Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a genetic problem. It is an abnormal development and growth of the hip joint and is mostly seen in large dogs but can occur in any breed. Usually both hips are affected, but only one side may show symptoms. It is manifested by varying degrees of laxity of the muscles and ligaments around the hip joint with instability and malformation of the joint components. Arthritis is the long term consequence if the condition remains undetected or untreated.

Learn more about understanding the condition and its treatment.

Breeds susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Symptoms

Lameness and pain can be evident as early as four to six months of age. The symptoms can initially be subtle: stiffness in the morning, slowness to get up, not wanting to exercise as long or as vigorously, a change in stride of the hind legs, "bunny hopping", wanting to sit down while eating or during walks, or reluctance to stand up on the hind legs. Sometimes the only observation is an "inactive" or "laid back" puppy. The symptoms may not be present until a dog is middle-aged or older.

Treatments It is recommended that orthopedic screening examinations for hip dysplasia be carried out at six months of age in medium, large, and giant breed dogs. Hips should be evaluated using standard radiographic views as well as compression/distraction positioning techniques. Hip radiographic examinations for certification by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for breeding purposes are not performed until dogs are 24 months old and older.

In younger dogs usually less than 10 months old with only subluxation (partial dislocation of a joint) caused by hip dysplasia, a triple pelvic osteotomy (removing all or part of the bone) can be performed to reestablish joint stability and encourage normal joint development and minimize abnormal biomechanical forces on the joint before osteoarthritis occurs. This procedure is not indicated if osteoarthitis is already present. Recovery time is about 6 weeks and a good success rate has been reported with return of normal hip function. For older dogs (over 10 months) that already have established osteoarthritis and can no longer be medically managed, a total hip replacement is the treatment of choice for reestablishing normal, pain-free limb function and joint mechanics. A high degree of success has been reported with this surgery, post-op recovery is about 4-6 weeks. The main disadvantage to this surgery is the high cost. An alternative surgery which is more of a salvage procedure when there is significant osteoarthritis and a total hip is cost prohibitive is a femoral head and neck excision. This eliminates hip pain by removing the femoral head and neck and initiating the development of a fibrous false joint that permits ambulation. The false joint is less stable with a reduced range of motion than the normal joint which in turn, causes an abnormal gait. Nevertheless, pain relief with adequate function can be achieved. The procedure can be performed in all dogs of all sizes, but there are usually better long-term success rates in smaller dogs less than 20 kg (about 44 pounds). Preoperative muscle mass and early postoperative physical therapy are two important factors in determining a successful outcome. This surgery is usually not as successful if there is severe disuse muscle wasting (atrophy) present and/or the animal is obese. Heavier dogs usually require more extensive postoperative rehabilitation to help promote an ambulatory pain-free false joint. Rehabilitation is aimed at preserving and promoting the leg's muscle mass, strength and range of motion through early (3-5 days) postoperative weight bearing ambulation and passive range-of-motion exercises. Early ambulation can be achieved by assisting the dog in getting up and walking. A towel can be placed under the abdomen to make assistance easier to perform in heavy dogs. Leash walks and/or swimming beginning the day of discharge from the hospital should be performed until near normal use of the leg returns. Passive range of motion physical therapy is also necessary to increase muscle strength and flexibility. Dogs that are obese, inactive or have substantial muscle atrophy and have poor owner compliance with physical therapy recommendations are poor candidates for this surgery.

Information on hip dysplasia courtesy Orthopedic Foundation for Animals