Canine Hip Dysplasia

What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Canine Hip Dysplasia Medical terms: Dysplasia, Dysplastic, Degenerative joint disease (DJD), Coxofemoral joint

The word “dysplasia” means abnormal growth or structure. In this case, the leg bone and pelvic (hip) bone don’t fit like a ball into a catcher’s mitt because the cup formed by the pelvic bone is too shallow. The leg bone slides out of the pelvic socket and may dislocate. Painful arthritis can develop. Dysplasia can occur in one or both hips. Dysplastic hips are one type of degenerative joint disease or DJD.

Canine, or dog hip dysplasia is the most common cause of hip arthritis throughout the world. It is of such worldwide significance, that international symposia are held to discuss its treatment.

Anatomy of the hip (and hip arthritis)

The hip, or coxofemoral joint (from coax for hip and femoral for the femur thigh bone), is where the spine and upper body meet the leg. Three bones fuse together to make the hip bone: the sacrum, which embraces the lower spine; the ilium which forms the portion we sit on; and the acetabulum, which forms the sides. The acetabulum has a deep groove like a catcher's mitt into which the top of the large thigh bone, the femur, sits. This is a ball and socket joint, and the head of the femur rotates like a ball within the hip (acetabular) socket. The femur is held in the socket by hip muscles and by the round ligament that directly attaches the femur to the acetabulum. The bones are covered with cartilage, bathed with synovial fluid, and sealed inside a synovial membrane. The cartilage and synovial fluid work to cushion movement so that the bones don't jar together when the pet runs or jumps.

What's the problem with having dysplastic hips (canine Hip Dysplasia)?

Canine Hip Dysplasia is a problem for dogs and their owners because it causes severe pain and immobility. These pets struggle to get up, to climb stairs, to get into a car, to squat to urinate and defecate. Many lose their good natures because of immobility and pain. The relationship we have with them deteriorates because they don't feel like playing, and it becomes an effort to do anything with them since they need to be lifted and carried. Armed with knowledge, you can help your pet avoid developing canine hip dysplasia, and you'll know how to help your them experience less pain if it occurs.

Who Gets Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Large breed dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, including St. Bernards, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers. Genes, nutrition and environment contribute to the development of Canine Hip Dysplasia.

Genetic predisposition to Canine Hip Displaysia?

There are over 400 canine genetic diseases, and canine hip dysplasia is one of the most significant. It is a polygenetic disease, that is, more than one gene is involved. Some breeders certify their dogs have good genetics by submitting X-rays to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or to the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Plan (Penn HIP). Dogs certified as good or excellent by OFA or Penn HIP are less likely to produce puppies carrying genes for hip dysplasia.

What about cats?

Cats don't develop hip dysplasia very often, but they frequently develop joint problems. The most common locations for joint problems in cats are elbows and ankles.

Prevention of Canine Hip Dysplasia

1. Stop breeding pets that have hip dysplasia,

2. Feed pets so they are not overweight,

3. Exercise young pets with moderation.

1. Stop breeding pets that have hip dysplasia

Efforts to stop breeding dogs with hip dysplasia have benefited several breeds. In German shepherds, for example, after 5 years of selection the incidence of hip dysplasia decreased from 55% to 24%. In Labrador retrievers, the incidence decreased from 30% to 10%. These efforts have meant that fewer families will have the painful chore of caring for a beloved pet that aches so much it can hardly walk.

2. Feed pets so they are not overweight

Diet has a profound effect on hip dysplasia. In fact, diet is so important that major dog food manufacturers now market diets specifically for the large-breed puppies most prone to develop dysplasia. These diets have fewer calories because research has proven that the less these puppies weigh, the less likely they are to develop dysplasia. Puppies fed 25% less than their littermates had markedly less hip dysplasia as adults; and those pups that eventually developed dysplasia did so at a later age. Thinner pups had more pain-free years than the chubby pups. Keeping a pet's weight on the light side-so that the ribs can be felt-helps prevent dogs from developing dysplasia, and helps them move more easily if they do develop it.

Visit our Weight Loss Advice Section.

3. Exercise young pets with moderation

Puppies can be predisposed to develop joint disease if they are asked to do more than they should, such as jumping high or running long distances. Don't have a pup jump higher than its elbow until it is at least one year old. If a pup jumps on its own, do not panic, but do not encourage it either. Design training and agility equipment so that bars are at the level of the elbow until the dog has adult bone and muscle structure. Because hip dysplasia develops in puppies, protecting them while they're young makes sense.

Swimming is one of the best exercises for pets because it builds muscles without stressing joints.

The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians   Date Category Topic 02/02/06  Bone & Joint Care  HIP DYSPLASIA 01/26/06  Bone & Joint Care  HIP DYSPLASIA 01/17/06  Pain/Inflammation  HIP DYSPLASIA 11/22/05  Bone & Joint Care  HIP DYSPLASIS 11/03/05  Pain/Inflammation  TORN ACL 10/18/05  Bone & Joint Care  HIP DYSPLASIA 10/17/05  Bone & Joint Care  HIP DYSPLASIA 10/13/05  Bone & Joint Care  HIP DYPLASIA 10/07/05  Other  WEAKNESS & BARKING

 

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