Hip Dysplasia | eleganser

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

Canine Hip Dysplasia (dysplasia means “abnormal in form”) is a developmental orthopedic disease in which an abnormal formation of the ball-and-socket joint that makes up the hip, leading to looseness and instability of the hip joint. Dysplasia being a developmental disorder and usually occurs early in life (growing puppies and young dogs), mainly between ages 4-12 months. Puppies growing too quickly (i.e. being fed to much, or being slightly overweight) are particularily at risk.

The main feature of hip dysplasia is joint laxity (loose joint ligaments and a poor "ball and socket" fit) and occasionally luxation. Excessive hip laxity may lead to developmental changes in the shape of the femoral and pelvic components of the joint, which creates joint incongruence, abnormal joint wear, and consequent osteoarthritis. The condition can progress relatively unnoticed, until the dog is showing signs of lameness and osteoarthritis at a later stage.

Whilst affected dogs are generally genetically predisposed, the eventual severity of the disease is influenced by body condition, diet (especially during critical skeletal growth), exercise levels, and neutering (status and timing).

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia can result in a variety of clinical signs. Dogs can have significant hip dysplasia and arthritis and show minimal or no outward signs. Alternatively, hip dysplasia can and result in crippling arthritis. Common signs are; less energy and movement, difficult and slow rising, lameness in the back legs, reluctance to use stairs (going up), reluctance to jump or stand on hind limbs (getting into car), bunny-hopping, soreness after lying down, soreness after heavy exercise.

Grading of Hip Dysplasia (defined by the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals)

Grade I excellent conformation

Grade II normal conformation for age and breed

Grade III less than ideal but within normal radiographic limits

Grade IV near normal with minor hip joint abnormalities

Grade V borderline minimal dysplastic changes

Grade VI grade I hip dysplasia, 25% subluxation

Grade VII grade II hip dysplasia, 50% subluxation

Grade VIII grade III hip dysplasia, 75% subluxation

Grade IX grade IV hip dysplasia with femoral head luxation