looseness in the joint, and how long the dog has suffered from hip dysplasia.
injuries that may have contributed to these symptoms, and any information you have about your dog’s parentage. The definitive diagnosis usually comes with a radiograph or X-ray. Your veterinarian will take radiographs of your dog’s hips to determine the degree and severity of the hip dysplasia. These will help determine the best course of treatment for your dog. Treating Hip Dysplasia in Dogs There are quite a few treatment options for hip dysplasia in dogs, ranging from lifestyle modifications to surgery. If your dog’s hip dysplasia is not severe, or if your dog is not a candidate for surgery for medical or financial reasons, your veterinarian may recommend a nonsurgical approach. Depending on your dog’s case, the vet may suggest the following: • Weight reduction to take stress off of the hips • Exercise restriction, especially on hard surfaces • Physical therapy • Joint supplements • Anti-inflammatory medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids) • Joint fluid modifiers
there are quite a few different surgical strategies, the most common surgeries veterinarians use to treat hip dysplasia in dogs are: • Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO) • Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) • Total hip replacement (THR) DPO/TPO DPO/TPO surgery is usually performed in young dogs less than 10 months old. In this surgery, the function of the ball and socket joint is improved by selectively cutting the pelvic bone and rotating the segments. FHO FHO surgery can be performed on young and mature dogs. The surgery involves cutting off the femoral head, or “ball,” of the hip joint. This results in the body creating a “false” joint that reduces the discomfort associated with hip dysplasia. While FHO does not recreate normal hip function, it can be a successful pain management strategy. THR The most effective surgical treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs is a total hip replacement. The surgeon replaces the entire joint with metal and plastic implants. This returns hip function to a more normal range and eliminating most of the discomfort associated with hip dysplasia. Preventing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Not all cases of hip dysplasia can be prevented. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk of developing this disease. Keeping your dog’s skeletal system healthy should start when your dog is young. Feeding your puppy an appropriate diet will give them a head start on healthy bone and joint development and help prevent the excessive growth that leads to the disease. As your dog grows, providing appropriate levels of exercise and a healthy canine diet will prevent obesity, which is a major contributing factor to hip dysplasia. Also, obesity causes many
• Decreased activity • Decreased range of motion • Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs • Lameness in the hind end • Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait • Grating in the joint during movement
• Loss of thigh muscle mass • Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles, as they compensate for the hind end
• Pain • Stiffness or limping
Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs At your dog’s regular checkup, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam. Sometimes this exam is enough for your veterinarian to suspect hip dysplasia. In other cases, it’s up to owners to let veterinarians know that when dogs are experiencing discomfort. One of the first things that your veterinarian may do is manipulate your dog’s hind legs to test the looseness of the joint. They’ll likely check for any grinding, pain, or reduced range of motion. Your dog’s physical exam may include blood work because inflammation due to joint disease can be indicated in the complete blood count. Your veterinarian will also need a history of your dog’s health and symptoms, any possible incidents or
If your dog is a good candidate for surgery, there are more options. While
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 52
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