- Generally less active.
- Problem with stairs.
- Less jumping
- Trouble rising, or laying down.
- When running will exhibit a A Bunny hopping @ gait
- Painful reaction to the extension of the rear legs.
- A faint popping sound coming from the hip.
Are All Dogs at Risk Canine Hip dysplasia?
CHD can occur in any dog. However, large breed dogs are at a higher risk. The Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) believes that some of the breeds at highest risk are:
Bulldog
Pug
Otterhund
Clumber Spaniel
Neapolitan Mastiff
St. Bernard
Boykin Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel
American Bulldog
Newfoundland
American Staffordshire Terrier
Bloodhound
Bullmastiff
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Rottweiler
Chow Chow
Old English Sheepdog
Kuvasz
Norweigan Elkhound
Giant Schnauzer
German Shepherd
Bernese Mountain Dog
English Setter
Black and Tan Coonhound
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Terrier
Welsh Corgi
Beagle
Briard
Brittany
Bouvier des flandres
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Curly Coated Retriever
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Portugese Water Dog
English Springer Spaniel
Pudel Pointer
Irish Water Spaniel
How is Canine Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?
Initial assessment involves taking a history of the dog, and examining obvious clinical signs. The only real way to see if a dog is suffering from CHD is through X Rays. If found early enough in pups, surgery can correct the problem.
What Is the Treatment of Canine Hip Dysplasia?
Treatment for CHD can be as mild as recommending rest, or as severe as surgery, depending on the severity of the dysplasia, amount of DJD, the age of the dog, the size of the dog, and many other factors, treatment will vary.
Possible Conservative Treatment
- Weight monitoring
- Moderate exercise
- Pain relief medication
- Joint and health supplements
Possible Surgical Treatment
Currently there are three main surgical procedures used in for the treatment of CHD.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
In this procedure, three separate bone cuts are made in order to free the acetabulum component (the socket or cup) of the hip joint from the rest of the pelvis. The acetabulum is then rotated to provide better coverage. A bone plate is secured to maintain this new position and allow the bone cuts to mend. The procedure is for large breed dogs, no older than 10 months of age. Candidates for this surgery must only have mild CHD and no arthritis present.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
In this procedure, the head of the femur is removed. The residual portion of the femur forms a “false” joint with muscle, tendons and ligaments. Even though the false joint is not as superior as the original, most dogs experience a great reduction in pain. This particular surgery is far more effect in smaller dogs, with most experiencing an almost normal function of the hip.
Total hip replacement (THR)
In this procedure the head and neck of the femur are both replaced with either stainless steel or titanium implants. This surgery is used on young dogs who have fully matured developed physically. THR is also used in older dogs who weigh a minimum 40lbs. If done correctly, the procedure can be very successful; however it is only done by a select few, and is very expensive.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Canine Dysplasia?
CHD is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Responsible breeders are working on reducing the chances of CHD by breeding dogs that are less likely to produce pups that will have the disease, by better sceening methods.
Environmental factors do NOT cause CHD. Instead, they bring out the symptoms in a dog that already has the disease. Responsible owners can help dogs with CHD by addressing these environmental variables. By closely monitoring a dog’s diet, for example, owners can insure that a pup will not grow too fast, or become over weight. Here is a list of variables that can be controlled in order to nurture a dog with CHD.
- Limit rough play, jumping, climbing stairs or slick floors.
- Monitor food intake.
- Calcium supplementation (may increase the bone remodeling).
- Forced running for any distance, especially on tarmac, asphalt or other hard surfaces
- Have your dog certified by The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Ths website only provides BASIC information about Canine Hip Dysplasia. your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about CHD and its prevention.
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a condition of the hip joint in which there is laxity (looseness) of the joint.
This laxity leads to degeneration of articular cartilage (the smooth white tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints), which in turn leads to the development of osteoarthritis (OA).
CHD has increased over the last 50 years and it is currently estimated between three and four percent of dogs have the condition.
