Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition that is due to increased laxity of the coxofemoral joint (hip). In other words, hip dysplasia is an abnormal and/or defective development of the hip.
The word dysplasia comes from the Greek dys – which means abnormal, condition, and plassein – which means to form.
Untreated hip dysplasia causes early arthritis in pets. Early hip dysplasia interventions include TPO (Triple Pelvic Osteotomy) and JPS (Juvenile Pelvic Symphysiodesis). TPO is generally done on dogs under 1 year of age and JPS on dogs under 20 weeks of age.
Hip dysplasia in dogs was described for the first time in 1937 by Dr. Gerry B. Schnelle who called it bilateral congenital subluxation of the coxofemoral joint. Initially, it was considered a rare condition, but today it is one of most common orthopedic conditions in dogs.
To better understand what happens to dogs suffering from dysplasia, we will briefly describe the anatomy and function of the hip.
The hip includes the bony structures, which are covered by the joint capsule and are supported by ligaments, tendons, and muscles together with blood vessels and nerves. In other words, it is as if we had a sphere (the head of the femur – the ball) that moves inside a cavity (the acetabulum – the socket), and all of this structure is supported by muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
The wide articular surfaces are lubricated with the synovial fluid, which allows hip sliding and movement without pain. When athletic activity is increased, the hip represents a perfect way of transferring muscle power to the body forward with maximum precision and speed. The normal movements of the hip are:
- Flexion and extension
- Internal and external rotation
- Abduction and adduction
However, in the presence of dysplasia, the ball and the socket do not adapt as they should and determine a condition of instability which, together with the continuous movement of the dog, causes degenerative consequences.
What are the causes for hip dysplasia in dogs?
The development and occurrence of hip dysplasia in dogs is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. Although it can also be caused by rapid weight gain, through an excessive nutritional intake, the greatest risk factor remains genetic inheritance.
The sex of the dog is not a factor that influences the occurrence of this condition, but some breeds have a genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia, compared to others.
Although any breed can develop hip dysplasia, large or giant breeds are most at risk. Among the most affected breeds are:
- Labrador
- Golden retriever
- German shepherd
- Doberman
- Caucasian shepherd
- Bulldog
- Rottweiler
- Great Dane
- Saint Bernard’s
- Cane Corso
In rare cases, hip dysplasia also occurs in small breeds, but they do not show any symptoms.
Hip dysplasia often starts while the dog is still young and not fully developed. The initial condition usually occurs after the age of 4 months.
What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs?
The severity of symptoms in hip dysplasia in dogs depends on the form of the disease and the individual.
Generally, symptoms of hip dysplasia include:
Decreased physical activity.
Growing difficulties.
Reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs.
“Rabbit hop” when walking or running.
Narrow position of the back legs.
Pain in the hip joint.
Decreased range of motion in the hip joints.
Loss of muscle mass in the thigh muscles.
Enlargement of the shoulder muscles due to overworking the front legs.
Dogs with hip dysplasia do not usually show their discomfort by whining and yelping because the pain is of low intensity. However, some dogs may refuse to be touched in the hip area due to pain.
Hip dysplasia has two forms: acute and chronic.
Acute hip dysplasia usually occurs at the age of 5-12 months, and the dominant symptom is pain, which is usually manifested by lameness, decreased muscle mass in the hind limbs, etc.
Chronic hip dysplasia presents with less pain and sometimes with the absence of clinical signs. However, geriatric dogs can present mild discomfort and stiffness when moving.
The definitive diagnosis of hip dysplasia is not made based on your dog’s symptoms, but following a radiological examination. This is the only method of definitive diagnosis of hip dysplasia and staging of secondary degenerative joint disease.
Hip dysplasia treatment in dogs
To remedy hip dysplasia, there are different types of treatment, and each case must be evaluated individually. In general, there are two types of treatment: conservative treatment and surgical treatment.
The conservative treatment comprises:
- Dog weight management – keeping your dog’s weight under control is essential, especially if it is a large or gigantic dog breed.
- Performing an adequate physical exercise – in order not to stress the joints, in general, it is good to avoid activities such as jumping and running and to choose walks with a leash of a tolerable duration for your pet. In any case, your veterinarian will provide you with the best advice.
- Physiotherapy – this type of treatment can help strengthen muscles and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Laser therapy – as in the case of physiotherapy, this treatment helps to reduce pain and inflammation in the hip joint.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs – these drugs help relieve pain, allowing your pet to move better;
- Supplements: joint supplements are often recommended, especially in mild cases.
The surgical treatment includes the following options:
- Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) – is a minimally invasive corrective technique, indicated for dogs aged between 3 and 5 months. It is intended to prevent the joint from going through the degenerative process.
- Double or triple pelvic osteotomy – this technique is suitable for young dogs if dysplasia is diagnosed early, before the onset of degenerative processes.
- Femoral head and neck ostectomy, which involves excision of the femoral head (the ball) – it aims to relieve pain.
- Total hip prosthesis – a solution that uses a prosthesis to reproduce a normal joint.
Also, regular check-ups from an early age are fundamental to prevent a degenerative disease such as hip dysplasia.