Canine Hip Dysplasia

X-ray appearance of hip dysplasia in a younger dog Click to enlarge X-ray appearance of hip dysplasia in an older dog with arthritic changes Click to enlarge

Who is usually affected?
-Medium to larger breed dogs
-Most frequently affected breeds include Labrador retrievers and Golden retrievers
-Problems are usually first detected in younger dogs (<1 to 2 years)
-Hip dysplasia is known to be an inherited problem

What is happening?
-Loosely fitting hip joints cause stretching of the joint capsule and abnormal cartilage wear
-Inflammation and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
-Arthritis and reformation of the hip bones progress over time

Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Stiffness of the hind legs upon rising, particularly after long periods of rest
-Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
-Tiring easily with play
-Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed
-"Clunking" noise when walking
-"Bunny hopping" to gain speed when trotting or running

Postoperative x-ray appearance following bilateral triple pelvic osteotomies Click to enlarge Postoperative x-ray appearance following total hip replacement Click to enlarge

Diagnosis
-Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
-Sedated examination to determine the degree of hip looseness and severity of cartilage damage (degenerative joint disease/arthritis)
-Precisely positioned x-rays are taken to document the degree of hip looseness and severity of bone reformation related to cartilage wear

Surgical treatment
-Depending on patient age and diagnostic findings, recommended surgical options may include:
-Rearrangement of the angle at which the components of the hip meet (triple pelvic osteotomy/TPO)-most commonly used for young dogs without significant cartilage wear (arthritis) or bony reformation
-Replacement of the components of the hip (total hip replacement)-most commonly used for older dogs or those with significant arthritis or bony reformation
-Alteration of the hip joint to prevent painful bone contact (femoral head and neck ostectomy/FHO)-most commonly used for smaller dogs

Postoperative x-ray appearance following femoral head and neck ostectomy Click to enlarge

Special postoperative care
-If a triple pelvic osteotomy or total hip replacement was performed:
-Patient activity is strictly limited until adequate healing occurs, usually 6-12 weeks
-X-rays will be taken at specific intervals to evaluate healing at the surgery site
-If femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, physical therapy will be initiated within several days of surgery, and is usually continued 4-8 weeks

Expected results after surgery
-If a triple pelvic osteotomy was performed, pain is generally relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and the patient does not develop significant hip arthritis
-If a total hip replacement was performed, pain is relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and arthritis is permanently relieved
-If a femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, a mild limp will likely remain, but pain and arthritis are relieved