Certain breeds are more prone to CHD than others and include:
Newfoundland
Saint Bernard
Old English Sheepdog
Rottweiler
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Alaskan Malamute
Labrador Retriever
Samoyed
Mechanics of Canine Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a situation in which the ball and socket hip joint is misshapen, causing separation of the two bones. In most cases of CHD, the socket is not deep enough to fully seat the ball (the round head of the femur).
This abnormal joint construction is coupled with weak muscles, ligaments and connective tissue. So instead of gliding smoothly, the joint scrapes and grinds during movement.
Often the body will try to stabilize the poorly constructed joint by building hard, bony material in and around it. This usually creates an even more unnatural fit over time.
The wear and tear on the joint eventually develops into degenerative joint disease which is painful for the dog and restricts his ability to move normally.
Since the hip is the biggest weight-bearing joint in a dog’s body, it’s easy to imagine how painful and debilitating it can be for the large and giant breed dogs who commonly suffer from it.
Small and medium-size dogs and cats can also develop hip dysplasia, but it’s much more common in larger canines.
Canine Hip Dysplasia is an Inherited Disease
CHD is polygenetic, meaning it is inherited and there are multiple genes involved.
Dogs without the genes for hip dysplasia will not develop it.
Dogs with the genes may acquire the disease, or they may not. There is currently no test which identifies CHD genes.
A dog with excellent OFA and PennHIP scores can carry the genes for the disease, never develop CHD, and still go on to produce generations of offspring with the problem.
Historically, only dogs with x-ray evidence of OA were prevented from breeding. However, studies show that if dogs with hip joint laxity and dogs with established OA are prevented from breeding, there is a greater decrease in the incidence of CHD.
Markers for CHD
Any of the following conditions may predispose a dog to hip dysplasia:
A body that is longer than it is tall
High BMI (body-to-mass) ratio
Spayed or neutered
Dogs less than one year old diagnosed with hip joint damage and microfractures of the hip socket
Young to middle-aged dogs with pain and lameness linked to osteoarthritis
Whether or not a dog develops osteoarthritis, and the severity of it, depends on both nature (a genetic component) and nurture (environment and nutrition).
The Role of Environment and Nutrition
There are things you can do as a pet owner to help prevent or reduce the severity of hip dysplasia in your dog.
If you’re planning to get a large or giant breed puppy, find breeders who PennHIP certify their dogs. OFA certification is still the established standard, but PennHIP is a much better indication of hip health.
The number of calories your dog consumes, especially from three to ten months of age, has been shown to have a significant impact on whether a puppy with CHD genes will go on to develop the disease.
High calorie, high carb diets can cause frame growth that is too fast for the cartilage in the body to keep up with, especially in large breed dogs.
In a 1997 study of Labrador Retriever puppies, the dogs fed ‘free choice’ had a much higher rate of hip dysplasia than their littermates who were fed the same food, but in controlled portions that amounted to 25 percent less than the free fed pups.
The free-fed dogs were also quite a bit heavier as adults than the controlled portions group — by about 22 pounds on average.
Obesity can increase the severity of dysplasia. Extra weight can accelerate the degeneration of joints. Dogs born with genes that make them prone to hip dysplasia, if allowed to grow overweight, will be at much higher risk of developing the disease, and subsequently, arthritis as well.
Focus the exercise your dog gets on activities like running and swimming. The goal is to help your pet maintain good muscle mass, which can decrease the incidence and severity of CHD.
Avoid activities that require your pet to jump or suddenly change direction or stop. Don’t allow your dog to exercise or spend significant time on slippery surfaces.Â
Help for Dogs with Canine Hip Dysplasia
Surgery to repair early hip laxity or to replace all or part of a hip is an option for some dogs and their owners. Not every dog is a good candidate for surgery, and not every dog parent can afford it, nor is it always the best option.
Conventional medical management involves the use of NSAIDs, buffered aspirin and corticosteroids, all of which have side effects.
If your pet is on medication for pain and inflammation, I recommend you work with a holistic vet to determine what alternative treatments might also be of benefit. Often an integrative approach can reduce or replace the need for potentially toxic drugs.
