Canine Hip Dysplasia Information - K9 Carts

Hip dysplasia (HD) is characterized by abnormal formation of the hip joint, resulting in degradation of the cartilage in the joint and leading to damage, inflammation, and pain.

The hip joint is comprised of two main parts, the caput, or head of the femur, which is shaped like a ball, and the acetabulum, a concave socket located in the pelvis. The head fits into the socket and, in unaffected animals, the fit is snug and both parts of the joint are covered in cartilage, allowing for a smooth and wide range of motions.

In animals affected by HD, however, hip joints are loose fitting or misshapen, causing damage to the cartilage through excessive wear and tear, eventually leading to inflammation and pain. While cartilage is continually being replaced by the body, the process is slow and the degradation of the cartilage results in a reduced ability to fix the damage.¹

The cause of hip dysplasia is thought to be a combination of genetics and environment. Though the condition can affect dogs (and some cats) of all breeds or sizes, HD typically affects large-breed dogs, due to their weight, and certain breeds. Breeds more commonly affected by HD include Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Bernese Mountain dogs, Boxers, St. Bernards, and Welsh Corgis.²

Symptoms of canine hip dysplasia include abnormal gait (how a dog walks, such as straight or normal versus wobbly or erratic), stiffness, lameness, difficulty when rising from a sitting or resting position, or a reluctance to go up stairs or engage in strenuous activity. Due to the wide range of variation between dogs and daily habits, not all symptoms of HD may be present. Some dogs may also have higher pain tolerances than others, allowing them to cope with the condition, masking its presence.³

Diagnosis of hip dysplasia is generally done through x-rays and radiographs, along with physical examinations. X-rays are important in determining the state of the joint and the level of cartilage damage, if any, present. Other conditions that can mimic symptoms of HD include lower back problems, torn ligaments, or elbow dysplasia.³

Methods of treatment for hip dysplasia include both surgical and non-surgical means, depending on how far the disease has progressed. In early or less-severe cases, non-surgical methods can be enough to alleviate or even prevent further progression of HD. Three important factors in non-surgical treatment are weight, exercise, and medication.

Weight control is considered the most important factor in preventing HD. Excessive weight contributes unnecessary force on hip joints, leading to increased joint damage. This is generally why large breed dogs are more susceptible to the condition than smaller dogs.

Reasonable exercise can be beneficial in promoting cartilage growth and prevent muscle loss in the hind legs, though excessively long running sessions or jumping should be avoided.

Pain medication and anti-inflammatories can be used to alleviate pain and discomfort and prevent damage from inflammation. Supplements can also be used to promote cartilage growth and repair. Mobility devices such as harnesses or carts can also help to reduce stress and pressure on joints and can be used in conjunction with other methods.

In more severe cases of HD, surgery may be the only option, including hip repair or full hip replacement.⁴Below are statistics of hip dysplasia in dogs from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals between January 1974 through December 2013.

1. "The Dysplastic Hip Joint". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/hd_info.html. Retrieved 2014-03-14.
2. "Hip Dysplasia". The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/hip-dysplasia. Retrieved 2013-03-14.
3. "Canine Hip Dysplasia". Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Baker Institute for Animal Health. http://bakerinstitute.vet.cornell.edu/animalhealth/page.php?id=1104. Retrieved 2014-03-14.
4. "Hip Dysplasia Treatment Options". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/hd_treatment.html. Retrieved 2014-03-14.
5. "Hip Dysplasia Statistics". Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. http://www.offa.org/stats_hip.html. Retrieved 2014-03-14.