Hip dysplasia in dogs
Hip dysplasia is a common disease in dogs. It means that the hips are disformed. The femoral heads do not fit properly into the hip socket. This causes pain and often makes walking difficult. The hip joint Dogs’ hip joint consists just as a human hip joint of a hip socket into which the round femoral head of the upper leg turns. The joint is covered with cartilage and the joint contains joint fluid which ensures that the different parts can rotate smoothly. Around the joint is a joint capsule. A ligament and the pelvic muscle ensure that the femoral heasd stay firmly in the hip socket. Hip dysplasia When hip dysplasia occurs this means the hip joint is not well developed. Often a puppy’s ligaments and pelvic muscles are not yet strong enough and often the femoral hip heads sits looser in the hip socket. Too much playing can lead to problems.
How does hip dysplasia develop?
All these factors can have a negative influence on the development of the hip joint. At what age does hip dysplasia become apparent?
Also older dogs can suffer from hi pdysplasia. Older dogs have more symptons typical for artrosis.
How is a diagnosis of hip dysplasia made? The vet makes the diagnosis. The ananmesis and bodily examination often provide an indication. The diagnosis is confirmed by X-rays of the hips. It is advised to make the x-rays under sedation to allow a good evaluation. If your puppy has complaints it is best to have hip dysplasia diagnosed before he is 6 months old; this offers most options and the best success with treatment. How is hip dysplasia treated? There are several options to treat hip dysplasia. The treatment often depends on the stage/age when the condition is discovered, the weight of the dog, the change that are or are not visible in the joint, but also the financial resources of the owner. Treatment options: Conservative approach (supportive) Operation Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis: This technique can be used on very young dogs(12-18 weeks). This surgery involves adapting the development of the pelvis, so the joint can develop better. This surgery is not often used, because at that age puppies don’t yet have complaints and a diagnosis is difficult to make. At this moment you do not know whether your puppy will in fact suffer from hip dysplasia. Pelvic tilt Triple pelvic osteotomy or TPO: This surgery is only done when there is no osteoperosis and the hips are not to far out off the socket. The pelvis is surgically tilted in 3 places so that there is a better connection between the hip head and the hip socket. An alternative is the double pelvic osteotomy. After this operation there is more stability in the pelvis immediately after the operation and the dog heals more quickly. The purpose of these operation is mainly to lessen the pain. Every operation entails risks and complications. You also need to bear in mind that a lot of after-care will be required after the operation. This can take several weeks. Your dog needs to rehabilitate. Get all the information prior to the operation re the pro and cons of the operation, the cost and of course the prognosis for your dog. What can I do to avoid that my dog develops hip dysplasia. You have very little influence on the heriditary of hip dysplasia. Some breeds are very sensitive for hip dysplasia. If you are interested in getting a breed that is sensitive for hip dysplasia contact the breeders’ association. Often breeders have to comply to very strict rules before they can breed with this dog. These dog often have a pedigree. A pedigree is not a guarantee, but provides the security that the parents were examined for hip dysplasia and ( to a certain extent) are free of this condition What can you do? Make sure your dog has or gets the right weight: avoid obesitas. This is not only important to avoid hip dysplasia but also many other conditions! And Finally... Be sure you are wellinformed before buying a pup. Ask the breeder for the examimations results of both parents. The club impose the following norms:
Other combinations are not allowed!! |