What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

The term hip dysplasia means bad formation of the hip and describes a developmental disease of the hip joints in young dogs of many different breeds. Unsound hip joints are a common problem in working and sporting breeds and hip dysplasia is a serious problem in any dog that is to be trained for a demanding activity.

SYMPTOMS -- Signs of hip dysplasia cannot be detected in the newborn puppy, but usually appear in the rapid growth period between four and nine months of age. Signs of the disease can vary widely from slight irregularities of gait to crippling hip disease. Improvement or even apparent disappearance of lameness can occur as the dog matures but arthritis of the hip joints is usually present in the older dog with hip dysplasia.

DIAGNOSIS -- The best way to determine the condition of the hip joints of a dog is by good x-ray examination. Sedation or a short-acting anesthetic may be necessary to restrain the dog so that a diagnostic film can be made.

TREATMENT -- Your veterinarian may suggest rest and supportive care as a medical treatment during the acute phase of the disease. Surgical treatment for the relief of pain may be of value if the discomfort persists. Moderate and regular exercise, control of excessive weight and anti-inflammatory drugs are helpful in the management of arthritis associated with hip dysplasia in the older dog.

GENETICS -- Hip dysplasia is an inherited defect with a polygenic mode of inheritance. The degree of heritability is moderate in nature and the condition of the hip joints can be modified by environmental factors such as over-nutrition and excessively rapid growth. As with any quantitative trait, hip joint conformation can range from good to bad with all shades in between.

CONTROL -- Inasmuch as faulty hip joints are not readily observable, dogs intended for breeding should be x-rayed when mature to select for sound hips. Two years of age is considered to be the minimum age for radiographic certification of desirable conformation with respect to canine hip dysplasia. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding.

By the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (reprinted with permission)

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