What is hip dysplasia?

Answer 1

Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development and growth of the hip joint. Both hips are usually affected, but only one side may show symptoms. The onset of clinical signs may not occur on both sides at the same time. Hip dysplasia is manifested by varying degrees of laxity of the muscles and ligaments around the hip joint with instability and malformation of the joint components. Arthritis is the long term consequence of undetected or untreated hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia occurs primarily in dogs that have a mature body weight of over 30 pounds. However, toy breeds and even cats have been reported to have the problem. Hip dysplasia is a genetic problem.

We recommend orthopedic screening examinations at six months of age in medium, large, and giant breed dogs. Hips should be evaluated at this time for the presence of hip dysplasia using standard radiographic views as well as compression/distraction positioning techniques. Hip radiographic examinations for certification by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for breeding purposes are not performed until dogs are 24 months old and older. The clinical signs of hip dysplasia, lameness and pain, can be evident as early as four to six months of age. The symptoms can initially be subtle such as: stiffness in the morning, slowness to get up, not wanting to exercise as long or as vigorously, a change in stride of the hind legs, "bunny hopping", wanting to sit down while eating or during walks, or reluctance to stand up on the hind legs. Sometimes the only observation is an "inactive" or "laid back" puppy. The symptoms may not be present until a dog is middle-aged or older.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR HIP DYSPLASIA?

Several treatment options are available for treatment of hip dysplasia. Young dogs (usually 6-12 months of age) that do not have advanced arthritic changes are candidates for a reconstructive procedure to save the hip. This procedure is called a triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO). Ask for more information if your puppy falls into this category.

A total hip replacement (THR) is a treatment option if the components of the hip joint are worn or deformed from the ravages of arthritis and/or treatment of pain is unsuccessful. We do not recommend salvage procedures, such as removal of the femoral head (femoral head ostectomy = FHO), in dogs that have uncomplicated hip dysplasia and are large enough to accept the hip prosthesis. A hip replacement has been performed on a 5.5 pound dog and in a cat at Gulf Coast Veterinary Surgery.

Answer 2

Hip dysplasia is a congenital disease that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It can be found in many animals and, rarely, humans, but is common in many dog breeds, particularly the larger breeds. ((Google definition))

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Answer 3

Hip displasia is a relatively common problem in larger breeds of dogs where the hip is unstable, and often clicks when moved in certain directions. The hip is "displaced" or not in quite the right place which can cause problems if not treated. Your vet will normally check for those types of joint/hip problems during a routine checkup.
Here are useful sites:
http://www.vetinfo.com/ddyspla.html
http://www.orthoseek.com/articles/hipdys.html

Answer 4

It's painful for dogs but there are medications that can help and also alleviate the pain a little. It is where the hip joints kinda slide in and out of the sockets. Calcium deposits develop also. Makes it difficult to run or jump and can be painful. It is very common in hounds, labs and rots. Good Luck to you and your dog.

Answer 5

lol ask a vet