The most important aspect of managing CHD is building and maintaining excellent muscle, tendon and ligament health.
And talk to your holistic vet about supplements that can provide the raw materials for cartilage repair and maintenance. These would include glucosamine sulfate with MSM, eggshell membrane, Perna mussel (green lipped clam) and also:
Homeopathic remedies, including Rhus Tox, Arnica and Bryonia
Ubiquinol and other antioxidants
Super green foods (spirulina and astaxanthin)
Natural anti-inflammatory formulas (herbs, proteolytic enzymes and nutraceuticals)
Ask any veterinarian what is the hardest and most frustrating dog disease there is and most of them are certain to answer, “canine hip dysplasia.” Canine hip dysplasia or CHD is a condition wherein the dog’s thigh bone does not properly fit into the hip socket. In this scenario, the cartilage becomes damaged, the joint slowly gets destroyed, and the dog experiences pain and swelling in the affected area. Hip dysplasia in dogs is not the same as hip arthritis. However, dog hip dysplasia is one cause of hip arthritis in dogs.
* Canine Hip Dysplasia Can Be Inherited
Some experts believe that canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease. If an adult dog has dog hip dysplasia, it will pass the disease on to its offspring. To prevent hip dysplasia in dogs from spreading, the only solution is to not breed dogs that have the disease. The solution sounds very simple and straightforwards, but it can be a challenge to actually do it because the symptoms of canine hip dysplasia are not easy to identify in dogs. In fact, there are dogs that do have canine hip dysplasia but the symptoms are not visible until it is too late or the dogs have already been bred. In addition, dogs that are perfectly normal can have the gene for canine hip dysplasia, and they are bred, which causes the disease to be passed on.
* Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia
Usually, dogs with CHD appears lethargic and do not move around much. They often have a hard time getting up when they are sitting, have lameness in the back of their legs, and dislike going up the stairs. Dogs with CHD also tend to hop like a rabbit when they are running. The symptoms of canine hip dysplasia generally don’t show themselves until dogs are in their middle age. However, there have been cases when dogs as young as five or six months exhibited the symptoms of canine hip dysplasia.
* Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Currently, it is still not possible to determine if a dog is carrying the dog hip dysplasia gene or not. Canine hip dysplasia cannot be determined by a blood test or genetic test. Instead, veterinarians are able to diagnose the condition by physically examining the dog and taking x-rays routinely. X-rays help veterinarians assess how far along the disease is and how effective the treatment is helping.
Dogs with hip dysplasia can be x-rayed using two techniques: the hip-extended ventrodorsal view x-ray, and the PennHIP radiography technique. The hip-extended ventrodorsal view x-ray gives the veterinarian a frontal view of the hip-joints and pelvis, providing the veterinarian the best view as to how severe the condition is. PennHIP radiography is an x-ray technique that is often used to see if there are any hip looseness in dogs.
* Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Unfortunately, canine hip dysplasia is not yet a curable disease. However, dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia have non-surgical treatment options available to them in order to relieve them of the symptoms of canine hip dysplasia. One non-surgical treatment option is the use of pain and anti-inflammation medications. Some of the CHD drugs include Deramaxx, Ectogesic and Rimadyl. These drugs have been found to be effective at relieving dogs of pain and inflammation, enabling them to live normal lives. Other non-surgical treatment options include physical therapy, controlled exercise and weight loss programs.
If the non-surgical treatment options are not adequate, surgery is the only other treatment option. With surgery, the malformed joint can be corrected, thus eliminating the cause of the hip pain. When dealing with hip dysplasia in dogs, there are two ways to approach surgery: prophylactic surgery and therapeutic surgery. Prophylactic surgery is undertaken in order to stop the arthritis and joint problems from progressing. Therapeutic surgery, on the other hand, is undertaken to treat hips that already has arthritis.
Currently, the primary preventive surgical procedure for dogs with hip dysplasia is the triple pelvic osteotomy. In this procedure, the pelvis is cut in three different places and the hip sockets are rotated. This type of surgery is recommended for dogs whose arthritis has not yet set in or joint is not yet damaged.
