- Hip dysplasia is abnormal development of the hip socket and ball of the femoral head. The femoral head fits into the ball, or cup, of the hip joint. When the ball and cup do not fit correctly, pain and increased malformation of the ball, socket and cartilage occur. Your veterinarian will examine your puppy's leg and hip movement. To diagnose CHD, she will do hip X-rays or send your puppy to an orthopedic specialist. The use of sedation makes placement for the X-ray easier and reduces the puppy's resistance.
- CHD is a genetic disorder. Dogs with dysplasia produce more puppies with CHD. However, normal dogs can produce puppies with CHD. The lower rate of CHD in the parents and bloodline produces the lowest rate of CHD in puppies. Although CHD is genetic, environmental factors such as obesity in puppies can increase the severity.
- According to Vetinfo, puppies often show signs of pain during or after growth spurts, between 6 months to 18 months of age. Symptoms include lameness in one or both back legs, problems getting up, stiffness on rising and a bunny-hop gait. Movement causes more damage to the ball and socket, resulting in increased instability and arthritis, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center (Marvistavet). Puppies may show no symptoms even with severe CHD. In breeds with a high rate of CHD, preliminary X-rays provide opportunity to treat before damage occurs.
- Pain and symptoms may not appear until a dog is grown or old, but the CHD is present when the dog is young. The two main programs in the United States for evaluating X-rays are the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the PennHIP program at the University of Pennsylvania. According to OFA, preliminary evaluations performed between 3 months to 6 months of age are nearly 90 percent reliable. PennHIP certifies puppies at 16 weeks of age.
- The benefit of early CHD diagnosis is surgical options for puppies before increased damage and arthritis develops. According to Marvistavet, the best treatment for puppies less than 18 months old is the triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO). TPO involves removal and repositioning of the socket to allow the femoral head to fit correctly.
A femoral head/neck ostectomy (FHO), removal of the ball to prevent it from rubbing the socket, is possible with dogs that will weigh less than 50 pounds as adults. Scar tissues create a false joint to fill in the gap. Other surgeries, such as total hip replacement, are also available.
Management for a puppy with mild hip dysplasia may include pain medication, nutritional supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs, according to Marvistavet. Other drugs may also be helpful. Polysulfated glyosaminoglycan is a medication that helps inflammation and repairs the cartilage.
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