Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

The problem of hip dysplasia in dogs is primarily seen by veterinarians in the global community as a hereditary pathology that is passed from parents to offspring. However, debates on this matter continue to this day.

In any case, every puppy is born without hip dysplasia, and only over time, as the cartilage forms into bone, can there be a disruption in the formation of the joint structure.

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

Dysplasia refers to a pathology of the acetabulum, where the head of the bone is anchored, which manifests as the acetabulum becoming flat. Since the bone in this case fits loosely in the joint, the destruction of the hip joints begins, and the animal starts to experience discomfort and pain.

Stages of dysplasia in dogs.

Joint dysplasia in dogs is divided into stages:

• mild form, where the acetabulum has become flat, but the bone is securely fixed in it.
• in the moderate form of the disease, the flatness of the acetabulum is more pronounced, which weakens the joint connection of the bone in the joint. The head of the bone shows signs of irregularities.
• severe form of the disease means destruction of the head of the bone and the joint being in a state of dislocation.

What causes dysplasia in dogs?

The causes that provoke dysplasia in dogs include:

• heredity (many veterinarians lean towards this factor).
• serious physical loads at an early age, during the formation of the puppy's skeleton.
• insufficient physical activity, hindering the proper formation of the animal's body.
• imbalances in the diet towards excessive consumption of calcium and phosphorus.
• low-quality dry food.
• food additives in the form of growth stimulants that hinder the natural formation of the skeleton and joints.
• excessive weight of the puppy, causing excessive strain on the body.
• joint injuries.

Untimely detection and treatment of dysplasia in a dog leads to lameness, asymmetry of the body, cessation of growth, and swelling of the joints.

Signs of dysplasia in dogs.

The problem of timely detection of dysplasia in dogs lies in the inability to determine the presence of the disease at an early stage without an X-ray. As an owner, you should closely observe your puppy and react by visiting the veterinarian if you notice the following symptoms:

• during walks, your four-legged friend’s running style changes. The dog runs as if pushing off the ground with its hind legs. Frequent rests after runs become common.
• the dog’s running towards the owner does not start immediately but after some warm-up. The dog cautiously begins to walk towards you, gradually increasing its pace, and switches to a slow trot.
• during physical activity, lameness appears and disappears in the animal.
• the legs of a lying puppy are turned in an unnatural way.
• refuses to perform the command "Paw!" or whines while executing this command.
• walking up and down stairs causes discomfort and pain, and the puppy does not want to descend or ascend the steps.
• palpating the joints causes anxiety and crying in the dog.
• gentle pressure on the joints may reveal that they are swollen.

Advice: The most obvious symptom is the asymmetry of the dog's body, arising from the transfer of weight from the affected legs to the healthy ones.

If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the veterinarian, who will conduct a diagnosis and prescribe an X-ray. Only an X-ray will help determine the presence of dysplasia.

How to treat dysplasia in dogs.

Based on the X-ray, the veterinarian determines the presence or absence of dysplasia and describes the condition of the dog’s joint.

The degree of damage from the disease determines how to treat dysplasia in the dog.

Severe forms of dysplasia require surgical intervention.

Advice: Surgical intervention is performed only on young individuals weighing no more than 15 kg. Therefore, it is very important to determine the presence or absence of dysplasia in the dog before the age of one year.

During the operation, the doctor will perform one of the following manipulations:

• reduce the load and minimize pain for the dog during activity by cutting the comb muscle inside the joint.
• remove the head of the bone and secure the limb with a special ligament.
• cut both the bone and the acetabulum to rotate it for a tight fit with the joint.
• remove a wedge-shaped piece of bone with subsequent fixation of the bone with a special plate.
• replace the joint with a prosthesis.

Treating joints in dogs with mild and moderate stages of the disease can mitigate the negative impact of dysplasia on the animal's condition. However, medication treatment must be approached very responsibly, adhering to all veterinarian recommendations, which include:

• therapy involving the intake of special medications and procedures. The medications are aimed at restoring joints and cartilage, relieving pain during movement, preventing inflammation, and strengthening bones.

Procedures conducted in clinics have a restorative effect in cases of dysplasia. These include: sessions of physiotherapy, massage, paraffin therapy, laser, and magnetic treatment.

In addition to medical therapy, the veterinarian will prescribe a diet for your pet. Your task will be to constantly monitor your pet's weight.

Advice: with a diagnosis of dysplasia, high physical activity in the form of running is contraindicated for the dog, but swimming is allowed.

Your close attention to your pet, especially during the growth period, along with regular consultations and examinations by the veterinarian, will reduce the risk of dysplasia in the dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary pathology in which the acetabulum becomes flat, leading to joint destruction and discomfort in the animal.

What are the main causes of dysplasia in dogs?

The main causes of dysplasia include heredity, serious physical loads at an early age, improper nutrition, and excessive weight.

What symptoms may indicate dysplasia in my puppy?

Symptoms of dysplasia may include changes in running style, lameness, discomfort when walking up and down stairs, and refusal to obey commands.

How is dysplasia diagnosed in dogs?

Dysplasia is usually diagnosed using an X-ray, as the disease may manifest unnoticed in the early stages.

What should I do if my puppy shows signs of dysplasia?

If signs of dysplasia appear, it is important to immediately consult a veterinarian for an assessment of the condition and treatment recommendations.