Pubic symphysiodesis is another preventive surgery that can be done, but only on very young dogs. This type of surgery involves manipulating the pelvis so that it grows in such a way that the hip is connected tighter. The effectiveness of this procedure is still under study.
Total hip replacement and femoral head ostectomy are two types of therapeutic surgeries available for dogs with hip dysplasia. Larger dogs with canine hip dysplasia are often the recipient of total hip replacement. In this procedure, the socket is replaced with a high density medical plastic and a non-corrosive alloy is used as a ball joint. This type of surgery enjoys a high rate of success. Dogs who undergo total hip replacement are able to resume activity and live a normal life that is free of pain.
The femoral head ostectomy, on the other hand, is a type of therapeutic surgery wherein the top of the femur is removed. As a result, the painful grinding that the dog with hip dysplasia experiences at the hip joint is eliminated. The femur is made to freely float, which causes scar tissue to form. This scar tissue then acts as a false joint. Femoral head ostectomy is not advised for dogs with mild cases of arthritis. It is most effective when done on dogs that are smaller and well-muscled.
* Prevention of Canine Hip Dysplasia
Careful breeding is one of the best way to prevent the spread of hip dysplasia in dogs. Dogs who are predisposed to CHP can be helped by controlling their weight while they are still young and making sure the hips do not take on any undue stress. If the onset of canine hip dysplasia cannot be delayed any longer, dog owners can look into dog insurance packages to help cover costs of CHD surgery. In addition, potential dog owners should look for information on breed risk before acquiring puppies. It is best to make sure that puppies being sold have an OFA, PennHip of GDC certification.
Hip dysplasia is a congenital disease in dogs that causes the acetabulum and the femur head to expand in normal mode. Hip dysplasia is more common in large and heavy people, such as the Saint Bernard dogs, mastiffs and Rotweillers, but can also affect small breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel. Hip dysplasia is not only seen on pure types, but also happens to crossbreed.
The hip your dog consists of a sort of “ball-in-socket” construction that allows the hip to move and flexible. In dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, a “ball” does not fit well in the socket properly. When the ball does not fit properly, the result is friction which in turn causes damage and can be very painful for the dog. Each time the dog puts weight on the affected joint, joint capsule tension friction. Eventually, this tension will cause permanent damage to the cartilage and inflammatory proteins are produced in the hip.
Hip dysplasia and age
Many dog ​​owners believe that hip dysplasia and other forms of arthritis is only a problem for older dogs, but the reality is that some dogs develop hip dysplasia problems while still in their early youth.
When young dogs develop hip dysplasia, usually form called acute hip dysplasia. Acute hip dysplasia cause severe hip pain for dogs and can cause anything from mild to significant discrepancies. Acute level can last from several weeks to several months.
Chronic level of hip dysplasia can develop in dogs less than one year, but are more common in older dogs. Chronic hip dysplasia is characterized by a gradual decrease of the range-of-motion hip. Just as acute dysplasia, this painful condition for dogs.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs
A dog with hip dysplasia may show symptoms such as reluctance to climb stairs and jump (eg in the car), difficulties arise when resting, and activity levels generally declined. Some dogs develop hind limb paralysis, gait can be arrogant or bunny-hopping. Dogs will suffer from hip pain or hip. The pain can occur after exercise.
Please note that some dogs do not show or only minimal signs outside hip dysplasia hip dysplasia although they suffer significantly.
Hip dysplasia in dogs treatment
Several different treatments are available for dogs with hip dysplasia. In some dogs, non-surgical treatment can be efficient, at least for a while. Physical therapy and exercise control are two commonly used treatment for dogs with hip dysplasia. If your dog is overweight, weight loss program recommended. Pain medication can also make life more pleasant for dogs with hip dysplasia.
