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Dysplasia is the abnormal growth or development of a tissue, bone or organ. Hip dysplasia is an inherited, developmental condition of the hip joint.<\/p>\n
Affected animals are born with normal hips but have a genetic predisposition to dysplasia and as they grow incongruity (misfit) develops in the affected joints. This is manifested as laxity, or looseness, in the joint and then later in life secondary osteoarthritis occurs.<\/p>\n
Usually, both hip joints are affected but the severity can vary between them.<\/p>\n
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What are the signs of hip dysplasia?<\/h2>\n
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Signs of hip dysplasia are usually seen at two stages. The first is during the development or growth phase when dogs are six to eighteen months old. At this age the signs are due to the laxity. The second phase is seen in skeletally mature dogs and the signs are a result of osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n
Young dogs:<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Hindlimb lameness
\u2022 Swaying hindlimb
\u2022 Weak hindlimbs
\u2022 Bunny hopping when running
\u2022 Inability to jump
\u2022 Reluctance to exercise<\/p>\n
Adult dogs:<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Hindlimb lameness
\u2022 Hindlimb stiffness
\u2022 Inability to jump
\u2022 Reluctance to exercise<\/p>\n
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What are the signs of hip dysplasia?<\/h2>\n
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Signs of hip dysplasia are usually seen in two stages. The first is during the development or growth phase when dogs are six to eighteen months old. At this age, the signs are due to the laxity. The second phase is seen in skeletally mature dogs, and the signs are a result of osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n
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Young dogs:<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Hindlimb lameness
\u2022 Swaying hindlimb
\u2022 Weak hindlimbs
\u2022 Bunny hopping when running
\u2022 Inability to jump
\u2022 Reluctance to exercise<\/p>\n
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Adult dogs:<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Hindlimb lameness
\u2022 Hindlimb stiffness
\u2022 Inability to jump
\u2022 Reluctance to exercise<\/p>\n
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What dog breeds are prone to hip dysplasia?<\/h2>\n
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Hip dysplasia can affect any breed of dog but Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd dogs and Border Collies are more commonly seen. <\/p>\n
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How is it diagnosed?<\/h2>\n
The diagnosis of hip dysplasia is based on the history, clinical signs and imaging. The findings will be different depending on which phase the dog is in.<\/p>\n
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Clinical examination<\/h3>\n
In young dogs there is usually pain on extension of the hips. In some cases laxity can be felt in the joint and there are specific tests to assess for this, one of which is called the Ortolani test. There may be muscle loss over the hips and hindquarters. For full assessment of laxity, examination under sedation or anaesthesia is usually required. <\/p>\n
In adult dogs there is often a reduction in hip extension and there can be discomfort when this is attempted. There may be crepitus (roughness or grating) to the joint when it is manipulated. Muscle loss may also be present.<\/p>\n
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Radiography<\/h3>\n
In young dogs the main feature on radiography is subluxation of the hip joint. This is assessed by how well the femoral head (the ball) is seated within the socket. If there is joint laxity the femoral head will not be covered adequately by the socket.<\/p>\n
In older dogs the main radiographic feature is osteoarthritic change in the hip joints. This is shown by new bone formation around the joint and remodelling of the ball and socket components of the joint.<\/p>\n
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How do you treat hip dysplasia?<\/h2>\n
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The treatment of hip dysplasia will depend on the severity of clinical signs. Many animals will have minimal or even no clinical signs. It is also important to remember that the severity of radiographic signs does not correlate with the severity of clinical signs.<\/p>\n
In animals that are showing signs there are a range of medical and surgical treatments available to manage these. The choice of treatment will depend on the individual case and the options will always be discussed with you prior to treatment.<\/p>\n
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