Well, as promised, here's a little more about hip dysplasia. Last month we took a look at our own dog's hips, and showed some of the progression of the disease. This month, a little about where hip dysplasia originates, how it can be treated, and a few more x-rays.

 

HIP-HOP IS STILL BAD

 

DISCUSSION

Where does hip dysplasia come from?

As mentioned last month, hip dysplasia's causes are multiple and most likely involve a combination of genetics, conformation, and environment. Most of the problems related to hip dysplasia result from chronic degenerative changes and the resulting pain and arthritis in the affected hip.

How is it diagnosed?

Hip dysplasia is most reliably diagnosed through an exam and x-rays performed under anesthesia. In many cases, dysplasia can be detected before a dog's skeleton is fully developed; in some cases it cannot be diagnosed until full maturity (18 months to 2 years).

What can be done about it?

Several approaches can be helpful in the fight against hip dysplasia:

1)Nutrition
   Proper nutrition and controlled growth are essential for dogs with hip dysplasia. Recently, we've been taking a proactive approach by recommending special diets for puppies that might be at higher risk for developing hip dysplasia. In large-breed dogs especially, a diet formulated for slower growth can help reduce hip problems. Also, avoiding excess weight in affected and susceptible dogs can reduce problems.

2)Proper Exercise
   Most dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia should have their exercise restricted. However, they shouldn't be allowed to become couch potatoes. Even a dog with severe arthritis can benefit from controlled exercise.

3)Joint Fluid Supplements
   Many nutritional supplements, including glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and others can fortify normal joint fluid components. Some of these have been added recently to certain diets, and some are available as powders or tablets that can be added to your pet's food. Which is most appropriate depends on the degree of dysplasia, the amount of arthritis present, the dog's level of pain, and individual response.

4)Anti-Inflammatories
   Anti-inflammatory medications can be helpful when pain is evident, or in cases where a dog with dysplasia "overdoes it." In some advanced cases, these medications may be needed long-term; but often the need for their use can be limited by appropriate use of nutritional supplements.

5)Surgery
   In some cases, surgery may be helpful. Some procedures, such as a triple pelvic osteotomy, are designed to correct abnormal alignment of the hip. A femoral head ostectomy/osteotomy is designed to eliminate pain and create a "false joint" to allow close to normal function in an arthritic hip. A total hip replacement is basically the same as a hip replacement in a person, with the moving parts of the joint replaced with implants. Some of these procedures are useful before arthritis sets in, some after; some can be performed at our clinic, some require a specialist.

 

MORE X-RAYS

Here are some more x-rays from dogs with hip dysplasia. They all have advanced arthritis as a result. These examples also demonstrate that any size dog can get dysplasia.

Here's a Shih Tzu with bad hips. The close-up shows how rough and flat the hip socket is.
 
 
Next is a German Shepherd mix. He actually has one hip that's partially dislocated (subluxated) as a result of his dysplasia.
 
 
Finally we have a Shetland Sheepdog ("Sheltie"). He has one very rough hip, and one subluxated.
 
 

These 2 months should provide a pretty good introduction to hip dysplasia, its causes, and its available treatments. See you next month!

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