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An overview of Canine Hip Dysplasia

by Dr Megan Kelly BVSc

What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is abnormal development of the hip joint. The consequence of this abnormal development is joint laxity or instability. Affected animals have a normal joint at birth but for some reason the soft tissue support of the joint does not keep pace with the growth of the bones.

The joint becomes unstable and normal weight-bearing leads to partial dislocation. The stretching of the joint capsule/ligament and the abnormal loading of the joint surfaces lead to inflammation, pain, physical abrasion of the articular cartilage and stress fractures in the bone beneath this cartilage. The cartilage damage leads to early and irreversible arthritis. In most cases both hips are affected.


How would I know if my dog has hip dysplasia?

The incidence of hip dysplasia is greatest in large breed dogs.  Two populations of animals show clinical signs of lameness: (1) patients 5 to 10 months of age, and (2) patients with chronic degenerative joint disease
The earliest signs are usually stiffness after rest, reluctance to rise or jump, shifting weight to the forelimbs, loss of muscle mass on the rear limbs. As the osteoarthritis progresses with age, some dogs may show clinical signs similar to people with arthritis such as lameness after unaccustomed exercise and lameness after prolonged confinement.


How is the diagnosis confirmed?

Manipulation of the hips reveals pain and characteristic instability. Radiographs are helpful to confirm this hip laxity and to show early bony changes/arthritis.


What can be done?

There is unfortunately no way of making affected joints normal. If left, the joints remodel and become stable, but they will be arthritic.

1. Strict weight control
2. Exercise moderation (little and often)
3. Supplements: chondroitin/glucosamine and omega 3 fatty acids
4. Herbal medicines: a number of herbs therapeutic effects useful in treating hip dysplasia. Herbs that improve circulation, relieve pain, ease muscle spasm and relax the mind are all useful. Read more >>
5. Anti-inflammatory medication (nsaids) is required in some cases and where necessary it is best administered only as necessary or intermittently rather than every day. Long term usage of high doses can result in side-effects e.g. gastric ulceration.  
6. Physical Rehabilitation: Many of these dogs develop secondary compensatory muscle tension. This can often lead to further injuries. Read more>>
7. Acupuncture: for pain relief. This often allows one to lower the NSAIDS dose or decrease the frequency of giving these drugs. Read more >>
8. Aquatic therapy: If you have access to an underwater treadmill this is preferential to swimming. Read more >>
9. Therapeutic exercises: Your rehab vet will give you some exercises to perform at home to help with strengthening and maintaining muscle mass. This is very important as the muscle around a joint are vital for stability.
10. Surgery: If a diagnosis is made before the cartilage damage becomes too great (usually 6-7 months of age) then there are surgical techniques that can limit the progression of arthritis (symphysiodesis and triple pelvic osteotomy or “TPO”). In older dogs, total hip replacement or excision arthroplasty are options.
    Total hip replacement is considered to be more reliable and effective than excision arthroplasty in medium to large breeds of dog but is more expensive.

DR MEGAN KELLY interviewed on SAFM.

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