Hip dysplasia is a condition in dogs that causes instability or laxity in the hip joint (known as the coxofemoral joint) during growth. The hip joint in dogs is a ball and socket type of joint, just like it is in humans. The head of the femur is the ball part of the joint and the socket is in the pelvis (called an acetabulum). In order for the joint to function normally the growth of both the pelvis and the femur must be equal.
When the growth of the pelvis and the femur does not happen simultaneously it will cause the ball part of the femur to pop out of the socket, called luxation or joint laxity. This process over time leads to degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis (arthritis) and pain.
What causes hip dysplasia?
There are many factors that go into the formation of hip dysplasia but heredity is the biggest risk factor. This means that it is passed down from generation to generation. Other factors include rapid growth, excessive exercise during growth, and hormones. Hip dysplasia typically occurs in large breed dogs. German Shepherds being over represented due to poor genetic breeding.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
Signs of hip dysplasia are usually not apparent for several years. This is because it takes time for arthritis to build in the joint and start to cause pain.
Pain in the hindend
Reluctance to stand up from a sitting and down position
Reluctance to climb stairs or jump up onto things
Wobbly or short choppy gate in hindlimbs
How is Hip Dysplasia diagnosed?
There are two ways to diagnose hip dysplasia. Radiographs (known as x-rays) are the most common method. X-rays need to be obtained under anesthesia as very specific positioning is required. The other method is based off of your veterinarian palpating laxity within the hip joint. This is called the Ortolani sign, where the veterinarian will be able to feel the femur luxate out of proper positioning.
Treatment for Hip Dysplasia
If symptoms are mild and the dog is not in a lot of pain, medical management is possible.
Medical management includes:
Pain medications such. as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories)
Maintaining a lean body weight
Limiting the amount of exercise
Cartilage protective supplements- Glucosamine/chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, polysulfated glycosaminoglycans
Acupunture/laser therapy
Physical therapy
If there is a lot of pain and mobility issues than surgery is the treatment of choice. There are several surgical procedures available such as the total hip replacement, triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, and arthroplasty. However the most common procedure is called a femoral head and neck osteotomy (FHO). In this procedure the ball and neck part of the femur are surgically removal. The type of surgery performed depends on the age, lifestyle, and severity of the disease in the dog.
Prevention and Prognosis
At this time there are no known ways to prevent hip dysplasia. It is recommended to start joint supplements in high risk puppies as young as 3 months old to help protect the joint cartilage. The prognosis for hip dysplasia is variable depending on the severity and treatment option chosen.
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