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CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA
 

 

Canine Hip Dysplasia


Canine hip dysplasia is a progressive degenerative disorder in the development of the hip. Although the hips are normal at birth, this disease results in loosening, instability, malformation and arthritis. This is one of the most common problems of the canine hip joint, occurring most commonly in large working breeds.  Usually both hips are affected.  Young dogs between the age of 4-12 months can show signs of difficulty rising, lameness and reduction of activity.  Their discomfort arises from laxity or movement of the hip joint in and out of the socket.  Older dogs are presented with signs of chronic arthritis including pain on rising, discomfort after exercise and a waddling or bunny-hopping gait.

 

DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of hip dysplasia requires physical examination, direct palpation of the hips and radiographs. Radiographs are essential in the early diagnosis of hip dysplasia. the diagnosis of hip dysplasia can be made with 80% certainty at 4 months of age using the new PennHIP Distraction Technique. this technique uses a special, non-invasive device to evaluate the degree of joint laxity.

 

 

TREATMENT

Many dogs with hip dysplasia do not show signs of pain, while others have intermittent signs.

Some dogs can be treated conservatively with anti-inflammatory or pain medications and

therapy to protect and heal the joint. Medical management includes:

weight loss,
controlled exercise, and
programmed medication.

 

 

Young dogs and those that do not respond to medical management are best treated by surgically.

The type of treatment recommended depends on

the dog's size,
the dog's age,
the severity of the problem, and
the degree of arthritis.

The goal of medical or surgical therapy is to restore your pet's comfort and allow return to pain-free activity.

The three common surgeries to help relieve arthritis pain are femoral head and neck excision (FHE),

triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), and total hip replacement (THR).

 
 

   

   

Total Hip Replacement


Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure directed at replacing a severely arthritic, diseased and

painful hip joint with an artificial hip joint.

The artificial hip joint is made of a high density polyethylene cup and cobalt chromium metal alloy component

(Figure 5). The new artificial hip takes the place of the diseased hip and is held in place by bone cement or

by actual bony ingrowth.

Following complete healing, most dogs return to normal gait, and normal level of activity with an enhanced

quality of life.

 

Femoral Head and Neck Excision


In dogs with advanced hip dysplasia and severe arthritis, the painful bone to bone contact can be eliminated

with a femoral head and neck excision.

This surgery removes the source of the pain by removing the head portion of the ball and socket joint.

The body reacts by forming a false joint using a combination of fibrous scar tissue and the surrounding muscles (Figure 6).

Although hip function is compromised, this procedure usually relieves pain and restores your pet's quality of life.
The American College of Veterinary Surgeons offer a
discussion on a wide range of health topics affecting
small animals.

Click the ACVS logo to visit that site. 		Veterinary Surgical Specialists © 2008

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