When it comes to surgical treatment, there are two main methods to deal with hip dysplasia in dogs: procedure prophylaxis and therapy procedures. The purpose of the procedure prophylaxis is to prevent the development of rheumatoid, for example by performing a pelvic osteotomy symphysiodesis three or genitals. Therapeutic procedures intended to treat or save an already suffering from arthritis of the hip significantly. You can for example get a dog femoral head ostectomy or complete hip replacement. There is also examined as DARthroplasty the operation.
Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a genetic (polygenic) trait that is affected by environmental factors. It can be found in many animals and in humans, but is most commonly associated with dogs, and is common in many dog breeds, particularly the larger breeds.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most studied veterinary conditions in dogs, and the most common single cause of arthritis of the hips.[1]
In the normal anatomy of the hip joint, the root (the thigh bone) is connected to the pelvis at the hip joint. The almost spherical end of the femur head (the caput, or caput ossis femoris) fits into the acetabulum (a concave socket located in the pelvis). The bony surfaces of the femur head and of the acetabulum are covered by cartilage. While bones provide the strength necessary to support body weight, cartilage ensures a smooth fit and a wide range of motion. Normal hip function can be affected by congenital conditions such as dysplasia, discussed in this article, trauma, and by acquired diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dysplastic hip anatomy
In a hip suffering from dysplasias, two things are commonly abnormal. First, the caput is not deeply and tightly held by the acetabulum. Instead of being a snug fit, it is a loose fit, or a partial fit. Secondly, the caput or acetabulum are not smooth and round, but are misshapen, causing abnormal wear and tear or friction within the joint as it moves.
The body reacts to this in several ways. First, the joint itself is continually repairing itself and laying down new cartilage. However, cartilage repair is a relatively slow process, the tissue being avascular.
So the joint may suffer degradation due to the abnormal wear and tear, or may not support the body weight as intended. The joint becomes inflamed and a cycle of cartilage damage, inflammation and pain commences. This is a self-fueling process, in that the more the joint becomes damaged, the less able it is to resist further damage. The inflammation causes further damage. The bones of the joint may also develop osteoarthritis, visible on an X-ray as small outcrops of bone, which further degrade the joint.[2]
The underlying deformity of the joint may get worse over time, or may remain static. A dog may have good X-rays and yet be in pain, or may have very poor X-rays and have no apparent pain issues. The hip condition is only one factor to determine the extent to which dysplasia is causing pain or affecting the quality of life. In mild to moderate dysplasia it is often the secondary effects of abnormal wear and tear or arthritis, rather than dysplasia itself, which is the direct causes of visible problems.
Causes and effects
A Labrador Retriever standing with hind legs close together to compensate for hip dysplasia.
In canines, it can be caused by a femur that does not fit correctly into the pelvic socket, or poorly developed muscles in the pelvic area. Large and giant breeds are most susceptible to hip dysplasia (possibly due to the BMI of the individual animal[3]), though, many other breeds can suffer from it. For a list of top 100 breeds affected, by percentage, visit the OFFA Here: http://www.offa.org/stats_hip.html. Cats are also known to have this condition, especially Siamese.[4]
To reduce pain, the animal will typically reduce its movement of that hip. This may be visible as “bunny hopping”, where both legs move together, or less dynamic movement (running, jumping), or stiffness. Since the hip cannot move fully, the body compensates by adapting its use of the spine, often causing spinal, stifle (a dog’s knee joint), or soft tissue problems to arise.
The causes of hip dysplasia are considered heritable, but new research conclusively suggests that environment also plays a role.[5] To what degree the causality is genetic and what portion environmental is a topic of current debate. Environmental influences would include overweight condition, injury at a young age, overexertion on hip joint at a young age, ligament tear at a young age, repetitive motion on forming joint (i.e. jogging with puppy under the age of 1 year). As current studies progress, greater information will help provide procedures to effectively reduce the occurrence of this condition.
In dogs, the problem almost always appears by the time the dog is 18 months old. The defect can be anywhere from mild to severely crippling, and can eventually cause severe osteoarthritis.[6]
Atrophy of thigh muscle after a two-year evolution of hip dysplasia
“Traditionally, the signs of hip dysplasia are rarely extreme. Usually, only mild to moderate lameness is noted which may suddenly worsen. Dogs with a cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament tear typically hold the affected leg up (which is unusual with hip dysplasia). Patients with back (spinal) problems often scuff their toenails when walking, have an uncoordinated gait, and are weak in the rear limbs. They may be very painful if they have a disc rupture (sciatica) or show no spinal pain in certain degenerative spinal cord conditions (German Shepherd myelopathy).”[7]
Dogs might exhibit signs of stiffness or soreness after rising from rest, reluctance to exercise, bunny-hopping or other abnormal gait (legs move more together when running rather than swinging alternately), lameness, pain, reluctance to stand on rear legs, jump up, or climb stairs, subluxation or dislocation of the hip joint, or wasting away of the muscle mass in the hip area. Radiographs (X-rays) often confirm the presence of hip dysplasia, but radiographic features may not be present until two years of age in some dogs. Moreover, many affected dogs do not show clinical signs, but some dogs manifest the problem before seven months of age, while others do not show it until well into adulthood.
In part this is because the underlying hip problem may be mild or severe, may be worsening or stable, and the body may be more or less able to keep the joint in repair well enough to cope. Also, different animals have different pain tolerances and different weights, and use their bodies differently, so a light dog who only walks, will have a different joint use than a more heavy or very active dog. Some dogs will have a problem early on, others may never have a real problem at all.
Each case must be treated on its own merits, and a range of treatment options exist.
Long term pain
A dysplastic animal has probably lived with the condition since it was only a few months old, and has therefore grown up taking the chronic pain for granted and has learned to live with it. Dogs suffering such pain do not usually exhibit acute signs of pain. Sometimes, they will suddenly and abnormally sit down when walking, or refuse to walk or climb objects which they usually would, but this can equally be a symptom of many other things, including a thorn in the paw, or a temporary muscle pain. So pain recognition is less common a means of detection than the visible gait and other abnormalities described above.[citation needed]
Diagnosis
The classic diagnostic technique is with appropriate X-rays and hip scoring tests. These should be done at an appropriate age, and perhaps repeated at adulthood – if done too young they will not show anything. Since the condition is to a large degree inherited, the hip scores of parents should be professionally checked before buying a pup, and the hip scores of dogs should be checked before relying upon them for breeding. Despite the fact that the condition is inherited, it can occasionally arise even to animals with impeccably hip scored parents.
In diagnosing suspected dysplasia, the x-ray to evaluate the internal state of the joints is usually combined with a study of the animal and how it moves, to confirm whether its quality of life is being affected. Evidence of lameness or abnormal hip or spine use, difficulty or reduced movement when running or navigating steps, are all evidence of a problem. Both aspects have to be taken into account since there can be serious pain with little X-ray evidence.
It is also common to X-ray the spine and legs, as well as the hips, where dysplasia is suspected, since soft tissues can be affected by the extra strain of a dysplastic hip, or there may be other undetected factors such as neurological issues (e.g. nerve damage) involved.
There are several standardized systems for categorising dysplasia, set out by respective reputable bodies (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals/OFA, PennHIP, British Veterinary Association/BVA). Some of these tests require manipulation of the hip joint into standard positions, in order to reveal their condition on an X-ray.
Conditions which can mimic or replicate the symptoms of hip dysplasia
The following conditions can give symptoms very similar to hip dysplasia, and should be ruled out during diagnosis:
Osteochondritis dissecans and elbow dysplasia in the forelimbs are difficult to diagnose as the animal may only exhibit an unusual gait, and may be masked by, or misdiagnosed as, hip dysplasia.[8]
It is also worth noting that a dog may misuse its rear legs, or adapt its gait, to compensate for pain in the forelimbs, notably osteoarthritis, osteochondritis (OCD) or shoulder or elbow dysplasia, as well as pain in the hocks and stifles or spinal issues. It is important to rule out other joint and bodily issues before concluding that only hip dysplasia is present. Even if some hip dysplasia is present, it is possible for other conditions to co-exist or be masked by it.
