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Hip Dysplasia affects mainly large breed dogs, but
can be seen in smaller breeds as well. German
Shepherds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Chow Chow,
and Labrador Retrievers, all seem to have a genetic
tendency towards this disease, and therefore are considered
breeds at risk for hip dysplasia.
Just what is hip dysplasia? This disease occurs
in the hip joint itself. The hip joint is made
up of a ball and socket mechanism, in which the ball
fits inside the socket tightly. This tight fit
allows for the ball to rotate about in the socket, but
does not allow for movement of the ball away from the
socket itself.
In hip dysplasia cases, the ball and or socket may
be deformed. This deformity usually results in
a loosely fitting ball and socket, in which rotation
and movement of the ball away from the socket can occur.
In other cases of hip dysplasia, the tendons and ligaments
which help hold and support the ball in its socket,
can be loose, even though the ball and socket themselves
may not be deformed. Again, this looseness allows
for movement of the ball away from the socket itself.
When movement of this nature is allowed, the bones
of the ball and socket can "rub" against one
another, and cause pain. Eventually, if left untreated,
the hip joint can develop arthritis, which is a collection
of calcium deposits around the hip joint. Arthritis
can occur as a result of the looseness of the hip joint.
Typical symptoms of patients with hip dysplasia include
walking with an awkward gait in the hind quarters, sometimes
"bunny hopping" or using the rear legs together
when trotting quickly. Difficulty getting up from
a laying down position can also be seen. Keeping
the hock or ankle joint straight, rather than at a natural
angle, is one way a dog compensates for poor hip joints.
Symptoms of pain and reluctance to run can result in
more severe cases. Some dogs will run hard, and
then come up lame the following day due to hip dysplasia.
What can be done? Well, if caught early enough,
before the start of arthritis occurs, surgery can offer
a variety of potential cures for hip dysplasia.
Reconstruction of the hip socket to conform around the
ball is one procedure which can be done. Replacement
of the entire hip (ball and socket) with a metallic
implant (total hip replacement) can also be done.
Surgery centers with qualified surgeons are recommended
to perform these types of surgeries.
Finally, removal of the ball of the joint can be done
which prevents the bone on bone contact from occurring.
This procedure known as the femoral head ostectomy (FHO),
has been available for many years. Quite successful
especially in dogs weighing 60 pounds or less, the procedure
relies on the patient's body to produce scar tissue
in place of the removed ball, creating then what is
known as a "false joint".
This procedure, along with the total hip replacement
procedure, are the only available surgical procedures
in dogs with arthritis associated with their
hip dysplasia. Reconstruction of the hip socket
around the ball works best in dogs under one year of
age, and in patients without arthritis.
Prevention of hip dysplasia can be accomplished as
it is a known inherited trait. Therefore, x-ray
evaluation of the hips to determine if dysplasia is
present prior to breeding dogs at risk is highly recommended.
Most reputable dog breeders with breeds that fall into
the hip dysplasia risk group, have their dogs x-rayed
and certified free of dysplasia prior to breeding.
Before purchasing a puppy from a high risk breed for
hip dysplasia, be sure and ask the breeder if the mother
and father's hips have been certified free for hip
dysplasia.
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