Canine Hip Dysplasia
Dr Anita Kumari and Dr Purushottam
Department of veterinary surgery and radiology College of veterinary and animal science ,Rajasthan university of veterinary and animal sciences, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Introduction
Hip dysplasia (HD) is a common developmental disorder of the hip joint usually occurring bilaterally that is It is manifested by varying degrees of laxity of surrounding soft tissues, instability, malformation of the femoral head and acetabulum, and osteoarthrosis. This disease is most common in medium-large pure bred dogs, such as Newfoundlands, German Shepherd Dogs, retrievers (such as Labradors, Tollers, or Goldens), Rottweilers and Mastiffs, but also occurs in some smaller breeds such as spaniels and pugs.
Etiology
There is a polygenic inheritance to congenital hip dislocation, with multiple factors that influence and modify the disease and the environmental factors are superimposed on the genetic susceptibility. The genes affect the cartilage, supporting connective tissue, and muscles of the hip region. The hip dysplasia develops due to a disparity between primary muscle mass and disproportionately rapid skeletal growth. The hip joints are normal at birth but, failure of muscles to develop and reach functional maturity concurrently with the skeleton results in joint instability. Abnormal bony changes develops when the acetabulum and femoral head pull apart and initiate a series of changes that end in the recognizable disease of hip dysplasia. Due to failure of soft tissue to maintain congruity between the articular surfaces of the femoral head and acetabulum, the bony changes of hip dysplasia are developing. Up to 6 months of age under usual circumstances, tissue strength and ossification progress sufficiently to prevent the disease. Dogs with greater pelvic muscle mass have more normal hip joints than smaller pelvic muscle mass. By restricting the growth rate of puppies, the onset, severity, and incidence of hip dysplasia can be reduced.
Clinical signs
Affected dogs can show clinical signs as early as seven months of age, but most do not until one to two years of age. In part this is because the underlying hip problem may be mild or severe, worsening or stable, and the body may be more or less able to keep the joint in repair well enough to cope.
- Pain
- Stiffness or soreness after rising from rest
- Subluxationor dislocation of the hip joint
- Decreased activity
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs
- Lameness from the hind limbs
- Looseness in the joint
- Narrow stance
- Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
- Grating sound in the joint during movement
- Loss of thigh muscle mass
- Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind end
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be done with clinical signs, radiography and CT scanning
Treatment and prevention
The aim of treatment is to enhance quality of life. Most dogs with hip dysplasia do not need surgery as they do very well with a home physical therapy and using pain medication as needed. If the problem cannot be controlled with medications, then often surgery is the last option. There are two types of surgery – 1. joint reshaping- to reduce pain or help movement, 2. hip replacement which completely replaces the damaged hip with an artificial joint.
Non-surgical interventions-
Medication
Medication can reduce pain and discomfort, and also reduce damaging inflammation. Medicines like, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and corticosteroids.
Maintenance of animal’s body weight
Weight control is most important thing and reducing the dog’s weight is enough to control all of the symptoms of arthritis in many dogs.
Exercise routine
Exercise stimulates cartilage growth and reduces degeneration, and also regular walks taken in the early stages of dysplasia can help prevent loss of muscle mass to the hips. Exercise also improves joint range of motion. Swimming can be a very useful means of maintaining muscle tone and range of motion without placing concussive forces on the joint.
References
Ginja M.M.D., Silvestre A.M., Gonzalo-Orden J.M. and Ferreira A.J.A (2010). Diagnosis, genetic control and preventive management of canine hip dysplasia: A review. The Veterinary Journal 184 (2010) 269–276.
Brinker, Piermattei, And Flo’s (2006). Handbook of small animal orthopedics and fracture repair, fourth edition. pp 475-509.
https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/hip-joint-problems-in-dogs/