Treatment
Overview
There is no complete cure, although there are many options to alleviate the clinical signs. The aim of treatment is to enhance quality of life. Crucially, this is an inherited, degenerative condition and so will change during the life of an animal, so any treatment is subject to regular review or re-assessment if the symptoms appear to get worse or anything significantly changes.
If the problem is relatively mild, then sometimes all that is needed to bring the symptoms under control are suitable medications to help the body deal better with inflammation, pain and joint wear. In many cases this is all that is needed for a long time.
If the problem cannot be controlled with medications, then often surgery is considered. There are traditionally two types of surgery – those which reshape the joint to reduce pain or help movement, and hip replacement for animals which completely replaces the damaged hip with an artificial joint, similar to human hip replacements.
Non-surgical interventions
Non-surgical interventions include three elements: weight control, exercise control, and medication. Weight control is often “the single most important thing that we can do to help a dog with arthritis”, and consequentially “reducing the dog’s weight is enough to control all of the symptoms of arthritis in many dogs”.[9] Reasonable exercise stimulates cartilage growth and reduces degeneration (though excessive exercise can do harm too),[9] and also regular long walks in early or mild dysplasia can help prevent loss of muscle mass to the hips. Medication can reduce pain and discomfort, and also reduce damaging inflammation.[9]
Non-surgical intervention is usually via a suitable non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which doubles as an anti-inflammatory and painkiller. Typical NSAIDs used for hip dysplasia include carprofen and meloxicam (often sold as Rimadyl and Metacam respectively), both used to treat arthritis resulting from dysplasia, although other NSAIDs such as tepoxalin (Zubrin) and prednoleucotropin (“PLT”, a combination of cinchophen and prednisolone) are sometimes tried. NSAIDs vary dramatically between species as to effect: a safe NSAID in one species may be unsafe in another.[9] It is important to follow veterinary advice.
A glucosamine-based nutritional supplement may give the body additional raw materials used in joint repair. Glucosamine can take 3–4 weeks to start showing its effects, so the trial period for medication is usually at least 3–5 weeks. In vitro, glucosamine has been shown to have negative effects on cartilage cells.[10]
It is also common to try multiple anti-inflammatories over a further 4–6 week period, if necessary, since an animal will often respond to one type but fail to respond to another. If one anti-inflammatory does not work, a vet will often try one or two other brands for 2–3 weeks each, also in conjunction with ongoing glucosamine, before concluding that the condition does not seem responsive to medication.
Carprofen, and other anti-inflammatories in general, whilst very safe for most animals, can sometimes cause problems for some animals, and (in a few rare cases) sudden death through liver toxicity. This is most commonly discussed with carprofen but may be equally relevant with other anti-inflammatories. As a result it is often recommended to perform monthly (or at least, twice-annually) blood tests to confirm that the animal is not reacting adversely to the medications. Such side effects are rare but worth being aware of, especially if long-term use is anticipated.
This regimen can usually be maintained for the long term, as long as it is effective in keeping the symptoms of dysplasia at bay.
Some attempts have been made to treat the pain caused by arthritic changes through the use of “laser therapy”, in particular “class IV laser therapy”. Well-controlled clinical trials are unfortunately lacking, and much of the evidence for these procedures remains anecdotal.
Surgical interventions
If medications fail to maintain an adequate quality of life, surgical options may need to be considered. These may attempt to modify or repair the hip joint, in order to allow pain free usage, or may in some cases completely replace it.
Hip modification surgeries include excision arthroplasty, in which the head of the femur is removed and reshaped or replaced, and pelvic rotation (also known as triple pelvic osteotomy, or pubic symphodesis) in which the hip socket is realigned, may be appropriate if done early enough. These treatments can be very effective, but as a rule tend to become less effective for heavier animals – their ability to treat the problem becomes reduced if the joint has to handle more pressure in daily life. Pelvic rotation is also not as effective if arthritis has developed to the point of being visible on X-rays.[1]
Femoral head ostectomy (FHO), sometimes appropriate for smaller dogs and cats, is when the head of the femur is removed but not replaced. Instead, the resulting scar tissue from the operation takes the place of the hip joint. In such surgeries, the weight of the animal must be kept down throughout its life in order to maintain mobility. FHO surgery is sometimes done when other methods have failed, but is also done initially when the joint connection is particularly troublesome or when arthritis is severe.
