Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Hip Dysplasia is more common in Dogs instead of other animals. Hip dysplasia is associated with abnormal joint structure and a laxity of the muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments that would normally support the joint.
As joint laxity develops, the articular surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. This separation of the two bones within the joint is called a subluxation, and this causes a drastic change in the size and shape of the articular surfaces.
Etiology
Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that is affected by factors such as diet, environment, exercise, growth rate, muscle mass, and hormones.
Breed Predisposition
Hip dysplasia is predominantly seen in larger dogs such as German shepherds, Saint Bernards, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Old English sheepdogs, and bulldogs. Large mixed-breed dogs are also at risk for developing it and should be fed a special large breed growth diet their first year.
History
- Lameness
- Problems rising
- Problems with stairs
- Exercise intolerance
- Arthritis history
Clinical signs
- Pain on extension
- Decreased extension
- Pain on abduction or circumduction
- Laxity
- Crepitus
Radiography
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA ) radiologists evaluate the hip joints for congruity, subluxation, the condition of the acetabulum, and the size, shape, and architecture of the femoral head and femoral neck.
- The diagnostic method used by the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) uses unique radiographic views of the dog’s hips to more accurately identify and quantify joint laxity
Conservative treatment
- Goal is to increase muscle mass
- Exercise
- Weight control
- NSAIDs
Physical therapy is highly effective at improving the quality of life for affected dogs and should be part of any treatment regimen. Since excess weight puts undue stress on the hip joints, weight loss is strongly recommended in overweight dogs.
Surgical treatment
- Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO)
- Intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO)
- Pectineal myectomy
- Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO)
- Total hip replacement (THR)