Hip dysplasia in dogs is characterized by an abnormal joint structure coupled with the laxity of the connective tissues, ligaments and muscles of the joints. It can affect one or both hips with the characteristic limp seen in either case. Owners are well-advised to seek veterinary care for their dogs with suspected case of hip dysplasia for proper treatment instead of adopting at-home treatments.
At Risk Breeds
All dog breeds can develop hip dysplasia. However, certain breeds are at higher risk for its development especially the giant and mid-sized breeds. German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes and Saint Bernards have higher risks for the joint disorder with the primary reason being their size.
Dog breeds that appear to have lower risks for hip dysplasia include the sight hounds like the Greyhound and the Borzoi as well as the small breeds known as toy canines. Pure breed dogs also appear to be at higher risk although the cross-breed of two high-risk dog breeds can also carry the joint disorder.
Causes
The cause of hip dysplasia is straightforward in itself – it is caused by the subluxation in the joint of the hip. The abnormal rate of wear and tear from such subluxation results to pain, discomfort and other symptoms similar to arthritis. Although veterinary science has yet to identify the exact risk factors for dog breeds, initial research has pinpointed these factors:
• Genetics – If a dog has dysplasia, its offspring has higher risks for developing the joint disease. Conversely, if both parents of a dog do not have hip dysplasia, then it will likely be free of the symptoms. Breeders have noted that the incidence of hip dysplasia can either be raised or lowered through selective breeding but complete elimination within a specific breeding line is virtually impossible.
• Nutrition – Canine diet with too little or too much calcium has been shown to increase the risks for joint diseases including hip dysplasia. Owners must carefully monitor their dogs’ diet to ensure that it contains the right nutrients in the right amount for the canines’ age.
• Exercise – If an at-risk dog as mentioned above is subjected to too much exercise at a young age, the risks for hip dysplasia increase. This is also true for other types of exercise that exerts excessive force on the joints such as playing Frisbee.
Symptoms
Unfortunately, dogs of all ages are susceptible to hip dysplasia with many cases of five-month old puppies showing the signs of the joint disorder in its most severe form. The symptoms will worsen over time without the proper treatment until all daily activities even walking cannot be performed without considerable pain on the dog’s part. The final result is the inability to walk, which may or may not be observed soon after the first symptoms were manifested in the dog.
The symptoms are very similar to arthritis, thus, underlining the importance of seeking veterinary advice for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Also, the following symptoms will vary in terms of intensity and progress from one dog to the next: walking and running with an altered gait (bunny hopping, as owners call it); resistance to movements requiring the full extension and flexion of the rear legs; signs of stiffness, discomfort and pain emanating from the rear legs; and loss of muscle tone requiring assistance in getting up
Diagnosis
Diagnosis for canine hip dysplasia is a combination of medical history, complete physical examination and radiographs in the form of x-rays. The veterinarian will ask questions regarding the visible symptoms as mentioned above as well as the family and medical history of the dog. Said interview of the owner will be coupled with a physical examination of the dog itself such as feeling for any sign of looseness in the joint and extension/flexion exercises.
The x-rays are used to confirm the initial diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Changes in normal joint structure are observed so as to generate a more definitive diagnosis about the degree of the dysplastic condition. Appropriate treatment can then be provided. There are two other testing methods used by breeders to determine if a dog is at high risk for hip dysplasia. First, the OFA method which requires x-rays to be taken, of which the films are then submitted for analysis to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Second, the newer method is the PennHIP method where unique radiographic views of the canine’s hips are analyzed for joint laxity by trained veterinarians.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the hip dysplasia, a veterinarian may choose to adopt the medical or surgical route to treat the joint disease. It is important to discuss the options as each one has its pros and cons.
Let’s discuss the medical methods first. Most veterinarians will take this route mainly because of the lesser costs involved as well as the good response rate.
• Maintenance of a healthy weight though proper diet and light exercise as well massage and physical therapy
• Oral supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may also be given to manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia
• Omega-3 fatty acids are good supplements for the management of canine atrophy
• Other supplements include duralactin, methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM), S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe, Denosyl SD4), polysulfated glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid
• Anti-inflammatory drugs like carprofen, etodolac and meloxicam as well as corticosteroids
Surgical procedures are considered as the last resort. These procedures include Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO), Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis and Total Hip Replacement. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) involves breaking the pelvic bones, then realigning the femoral head and correcting the subluxation. Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis involves fusing the pelvic bones in young dogs, thus, allowing these bones to develop in a normal manner. Total hip replacement is a radical procedure involving the removal of the diseased joint and then replacing it with prosthesis. This has a high success rate with dogs returning to their daily activities without the pain.
The treatment options must be carefully considered from the onset lest health complications manifest from the inaction on the owner’s part. Said complications include other degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis as well as hip fractures, both of which can lead to total disability.