Hip modification surgeries such as these usually result in reduction of hip function in return for improved quality of life, pain control, and a reduction in future risk.
Hip replacement has the highest rate of success, especially in severe cases, since it completely replaces the faulty joint. It usually restores complete mobility if no other joint is affected, and also completely prevents recurrence. Hip replacement for dogs, can sometimes also be a preferred clinical option for serious dysplasia in animals over about 40–60 lb (18–27 kg), a weight that excludes certain other surgical treatments.
Other options under exploration include:
DARthroplasty (Dorsal Acetabular Rim arthroplasty) is a technique developed by Dr. Barclay Slocum and Theresa Devine Slocum whereby cortico-cancellous bone strips, taken from the iliac crest, are contoured over the femoral head and sutured to the dorsal hip joint capsule and packed with additional cancellous bone graft dorsally to eventually anchor to drill holes in the original dorsal acetabulum. The new “shelf” eventually becomes an extension of the original acetabulum, thereby providing support and eliminating subluxation of the hip joint. The joint capsule becomes the new joint surface.
Pubic symphysiodesis (also known as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, or JPS), is a procedure for very young dogs that manipulates the way the pelvis grows to create a tighter hip. It involves cauterizing the growth plates of the pelvis, in other words, the part of the pelvis which would usually grow and spread in puppyhood, no longer does so. To compensate, the rest of the pelvis grows outward, in a manner which enhances the “socket” of the hip and provides better support than that dog would have had naturally. Since it relies on growth in puppyhood, it has a very tight window for surgery – currently no sooner than about 4 months and no later than about 5 months. This is compatible with hip scoring of puppies at 4 months.
Capsular neurectomy is a procedure in which the hip joint capsule is de-nerved to reduce pain in the hip. This allows the dog to exercise moderately with less pain, thus preventing the leg muscles from weakening from disuse and providing less support to the bad joint. Both hips can be done at one surgery. This surgery should not prevent a future hip replacement, if a more complete fix is desired.
BioScaffold Implant Procedure
In a recent comparative orthopedic study, a new bioscaffold having an embryonic-like structure has shown positive clinical outcomes in dogs with advanced, end stage osteoarthritis.[11] The bioscaffold was implanted into intra-articular areas and reported up to 90-days of clinical improvement after a single implant. The bioscaffold has been shown to cause infiltrating cells to upregulate a variety of tissue repair factors including aggrecan, connective tissue growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein, transforming growth factors, and other tissue repair factors associated with osteoarthritis.
Aids to living
There are many products available to help mobility in dogs suffering from hip dysplasia. These consist of pressure-reducing pet beds, ramps, stairs, and steps built with wood, plastic, metal, or foam that help the dog get from one place to another without causing pain or hurting themselves further. Hip hammocks have been tested and proven effective in aiding dogs suffering from hip dysplasia regain mobility.[12]
Siegal, Mordecai (editor); UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Book of Dogs, 1995. Harper Collins. ISBN 0-06-270136-3.
Slocum, B. & Slocum, T. D. DARthroplasty. In: Bojrab, M. J., ed. Current Techniques in Small Animal Surgery, 4th Ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins 1998: 1168 – 1170.
Padgett, G.; “Control of Canine Genetic Diseases”, 1.998. Howell Book House. ISBN 0-87605-004-6
Kaneene JB, Mostosky UV, Miller R. Update of a retrospective cohort study of changes in hip joint phenotype of dogs evaluated by the OFA in the United States, 1989-2003. Vet Surg 2009;38:398-405. Link to abstract: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122297360/abstract
