Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a major problem in the large breeds of dogs, and occasionally in cats. It is the result of birth defects and growing deformities of the pelvis and hip joints. It is inherited. The “ball and socket” of the hip joint fit poorly which cause abnormal movement of the involved legs. The rubbing of the ball across the joint socket leads to arthritis and pain.

Hip Dysplasia Animation

The femoral head (the ball in the ball and socket joint) is outlined in yellow.
The acetabulum (the socket in the ball and socket joint) is outlined in red.
The femoral head ball is designed to fit inside the acetabulum socket.
                                                                                                   

Signs of Hip Dysplasia

Early signs include lameness in one or both of the rear legs, reluctance or difficulty in getting up after lying down, reluctance to run and/or jump, and sometimes a swaying appearance to the rear legs when viewed from behind.

Signs vary considerably. The dog may show no signs of lameness, despite the severe hip lesions that are present. On the other hand, it can be totally crippled and disabled by the condition. Signs usually are not detected in the newborn puppy, but often appear during the period of rapid growth before one year of age.  

Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia

 

 

Diagnosis is most commonly by x-ray examination. Sedation is usually necessary to restrain the dog for proper film exposure. A dog cannot be confirmed “free” of dysplasia until two years of age, due to the changes that may occur in the pelvis during any stage of the growth process. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how the symptoms will develop. Since the disease is hereditary, affected dogs should not be used for breeding.

 

Hip Dysplasia PainYour veterinarian will also do a physical examination where he will most likely extend the dog’s hind leg backward to check for pain. The dog may be asked to walk around to demonstrate the possible hip swivel. Another test involves having the dog lie on its back with a hind leg perpendicular to the body. As the leg is moved away from perpendicular to the body, a dysplastic hip will generate a pop as the femoral head slips to the center of the acetabulum. This pop, which can be felt if one’s hand is resting on the hip during the exercise, is called an Ortolani sign.

                                                                                              

"Popping" Hip-Illustrated

Hip Dysplasia Pop-out Hip Dysplasia Pop-in
In a dog suffering from hip dysplasia, the femoral head has moved away from the acetabulum.

 

 Ortalani sign: an audible pop is  heard as the femoral head slips back  to the center of the acetabulum.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFA X-Rays

Orthopedic Foundation for AnimalsWe recommend x-rays of both male and female dogs used for breeding. A certification program is available through the OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. In this program your veterinarian takes x-rays of your dog and sends them to a certification agency which then certifies the hips as excellent, good, fair or poor. Through the OFA certification process the incidence of hip dysplasia has been reduced by as much as 44% in some breeds.

Hip x-rays are also a good idea for family pets. The x-rays will help to determine early in the dog’s life what the risks are for arthritis as he/she ages. For susceptible breeds, an x-ray taken at the time the pet is spayed or neutered is a good idea. If hip dysplasia is noted, early intervention can greatly improve the pet’s life and reduce arthritis later on.

Treatment of Hip Dysplasia

Treatment for hip dysplasia varies with the severity of the disease. It may consist of some or all of the following:

 

  • Medications for pain and stiffness

  • Surgical modification of the hip and pelvis to create a more tight-fitting joint

  • Surgical removal of the hip joint allowing a “false” joint to form

  •  Cutting a muscle that goes across the hip joint, relieving pain

  • Artificial Hip Implantation

  • Maintenance of proper weight, diet, and exercise - the pet must not become overweight

 

  • Medications and nutritional supplements to increase the joint fluid that lubricates the joint surfaces

 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Hip Dysplasia.

 
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