Canine Hip Dysplasia - Family - Pets

Years ago dogs with walking or movement difficulties were just thought to be lame. We nowadays know that this lameness can be induced by a range of causes, two of the most typical being hip and elbow dysplasia.

In recent years the domestic dog has grown into a relatively unfit beast, compared to its ancestors. Selective breeding has meant that a lot of conditions are hereditary or inherent in a particular breed of dog.

Canine Hip Dysplasia

The dog's hip joint in common with that of other animals is a ball and socket mechanism, with tendons and muscles used to operate the joint. When this joint is working properly the ball and socket fit closely together and are protected by cartilage and lubricated by joint fluid. This allows the dog to run and move without restraint, however should there be damage or inflammation then major problems can occur.

Hip Dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint where additional bone develops within the socket or the cartilage {becomes|gets{} worn down|damaged|eroded}, so that the ball starts to rub against the socket. The hip joint becomes damaged and does not work as it should be causing significant pain to the dog and ultimately lameness.

In the worst cases the dog becomes almost crippled and can't walk without unbearable agony. The disorder is most widespread in the bigger breeds like German Shepherds or Labrador Retrievers. There is a clear genetic component in this condition thus dogs need to be monitored early on in life.

Hip Scoring

Hip Grading or Scoring is used to identify a dogs susceptible to Hip Dysplasia, primarily in order that the owners don't breed from these dogs. The hip score is calculated by x-raying the dog then awarding points for all of the features inside the hip joint. The lesser the grade the less dysplasia is within the joint and the score can vary from zero to 106.

There are "breed mean scores" that show what degree of dysplasia is standard within the breed. Therefore if the dog is beneath the "breed mean score" it is fine to breed with that dog. Those with scores above the average should not breed. This practice is gradually helping to curb the amount of dysplasia present in dogs. Nonetheless even when the dog has a good grade there is no assurance that the dysplasia won't develop in any puppies.

Hip scoring needs to be administered from the age of twelve months, when the body is well established. Your vet will organize the x-ray and the findings will be lodged with the OFA or Kennel Club.

Diagnosis and Treatmentof Canine Hip Dysplasia

Dysplasia is hard to identify as dogs are generally very good at coping with pain and so make no outward indication. So monitor your dog thoroughly for any indication of limping or dragging the feet. In addition look out for any loss of interest in walks or exercise.Treatment for hip dysplasia usually takes the form of painkillers or heat treatment which can both dramatically ease the pain. An exercise programme planned with your vet can help to restrict the damage made to the joints. In severe cases surgery may be the only remedy. This will either be by means of the reshaping of the joint or by artificial hip replacement, of a similar kind to that used in humans.

For both elbow and hip dysplasia weight control is essential as an obese dog will put pressure on the joints. Fortunately most dogs can lead a comparatively normal and energetic life once the disorder is being treated properly.