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Hip dysplasia
Common disease - Hip dysplasia
   

Hip dysplasia is a polygenic hereditary disease (transmitted by many genes) characterized by instability of the coxofemoral articulation (hip joint) that can lead to a hip subluxation (partial separation of the joint) and secondarily to osteoarthrosis (articular structure degeneration).

Genetics and reproduction : the disease is hereditary and caused by the interaction of many genes (polygenic); that is why its eradication is difficult. Many dogs have dysplasia genes but do not show any sign of the disease. Therefore, it is important to be very strict with the criteria selection of breeding dogs and the study of their pedigree; i.e. the hip status of the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, and if possible of brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts. For now, the only way to reduce the frequency of dysplasia is to selectively reproduce animals that are free of hip dysplasia.

Diagnosis: a dysplastic dog can be diagnosed very young by a veterinarian experienced in canine orthopedics. It is possible to palpate hip instability in a dysplastic dog as early as the age of 3 to 4 months. On the other hand, to be sure that a dog is not dysplastic, one must wait until the dog is 2 years old (age determined by the OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals from the statistics on the age at which the radiographic signs of dysplasia appear). This is because some dogs, with apparently normal hips at the age of 6 or 12 months, show signs of hip dysplasia later in life.

CLINICAL SIGNS :

  • Variable degree lameness, not always obvious (stiffness, abnormal gait)
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Difficulty going up the stairs or climbing into a car
  • None (some dogs that are very affected may not show any symptoms)
Radiographic exam: sedated or anesthetized animal (as early as the age  of 4 to 5 months). Essentiel to confirm the diagnsis.

Treatment :
  • Medical (medications, weight loss, activity control)
    Many dogs that are minimally dysplastic will have only minor signs as they get older.
  • Surgical : numerous treatments are possible to surgically treat hip dysplasia. The best treatment possibilities are for the young dog that is less than one year old, before the hip degenerates. For the young dog, a triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) allows control of hip instability and prevention of cartilage degeneration. This is the best procedure because it allows keeping the hip and also, in the long run, the patient is able to function normally. For the adult, arthroplasty or excision of the femoral head and neck allows control of the pain related to arthrosis but modifies the mechanical function of the hip. Generally, the dog becomes tired faster. The hip prosthesis allows for an almost normal function but it is a more complicated and costly procedure. Finally, a recent procedure called denervation of the articular capsule allows a dog that has a very degenerated hip to find a good level of activity by eliminating pain through destruction of the nervous endings of the articular capsule.

Prevention :
dys_pic
The best way not to have to treat hip dysplasia is to
select dogs that do not have it. It is important to be
very strict when breeding and think about the long-term
well-being of the race.

Dogs with "fair" hips should not be bred (just breed
those that have a good or excellent status).

Don't breed a dog that has dysplastic brothers and/or sisters.