Understanding Canine Hip Dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is a very common genetic orthopaedic condition that affects many dogs, particularly larger breeds. As a dog owner, it’s crucial to understand what this condition entails; its symptoms, potential causes, and the best ways to manage it. This blog post aims to provide valuable insights into canine hip dysplasia, empowering dog owners with knowledge and practical considerations.

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a condition characterized by the abnormal formation of the hip joint, often related to soft tissue laxity (ligaments and acetabulum) in the first few weeks of life. In healthy hips, the ball (femoral head) fits snugly into the socket (acetabulum) to allow normal movement and function. However, in dogs with hip dysplasia, malformation of the ball-and-socket causes it to be loose, causing instability, osteoarthritis, and pain over time.

CHD is most prevalent among big dog breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers. However, it can also occur in smaller dogs. Understanding this condition is essential for dog owners, especially if you have a breed predisposed to it.

Causes

While genetics plays a significant role in canine hip dysplasia, it is not congenital. Therefore, even with prevalence of various genes related to CHD, environmental factors may dictate whether a dog will actually develop it clinically.

• Genetics: Dogs with a family history of hip dysplasia or higher hip scores are more likely to develop the condition. There may be over a hundred gene codes for hip dysplasia!

  
  

• Growth Rate: Rapid growth in puppies increases the likelihood of malformation. Typically, larger dog breeds grow at a more rapid rate compared to small breeds.

  
  

• Obesity/overnutrition: Overweight dogs place additional strain on their joints, exacerbating the symptoms of hip dysplasia. Excess energy and dietary calcium can also contribute to skeletal abnormalities - large breeds are more sensitive to excess calcium than small breeds.

  
  

• Exercise: While regular exercise is essential, high-impact and torque activities in puppies can contribute to developmental issues. There is little evidence that 'over exercise' can cause hip dysplasia.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

CHD is often diagnosed between 6-12 months old. However, in milder forms and/or stoik dogs, it may go unnoticed for years until serious osteoarthritis begins to reveal symptoms:

• Limping/stiffness: You may notice your dog limping or appearing stiff in the hindlimbs, especially after prolonged recumbency or exercise.

• Exercise intolerance: To avoid pain, dogs often become less active, avoiding play, exercise and various activities such as jumping and stair climbing.

• Difficulty Rising/sitting/lying down: You may observe your dog struggling to sit, stand up after lying down or generally rising.

  
  

• Abnormal Gait: Ever seen a dog move with swagger in their hips? This excessive swaying movement is often indicative of hip issues. Additionally, when running, some dogs adopt a “bunny hopping” movement, where both hind legs move together instead of alternately.

  
  

• Protectiveness: Many dogs with hip pain will become protective of the hind end being touched/groomed. This can be to both dogs and humans!

  
  

• Behavioural changes: Needless to say, being in pain makes you sad! You may observe lethargy, irritability, or just they're not their perky selves.

Diagnosis

Your vet can diagnose hip dysplasia through a case history (discussing the above), physical examination and x-rays, CT scans or even an MRI. Scanning the joints is essential to confirm CHD, the level of instability present, the degree of osteoarthritis and rule out any other potential causes or problems.

Normal vs Dysplastic hips. Image property of petmd.com

Management strategies

Depending on the degree of instability and your dogs individual circumstances, CHD can be managed conservatively or surgically.

Conservative management

For mild cases, surgery may not be deemed necessary, or at least not at the time. Therefore, the following may be recommended:

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce stress on your dog's hips, thus slowing down further joint degeneration and pain.

  
  

• Medications/ joint injections: For dogs with considerable arthritis, Analgesics or anti inflammatories may be recommended long term to reduce inflammation and pain.

  
  

• Physical Therapy: Massage, stretching, mobilisation, electrotherapies and rehabilitation exercises etc. are all vital to slow down the rate of joint degeneration and provide maximum pain relief, mobility and comfort long term.

  
  

• Hydrotherapy: Similarly, hydrotherapy is a fantastic tool for CHD to maintain strength and mobility with minimal stress through the joints.

  
  

• Lifestyle changes: Supportive bedding, ramps for sofas and beds, preventing access to stairs, non-slip flooring are all examples of home modifications to allow your dog to continue normal life safely and improve their comfort.

  
  

• Supplements: Various supplements are often recommended to support joint health. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new supplements, especially if your dog is on medication or has other medical conditions.

Surgical intervention

For more severe cases, or those which conservative management has not worked, surgery is usually opted:

• Total hip replacement (THR): Arguably the current gold standard of CHD surgery, the THR involves scooping out all of the diseased hip joint and replacing it with a metal and plastic implant. The head of the femur (that sits in the acetabulum) is chopped off and replaced with a metal imitation. Quite literally, a total hip replacement! This surgery has a really good prognosis with most dogs returning to a normal life.

  
  

• Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE): The FHNE involves removing the femoral head and neck, leaving the limb to form a 'false joint' with soft / scar tissue. This process can take months to fully heal and the resulting limb may be limited in mobility. Extensive physical therapy is recommended to maximise limb function long term.

  
  

• Triple or double pelvic osteotomy (T/DPO): Usually only performed on very young dogs, the pelvis is cut in two or three places and fixed into a 'better' position for optimal hip capture.

  
  

• Juvenile pubis symphysiodesis (JPS): Not performed in dogs over 5 months old, the JPS involves premature fusing of part of the pelvis. This aims to alter growth to improve location of the head of the femur inside the acetabulum. As it is completed so young, it is usually more of a preventative surgery.

  
  

Consulting with your veterinarian will help determine the most appropriate treatment for your dog.

Preventive Measures

For some dogs, CHD is inevitable, but there are ways of minimising the risks:

• Choose Breeding Wisely: If you’re considering getting a puppy, research the breed and choose a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable and conducts proper health screenings.

  
  

• Manage Growth Rates: For puppies, feeding a balanced diet at an appropriate amount for their individual growth stage can help prevent rapid growth that leads to musculoskeletal issues. If in doubt, talk to a nutritionist!

  
  

• Regular Veterinary/ Physical therapist check-ups: Routine visits to the vet and a physical therapist can help catch any early signs of hip dysplasia or other health issues, allowing for timely intervention.

Final thoughts

Understanding canine hip dysplasia is essential for all dog owners. It is definitely one of the easier musculoskeletal conditions to manage, with many dogs living a normal healthy life with suitable intervention! If you're suspicious of CHD, always consult your veterinarian for personalised recommendations and the best course of action for your canine companion.

By staying informed and proactive, you can significantly enhance your dog's quality of life and manage the impacts of hip dysplasia effectively.