Hip dysplasia is one of the most common and devastating genetic orthopedic disorders affecting dogs. Fortunately, with advances in early detection, treatment, and surgery, many dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia can live long and pain-free lives.
Hip dysplasia results from abnormal development of the hip joint in a young dog. It can affect both hips (bilateral) or just one, and it can vary in severity. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, where the head of the femur is the ball that fits within the acetabulum of the pelvis. These bones are held together by ligaments, muscles, and connective tissue, with a smooth layer of cartilage between the joints, allowing them to function smoothly and with stability.
Most dogs are born with normal hips, but in dogs with hip dysplasia, the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the joint begin to become lax around 4 months of age. This leads to abnormal wear of the joint, subluxation (separation) of the joint, and eventually, arthritis in the joint. It is the arthritis and bony changes in the joint that cause the pain experienced by a dog with hip dysplasia.
Understanding Risk Factors and Prevention
While any dog can be at risk for hip dysplasia, it is primarily an inherited disease and an extremely prevalent genetic trait among popular breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Rottweilers, and many others. Factors that can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia include diet, exercise, growth rate, and weight.
The best way to prevent hip dysplasia is to get a puppy from a reputable breeder who actively screens for hip dysplasia. These breeders often have dogs that have been screened by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and are committed to ensuring their breeding stock is free from hip dysplasia.
Once you have a dog, early screening is important to predict and, if necessary, treat hip dysplasia to manage their development and future health. After four months of age, your veterinarian may recommend radiographs of your puppy to evaluate their hips and determine if they might be at risk for developing dysplasia.
Several factors have been found to increase the incidence of hip dysplasia in growing dogs. In large-breed dogs, rapid growth can increase the chances of developing hip dysplasia. Studies have shown that providing a diet to slow the growth rate of these dogs can help lower the risk of developing joint problems. Keeping your growing puppy from becoming overweight will slow their growth rate and avoid causing joint damage from carrying extra weight.
Later in life, signs of a dog suffering from hip dysplasia can range from mild to severe and can include pain and discomfort after exercise, reluctance to fully extend their hind legs, muscle loss, and trouble getting up after lying down. Many dogs will show mild signs early in life, which gradually progress. Every dog has a different level of pain tolerance, and some dogs might show symptoms of discomfort relatively early in their disease process, while others may not experience pain until their joints have severely eroded.
If your dog is showing signs of hip dysplasia, your veterinarian will assist in making a diagnosis. An orthopedic exam, where laxity in the joint may be apparent, along with radiographs of your dog’s hind legs, will help make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
Medical treatment for a dog with hip dysplasia aims to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. For overweight dogs, reducing their weight is an essential part of treatment, as it will lessen the stress on the damaged joints. Additionally, controlled, low-impact exercise, such as walking and swimming, can help strengthen the weakened muscles and improve joint condition.
Oral supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may also help dogs with hip dysplasia. Both are important components of cartilage in the joint and may help rebuild damaged cartilage over time, improving joint function. By repairing damage, pain and inflammation in the joint will be reduced, enhancing the dog’s overall condition. Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM) is another supplement that can help improve connective tissue and reduce scar tissue in the joint, thus reducing pain.
In addition to oral supplements, your veterinarian may recommend an injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis agent to help halt and repair joint degradation. Adequan is an injectable medication given over several weeks. Like glucosamine, Adequan helps prevent cartilage breakdown and encourages the formation of new cartilage.
Your veterinarian may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. These medications can significantly improve the quality of life for dogs suffering from debilitating pain due to arthritis. However, NSAIDs can have side effects, such as liver damage, so it is crucial to use them as directed and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for periodic blood tests.
If medical treatment fails or doesn’t provide enough relief, several surgical options can help a dog return to a pain-free life. Surgical options include a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO), which realigns the acetabulum and the head of the femur into the correct position, and a Total Hip Replacement, which replaces the damaged joint with a prosthesis. Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon is essential to decide the best surgical option for your dog.
Although hip dysplasia continues to be a problem in many dog breeds, advances in early detection, medical treatments, and surgery have ensured that with proper care, your dog can live a pain-free and happy life.
