Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition affecting the hip joint and function in dogs. It is rarely seen in cats. Basically, hip displaysia, also known as CHD, occurs when the ball and socket configuration of the hip and leg are loose rather than snugly fitting as they should be. CHD eventually causes the dog's hip joint to weaken and become arthritic. Hip dysplasia can be mild and slightly disabling or it can be severe and cause crippling arthritis.
CHD is genetic, with several factors contributing to the development of hip dysplasia. It occurs more often in males than females, with some breeds being specifically predisposed to the disease. CHD appears most often in the larger breeds such as Labrador Retreivers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. Althought CHD is genetic, it is impacted by environmental factors of diet,weight gain and exercise.
Hip dysplasia develops in young growing dogs. The first signs of hip dysplasia are usually noticed around four months but some dogs may not show any abnormality until they are mature or even geriatric.
What To Look For
If your dog has hip dysplasia you might notice an abnormal gait,reduced function or lameness. Your young dog may exhibit a an uneven, rolling hind leg gait. You may notice difficulty in climbing stairs even as a puppy, or obvious lameness in one or both hind legs. An older dog may show greater evidence of stiffness in getting up, climbing stairs,a slowness or total reluctance to run and play even though he is clearly interested in the game.
If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms consult your veterinarian: - Hind leg lameness
- Swaying or staggering
- Discomfort when attempting to lie down or stand up
- Reluctance to run and jump
- Abnormal gait
Diagnosis
When your dog is examined your veterinarian will be checking the gait – looking for a lameness while walking or trotting a “rolling” hind leg gait and difficulty standing up or lying down. Your veterinarian will move the dog's hip joint to assess its range of motion and check for pain with the joint extended and he or she will listen for the "click" of the hip popping out of joint and the grating sound of bone on bone that indicates cartilage loss.
Radiographs (X-rays) may confirm the hip joint is dysplastic. X-rays will show the degree of dysplasia and the amount of associated arthritis.
In playful young dogs this thorough evaluation may require sedation or even anesthesia because palpation and manipulation of the hips can be very painful. Also in young dogs with hip dysplasia it's possible to dislocate (subluxate) the hip by manipulation due to the poor fit of the ball of the femur in the hip socket.
Treatment
Various medical and surgical treatments are available today that can ease your dog's discomfort and restore mobility. The type of treatment depends upon several factors such as the age of your dog the severity of the problem and financial considerations.
Medical treatments such as weight loss moderate exercise and anti-inflammatory medication such as Cosequin Arthogen Glyco-Flex or Missing Link Plus will help to alleviate the pain and inflammation around the hip joint.
If medical treatment fails to improve your dog's condition surgical treatment might be appropriate. Your young dog might benefit from a triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO). Older dogs respond favorably to two other procedures: a femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) and a total hip replacement (THR).
Home Care
For dogs being managed medically it's important that you monitor body weight and avoid obesity. You will also want to avoid strenuous exercise – exercise your pet regularly but moderately. Swimming can be very beneficial when available; it helps to maintain good muscle mass and tone while keeping weight off the hip joints. If your veterinarian has recommended medication you will need to be aware of potential side effects.
If your dog has had TPO or THR surgery strict rest will be important for six weeks followed by a gradual increase in exercise. If your dog has had FHO surgery controlled exercise with short slow leash-walks should be started two weeks after surgery. Carefully observe the incision daily for swelling redness or discharge.
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