Learn about canine hip dysplasia, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis methods, and available treatments to ensure the well-being of your furry companion.

Understanding Canine Hip Dysplasia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Canine hip dysplasia is a disease in which the hip joint fails to develop properly, resulting in deformity, looseness, and a strange gait. It is also associated with subluxation, dislocation, and arthritis. Since it is often caused by heredity, it is important to monitor and control the weight of the dog from the time it is a puppy.

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

How Does a Dog's Hip Joint Work?

The hip joint is located at the base of the dog's hind legs and is a critical joint that connects the pelvis to the femur. It is formed by the femoral head (ball) at the top of the femur that fits into a socket called the acetabulum (cup) located in the pelvis.

Types of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

We call hip dysplasia any of the following conditions:

The acetabulum is too shallow for the ball to fit properly.
The femoral head (ball) is deformed and cannot fit into the acetabulum (cup).
The femoral head is deformed, and the acetabulum rises to meet the deformed ball.

In most cases, abnormalities appear in both the left and right hip joints. In congenital hip dysplasia, other joints, such as the elbow joint, may also be affected.

Causes of Canine Hip Dysplasia

While hip dysplasia is primarily caused by genetics, there are several factors that can worsen the condition:

Obesity: Obesity during early development can cause an imbalance in bone and tissue growth, leading to hip dysplasia.
Excessive Exercise: Excessive or improper exercise, such as excessive jumping, can exacerbate the condition.

Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia

While not all dogs show clear symptoms, common signs of hip dysplasia include:

“Monroe Walk”: A side-to-side swing of the hips due to a narrow stride and lack of hip joint movement.
“Bunny Hop”: Bouncing on both hind legs simultaneously, which looks like a bunny hop.
Narrow Stride: The hind legs come closer together, and the stride becomes narrower.
Boxy Hips: The hips appear wide and flat due to dislocation of the hip joint.
Reluctance to Exercise: Dogs with hip dysplasia often refuse activities like walking or climbing stairs due to pain or discomfort.

Diagnosis of Canine Hip Dysplasia

1. Visual Examination and Gait Test

Look for signs like "boxy hips" or abnormal walking patterns such as the "Monroe walk" or "bunny hop".
Observe the difference in stride between the front and rear legs.

2. Palpation

Examine the dog’s hind legs and hips for pain or abnormalities.
Check for a "cranking hip" sound or differences in thigh circumference.

3. X-ray Examination

X-rays are taken using the "hip extension standard imaging method" to assess the hip joint's condition.

4. CT Scan

In some cases, a CT scan may be performed for a more detailed view of the hip joint's shape.

Treatment Options for Canine Hip Dysplasia

Conservative Treatment (Medical)

Weight Control: Prevent obesity by controlling the dog's diet to reduce stress on the hip joint.
Pain Management: Anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, and chondroprotective drugs can help reduce pain.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: Laser therapy, heat therapy, and controlled exercise can improve the dog’s mobility.

Surgical Treatment

Femur Head Resection: Removal of the femoral head to prevent arthritis and reduce pain, followed by early rehabilitation.
Three-Point Pelvic Osteotomy: Typically performed on puppies under one year old, this surgery involves cutting and rotating the pelvis to correct the angle of the acetabulum.
Total Hip Replacement: Replaces the entire hip joint with an artificial one, similar to human hip replacement surgeries.

Conclusion

Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing canine hip dysplasia. Consult with your veterinarian for the best course of action based on your dog's age, symptoms, and overall health.

Understanding Canine Hip Dysplasia Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment