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Treatment of joint dysplasia in dogs. Hip dysplasia in dogs: causes and treatment Hip diseases in dogs

is one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases in dogs and affects many animals around the world. As the disease develops and progresses, the dog's hip joints undergo degenerative changes, causing increased pain and difficulty moving. If this disease is not treated, it will ultimately lead to irreversible consequences and the dog will not be able to move its hind legs due to severe pain. Such pain causes serious suffering. However, the vast majority of dogs can often lead full and active lives if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage and the correct treatment is given and maintained in a timely manner.

Causes of hip dysplasia in dogs

This condition can be characterized as a consequence of the formation in the hip joint of a pathologically sized gap between the articular head and the articular cavity, while their fit to each other should be tight. If a dog's femoral head does not fit properly into the socket of the hip joint, friction between the two leads to degeneration of the articular surface and bone, which ultimately leads to impaired musculoskeletal function.

Canine hip dysplasia results from a number of genetic and environmental factors.

Some dogs are already born with hip dysplasia, this is more often the case with early onset hip dysplasia. From the point of view of the mechanism of heredity, this is a rather complex disease associated with the involvement of polymer genes. Therefore, in such genetically determined cases, the disease cannot be quickly eliminated from a particular breed or within-breed line. This is either practically impossible, or has a long-term, delayed effect.

Older dogs may develop dysplasia with obvious signs of arthritis (more commonly referred to as hip dysplasia adult dogs).

External influences can also lead to hip dysplasia. The cause may be rapid weight gain and obesity of the dog, eating habits, poor development of the muscles of the hind legs, pelvic injuries or chronically recurring bruises and sprains, for example, as a result of training or hunting.

Early manifestation prone to it, a custom develops but after four months of age. Young animals exhibit excessive mobility or abnormal joint gaps, which progresses as the animal grows. In older age, this gradually leads to the development of one of the forms of arthritis - osteoarthritis, which provokes damage to the articular cartilage. The disease can also occur due to extreme physical wear and tear on the articular surface of the hip joint, which is often observed in working dogs and dogs involved in search and rescue of people. These animals work for a very long time, for many years, on hard, uncomfortable surfaces, and this is not physiological and naturally leads to disruption of the musculoskeletal system.

Dog Breeds Most Prone to Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia It occurs among dogs of all breeds, including mixed ones. However, this disease affects large and giant breeds more often than small ones. Some breeds are genetically more susceptible to instability (looseness) of the hip joint and thus show symptoms of dysplasia more often than others.

These breeds include:

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs

Symptoms depend on the degree of instability (looseness) in the dog's hip joint, the degree of joint inflammation, and the degeneration that occurs. It is important to note that pain in dogs is not always directly dependent on the stage of development of the disease. Some dogs with moderate dysplasia may experience extreme pain, while dogs with severe dysplasia may experience little to no pain.

General signs hip dysplasia include:

exercise intolerance;
jumping gait (especially on stairs);
cerebellar gait (the hindquarters visibly sway);
stiffness, pain;
difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position;
sitting position “frog” (one hip is twisted);
reluctance to run, jump, climb stairs;
pain when touched;
hind limbs are lame, often worsening after exercise;
The hind legs are positioned closer together than the front legs (narrow position).

With progression hip dysplasia in dogs The following symptoms may appear:

muscle atrophy of the hind limbs;
arthritis (especially in older age);
avoidance of touching;
unexplained aggressive behavior (with constant chronic joint pain).

Diagnosis of hip dysplasia in dogs

When diagnosing hip dysplasia, a veterinarian should pay special attention to a visual examination of the dog, and first of all determine the degree of joint laxity in the hips, which is an early indicator of the disease. In adult dogs, the degree of muscle loss in the thighs and widening of the shoulder muscles (due to compensatory mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy) should be assessed.

The main diagnostic test is the hypermobility test (Ortolani test). To carry it out, general anesthesia is often used, since the doctor performing it must actively rotate the dog’s hip joint, and this can cause severe pain.

X-ray examination for diagnosis hip dysplasia in dogs, is simply an indispensable diagnostic tool. It allows you to clearly see how far the degeneration and asymmetry of the joints have spread. Allows you to determine the degree of influence of this asymmetry on the dog’s spinal cord.

The veterinarian must take urine from the animal for a general analysis and blood for detailed and biochemical analyses. Any information about the origin of the dog may also be useful. However, it should be noted that the dog's parents may never get sick hip dysplasia, but produce offspring with this disease. This is a very common occurrence.

The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the more treatment options are available. This is important primarily because the longer the disease continues to go undiagnosed, the more negative pathological changes the dog’s joints undergo. The degree of their degeneration is increasing.

Therefore, at the first signs of hip dysplasia, the dog owner should contact a veterinarian, especially if the breed of his dog is at risk and, accordingly, more prone to the disease. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the better.

Treatment of canine hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia in dogs can be treated either conservatively or with surgery. Treatment options often depend on the dog's age, size, weight, degree, and type of dysplasia (early or older). When choosing conservative therapy or surgical intervention, the severity of joint hypermobility is taken into account.

Conservative treatment of canine hip dysplasia

Conservative therapy includes drug treatment And physiotherapy as an additional treatment for the disease. One of the options for physiotherapeutic procedures involves the use of, which has a good effect on dogs with hip dysplasia.

An important aspect of treatment should be the constant monitoring of the animal’s weight. If a dog is overweight, then it should be reduced as much as possible, since by reducing pressure on the painful joint, inflammation also decreases, and this in turn promotes recovery. The veterinarian, as part of complex therapy for hip dysplasia in a dog, must draw up an individual plan for reducing its weight. This can be easily achieved by developing a low-calorie diet, but vitamins and minerals must be present in it in full and not infringe on the animal’s needs. In puppies, special diets designed for the rapid growth of large dogs may also reduce the severity of the disease. hip dysplasia. Such supplements help the bones and muscles of puppies grow at the required speed, and this is important for the physiologically correct development of the musculoskeletal system.

Painkillers (analgesics) and anti-inflammatory drugs are used widely and everywhere. Their use is justified, depending on the pain of the process and the degree of development of inflammation. In each individual case, their combination and dosage are different. However, appointments of this kind can only be made by a veterinary specialist. Only he has the right to safely prescribe analgesics, antibiotics and steroids, taking into account the dog’s condition and possible chronic diseases. This especially applies to animals with gastrointestinal problems.

Nutritional supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, green mussel powder, Omega-3 fatty acids and some others deserve special attention in the complex treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs. Their use is quite important, but only in combination with other means. They help strengthen bone tissue and promote regeneration of the surface of damaged joints.

Massage and physiotherapy. Exercises that are gentle on the dog’s muscle tone are recommended. Such exercises include walking, jogging and especially swimming (including hydrotherapy). However, you should avoid excessively active physical activity that puts additional pressure on the joint: jumping, frisbee, intense running, etc.

For arthrosis and degenerative arthritis, glycosaminoglycan polysulfides, for example, pentosan polysulfate, can be prescribed. Drugs in this group are natural components of articular cartilage and increase the production of joint fluid in the joint cavity. In addition to the above, it is recommended to keep a pet with arthritis warm, away from cold, dampness and drafts. An orthopedic bedding for sleeping dogs also helps stop the development of arthrosis and arthritis.

Dysplasia is a serious disease of the joints, which leads to their destruction, and without appropriate treatment, to immobilization of the animal. Owners of heavy or tall dogs should know the signs of an incipient disease so that if they appear, immediately contact the veterinary clinic.

Dysplasia is a pathology in which the head of the hip bone does not fit tightly into the socket or is displaced relative to it. During movement, the bone rubs, the tissue of the joints changes - it flattens and exfoliates.

Dysplasia can also occur in the elbow joint, usually in two joints at once. This disorder is rare and is more likely to damage the hip joints due to the greater load being placed on the hind legs.

Dogs of large or tall breeds are susceptible to this disease: Great Danes, St. Bernards, all types of retrievers, Rottweilers, shepherds and others.

At an early age, a dog may have no symptoms of dysplasia; they will appear by the age of one and a half years. Abnormalities in the development of joints in puppies can be detected using x-rays.

Causes of the disease

One of the causes of the disease is a hereditary factor. Breeding restrictions have only recently been introduced for dogs with dysplasia, so pathology due to genetic predisposition is most common. At the same time, the puppy’s parents are completely healthy, and most of the litter is born with pathology, which manifests itself after six months.

Other reasons are improper keeping of dogs, namely:

unbalanced diet, in which the dog is overfed with meat products;
cheap industrial food;
excess or lack of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins D, B1, C entering the body;
the animal is overweight;
excessive exercise, especially in puppies and young dogs;
inactivity, and therefore weakness of muscle ligaments, improper development of joints;
injuries - dislocations, sprains, bruises;
The cause of dysplasia in rapidly growing puppies may be that muscle mass is gained faster than bone growth occurs.

If the cause is heredity, then the disease can make itself felt even if the puppy develops harmoniously, physical activity is given to him in accordance with his age, and the daily diet is balanced.

Symptoms

What to look for in the dog's behavior, movement or changes in body structure:

lameness in one or both hind legs that may stop and then start again;
swaying or unsteady gait;
difficulty going up or down stairs;
difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position;
unnatural turn of the hind legs when the dog lies on its stomach;
incorrect placement of the hind legs when running. The push from the ground is carried out simultaneously with both paws, as a hare does;
rapid fatigue when walking, frequent stops;
when walking, the croup is lowered, as if the dog is walking on half-bent legs;
swelling of the paws;
when pressing on the joints there is pain, although there may not be any when walking or running;
a change in the proportions of the body - the front part becomes more massive and stronger, while the back part is smaller and weaker.

If your dog shows symptoms of dysplasia, you should consult a doctor immediately. Neglecting treatment will lead to the fact that after some time the animal will not be able to move and will experience suffering.

Hip dysplasia in young dogs begins without symptoms; they appear much later. You need to pay attention to the fact that the puppy does not want to move on the slippery floor and prefers to crawl to the goal. If the pet's breed is at risk, and the disease is detected in the puppies of its parents in another litter or in the same litter, then an x-ray examination should be performed at an early age.

If the disease is advanced, the dog may become aggressive due to constant pain.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is carried out by external examination and x-ray examination.

The veterinarian performs a joint mobility test. Detects whether there is friction during flexion or extension, whether creaking or clicking is heard.

Any treatment is prescribed only after a fluoroscopic examination. All changes are clearly visible in the picture. X-rays are performed under general anesthesia or a drug is administered that completely relaxes the muscles.

Arthroscopy provides a more accurate diagnosis. Using a special camera, you can determine the degree of destruction of the tissue structure. Not all veterinary clinics have the opportunity to conduct this examination.

Dysplasia is divided into degrees:

A – there are no abnormalities in the joint;
B – there are no violations yet, but a predisposition to them has been noticed;
C – initial stage, minor violations are noticed;
D – moderate severity;
E – joints are severely damaged, severe stage.

Conservative treatment

Hip dysplasia in dogs is highly treatable at an early stage. In addition, the effectiveness of therapy is influenced by factors such as the animal’s age and weight. If your pet is obese, then in combination with treatment it is necessary to lose weight. For this purpose, diets and control of the daily diet are prescribed.

There are two types of treatment – conservative and surgical. Conservative therapy is necessarily complemented by physiotherapy and includes:

preparations for the restoration of joint tissue and cartilage. They are administered as injections intramuscularly, intravenously or inside the joint;
anti-inflammatory, use only those drugs that are intended for the treatment of animals;
painkillers;
vitamins and nutritional supplements. They can be used continuously to prevent further tissue destruction.

All medications are prescribed only by a doctor, because the dosage and combination of them depend on the degree of the disease, the condition of the dog, and the presence of other chronic diseases.

Physiotherapy includes paraffin therapy, laser therapy, and electromagnetic radiation. Massage is recommended. It is important that the massage is carried out by a specialist, otherwise it will not bring any benefit, but only harm. Daily brisk walking is necessary, and the dog should swim several times a week.

Surgery

If conservative therapy does not bring results, and the pet’s condition worsens, then there is no point in further treatment in this way; time will be lost.

There are three surgical treatment options:

Removal of the femoral head and neck. This operation is most often performed on puppies; they tolerate it more easily and recover faster. Recommended for severe disease.
Triple osteotomy - a special plate is inserted, with the help of which the angle of the pelvis is changed, friction and pressure are reduced. This method is used for mild dysplasia; in severe cases, the operation is ineffective.
Endoprosthetics - the damaged joint and head are replaced with a titanium prosthesis. For severe disease, this method has good results, provided that there are no side effects after surgery.

When recovering from surgery, it is important to pay special attention to your dog's nutrition. You can’t go to the extreme and exclude proteins completely from the diet, giving them carbohydrates instead. This will lead to the fact that the pet will begin to gain excess weight, and with this disease this is unacceptable. Protein foods should remain the main part of the meal, but it is important to constantly monitor your weight. If it starts to increase, do not replace the proteins with anything else, but simply reduce the portion for a while.

During the recovery period, at first they are fed with broth, then they switch to small pieces of meat. A little later, fermented milk products, vegetables, rice and buckwheat are added to the meat. It is better to make portions small, but feed more often.

Prevention

If a dog has a predisposition to dysplasia due to family ties with sick dogs or this is a feature of the breed, then it is necessary to examine the pet at an early age. The first X-ray examination is carried out at 5-6 months, and repeated a year or a little later. At the same time, it is important to constantly pay attention to the pet’s behavior, its walking, running, and paw placement. At the slightest suspicion, you should contact a veterinary clinic.

Normalized physical activity and a balanced diet will benefit your pet in any case, even if the likelihood of illness is minimal.

Experienced breeders are familiar with the genetic disease hip dysplasia, which affects some large breeds of dogs. The disease is diagnosed at an early age and, if not properly treated, can lead to complete immobilization of the animal.

Large breed dogs are most susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia was first isolated from dogs and described in the United States 60 years ago, although the disease has been diagnosed and treated in humans for a long time. Subsequently, Swedish veterinarians proved that the disease is caused by hereditary factors and is most often found in large dogs. Although the size of the animal is not a determining factor in the development of the disease, since even small breeds, for example, chow chows, also suffer from hip dysplasia (HD).

Veterinarian observations have shown that puppies are born with normally developed joints, which are then susceptible to disease due to hereditary predisposition. At the same time, in large breeds the disease progresses at a high speed, as they rapidly gain body weight, which is a strain on fragile joints. The disease is especially dangerous for short-legged breeds.

Hip dysplasia (DHD) most often affects German Shepherds., Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Boxers, etc. Greyhounds are free from the disease. In 89% of cases, dysplasia affects two hip joints at once, 3.3% are unilateral lesions of the left joint, 7.7% - the right.

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a defect in the development of the joint in the socket area. At first, the disease was called subluxation of the articular head, since it increases the gap between the head of the bone and the articular socket. The bone does not fit tightly to the joint, resulting in friction and wear of the head. The joint begins to deform and flatten.

Currently, the concept of dysplasia includes all deviations from the normal formation of the hip joint in dogs.

Pronounced symptoms of the disease appear at 1-1.5 years, after the end of the dog’s intensive growth. But genetic predisposition cannot completely become the impetus for the development of the disease. Doctors have found that the development of the disease is influenced by a combination of hereditary predisposition and the influence of environmental factors.

Important. It is advisable to exclude the presence of a predisposition to dysplasia already at the stage of purchasing a puppy. Before purchasing, you need to study the parents' documents. However, it is worth remembering that even two puppies from the same litter that are predisposed to the disease, if placed in different living conditions, may have different development of the disease.

There are reasons that provoke the disease and contribute to its development:

Nutritional imbalance. Excessive amounts of meat in the absence of vegetables, cereals and fruits in the diet quickly leads to joint pain.
Excess of phosphorus and calcium in the body. Their excess in food negatively affects the development of bone tissue.
Obesity. Excess weight leads to increased stress on the joints and increases their deformation.
Heavy physical activity.
Inactivity.
Limb injuries.

The most obvious sign of the disease may be the dog's lameness.

An attentive owner will immediately determine that something wrong is happening to his pet. A change in gait and a disturbance in the dog’s appearance indicates the development of pathology.

The following signs may indicate defects:

Limping, swaying while walking.
Incorrect paw placement when running (pushing off the surface with both legs at once).
Stiffness of movements.
Incorrect posture when lying down - the hind legs are turned in different directions.
Body asymmetry. The dog transfers the bulk of its body weight to the front part of the body, while the pelvis becomes narrow as the muscles of the hind legs atrophy.
Swelling of the joints.
Pain when touching the paws.

Any of these signs should be a reason to contact your veterinarian. Timely help for your dog will help slow down or completely stop the development of the disease. Dysplasia detected at an early age, when bones are still developing, is cured much faster.

Distinct clinical manifestations of DTS occur at different ages of dogs and depend on the individual characteristics of the dog. In mild cases, the disease manifests itself only in some weakness of the animal’s hind limbs, which does not affect its working condition. Lameness begins to progress as physical activity increases. The dog refuses to follow some commands and gets tired quickly.

Initially, an X-ray examination is performed.

Dysplasia is diagnosed by a veterinarian after a thorough examination of the dog and an x-ray examination. The doctor palpates the dog’s joints, evaluates their mobility, and listens for creaks or friction when bending and straightening the paws. In most cases, an experienced specialist can make a primary diagnosis based on these signs.

The dog is prescribed an x-ray examination. The picture can be taken only after the administration of anesthesia, since it is impossible to ensure the animal’s immobility without this. An x-ray will allow the doctor to examine the location of the articular socket and femoral neck and determine the presence of deformities.

To obtain high-quality images, you must follow the following rules:

Small dogs are examined only after 1 year, large dogs - after 1.5 years.
Each animal is filmed twice.
The picture is taken in a supine position, with legs extended parallel.

Arthroscopy is an examination aimed at objectively assessing the condition of the joint and recognizing dysplasia. The procedure is endoscopic. By inserting a miniature camera into the joint area through a small puncture, the doctor can examine the structure of the cartilage. This examination is expensive and is not carried out in all clinics.

After the examination, the doctor determines the category of dysplasia:

A – joint without significant pathology.
B – predisposition to disease.
C – initial stage of the disease.
D – moderate dysplasia.
E – severe form of dysplasia.

After the examination, the doctor determines the category.

To treat dysplasia, depending on the condition of the articular tissue and the individual condition of the animal’s body, conservative and surgical treatment is used.

Conservative methods

Pathology of the hip joint can be treated with medication in the early stages of development. This technique is aimed at restoring cartilage tissue, relieving swelling and pain.

Treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs in the early stages can be treated with medication.

Conservative treatment is based on the use of:

Chondoprotectors - drugs aimed at restoring cartilage and joint tissues (Adequan, Glucosamine, Artra, Teraflex, Chionate, Chondrolone, Mucosat, Pentosan). The drugs are prescribed in the form of intravenous drips, intramuscular injections, and injections into the joint. Medicines are prescribed in combination or separately.
Antispasmodics that relieve pain - No-shpa, Baralgin, Analgin.
Anti-inflammatory drugs - Nimesulide, Rimadyl.
Mineral complexes based on chondroitins and glucosamine - Omega-3, Omega-6 complexes.
Along with medications, the dog is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures.

The most effective are:

Paraffin therapy.
Ozokerite.
Magnetic therapy.
Laser therapy.
Massage.

Operative technique

Conservative treatment may not always give the desired result in the treatment of hip dysplasia (HJD). When the disease has reached its final stages, surgical intervention is necessary. The duration and complexity of the operation depends on the condition of the joint. Sometimes it is enough to just remove a small cartilage growth inside the joint.

Photo of hip replacement in dogs

If the joint is severely deformed, the following types of operations are used:

Excision of the femoral neck and head. The operation is quite traumatic, and the recovery period after it can be long. After excision, the joint is completely restored, and the animal can move freely without the use of any prostheses.
Osteotomy– dissection of the bone and adjustment of the location of the articular fossa. The joint is in the correct position. Surgery is possible in uncomplicated forms of the disease.
Myectomy– excision of the pectineus muscle during the puppy’s growth period. Practice shows that this technique does not provide a complete cure, but it can significantly reduce lameness and restore the motor function of the joint. The indication for this type of surgical intervention is the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment with drugs. Myectomy has the greatest effect when the dog is between 6 and 12 months old.
Resection arthroplasty– joint resection to reduce pain. This operation reduces the contact of the joint head with the glenoid cavity. After the operation, when moving, the friction of the head against the socket stops, and the dog stops experiencing pain. This type of surgical intervention is used for small breeds of dogs weighing up to 20 kilograms. Resection arthroplasty is performed at any age of the animal.
Endoprosthetics. Used at the last stage of dysplasia. The dog's joint is replaced with an artificial one made of titanium alloy. Prosthetics are used when other surgical methods have failed or do not make sense. After completing the rehabilitation course, the dog continues to move without pain and lead a normal lifestyle. Muscle atrophy is a contraindication for endoprosthetics, so if there are indications for installing a prosthesis, it should be done as soon as possible. From an economic and functional point of view, installation of a prosthesis is recommended for dogs weighing more than 30 kilograms.

Prevention of dysplasia

A guarantee of the absence of hip dysplasia (HD) in dogs is selection and genetic prevention. To obtain healthy offspring, it is necessary to breed healthy parents. Dog trainers and breeders should be especially interested in addressing the problem to maintain the health of the breeds being bred.

However, parents can be carriers of the disease at the genetic level, so it is not always possible to exclude the possibility of its manifestation in the offspring.

Feed your pet correctly and do not overload it with physical activity.

Owners of dog breeds predisposed to hip dysplasia (HJD) should especially carefully monitor the normalization of the animal’s diet in order to prevent obesity. Excess weight in a dog is an increased load on the joints, therefore, a provoking factor in the development of dysplasia.

Attention. Reducing caloric intake by reducing the amount of meat consumed and replacing it with carbohydrates is the wrong way. This approach will lead to new problems with the pet’s health. The dog's diet must be designed in such a way that it receives all the substances, vitamins and minerals necessary for growth and development.

The development of hip dysplasia (HJD) is influenced by the organization of physical activity. Insufficient and excessive physical activity is harmful to the musculoskeletal system. You should not give increased stress during the puppy’s growth period. Continuous running over too long distances is harmful at any age.

If dysplasia has already begun to develop, you should immediately limit physical activity, reduce the time of exercise and play with the animal. A sign of excess stress on the body is a dog limping after a walk. Experts recommend walking dogs with dysplasia on the lawn, excluding walking on asphalt. Swimming is beneficial for dogs, as in water the load on the joints is reduced, while other muscle groups receive the necessary load.

Cold and humidity are contraindicated for sick dogs, as they lead to exacerbation of joint problems. Dogs with dysplasia must be kept in a warm, dry room, otherwise they will suffer from joint aches and night pain.

Hip dysplasia in dogs, which is genetic, affects the animal sooner or later, despite the preventive measures taken. The owner’s task is to provide assistance to a sick animal and reduce pain in order to maintain the pet’s motor activity.

Hip isplasia is a common hereditary orthopedic disease. Studies have shown that such dogs are born with normal joints, but gradually develop dysplasia as a result of a discrepancy between the development of the bony part of the hip joint and the supporting soft tissues: ligaments, capsule and muscles. This occurs in the first six months of life, when the tissues are soft and flexible, but have a limit of elasticity.

The diagnosis of hip dysplasia is made based on history and clinical signs, including:

difficulty getting up,
rabbit running
pain and lameness in the pelvic limbs,
pain and crepitus on palpation of the hip joints.

Hip dysplasia in dogs - symptoms

Clinically, a dog may experience pain at different stages of development of hip dysplasia. In immature dogs, stretching of the joint capsule and microcracks in the cartilage manifest as pain, while in adult dogs, excessive load on the affected joint leads to the appearance of general symptoms of arthrosis. These symptoms include pain when standing up, pacing, decreased range of motion, and worsening of symptoms after rest following vigorous exercise. Hip laxity can be tested by abducting the proximal femur, preferably in a non-weight bearing position:

one hand is used as a fulcrum medial to the proximal thigh in the lateral recumbent dog position, with medial pressure applied to the knee joint;
The knee is brought into a supine dog position with the thigh perpendicular to the table.

Subluxation of the hip joint can be diagnosed by applying medial pressure to the greater trochanter.

X-rays with extended limbs, as well as more detailed images of the labrum or joint laxity, can help make a definitive diagnosis of joint laxity, incongruity, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophyte formation.

Hip dysplasia is an inherited abnormality that occurs in some breeds and is rare in other breeds.

The website of the Organization of Veterinary Orthopedics www.offa.org provides a list of 136 breeds in order of frequency of occurrence of hip dysplasia. Breed data is based on at least 100 studies between January 1974 and December 2003. The results of a retrospective study showed an improvement in the hip phenotype in dogs. Among certain breeds, the percentage of dogs classified as excellent hip joints has increased and, consequently, the percentage of dogs with hip dysplasia has decreased. Noticeable improvements have been seen in breeds such as the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler. The most pronounced improvement was shown for Rottweilers. Even if these figures have been influenced by the tendency to present dogs with healthy hip joints for evaluation and to hide dogs with diseased hip joints, this still encourages the use of only dogs with healthy joints for breeding.

It is believed that the development of hip dysplasia is influenced by environmental factors, the significance of which remains to be determined. As studies have shown, diet has a significant impact on the development of hip dysplasia, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Diet is not able to cure dysplasia or change the genetic status of the offspring, but it can influence the phenotypic manifestation of dysplasia, promoting optimal development of the hip joints in animals at risk. Diet may also be a means of conservative treatment in dogs that have already developed hip dysplasia. Careful control of body weight will help alleviate clinical manifestations.

In dogs at birth, the femoral head and acetabulum are composed primarily of cartilage. The formation of bone tissue and changes in the position of the femoral head in relation to its body occur as a result of enchondral ossification and osteoclast activity, respectively. With hip dysplasia, due to weakness of the joint, its congruity is disturbed, the dorsomedial part of the femoral head and the acetabular labrum are in contact with each other, while this joint accounts for almost half of the body weight when walking. As a result, microcracks and deformation of the acetabular lip, cartilage erosion and deformation of subchondral bone tissue appear. Pathological changes develop such as effusion into the joint cavity, stretching and thickening of the articular capsule and round ligament, and the formation of osteophytes.

Several factors related to feeding play a role in the development of dysplasia and overload of the hip joint. Above we talked about excess energy intake from food. Excess body weight leads to overload of the cartilaginous skeleton, including the hip joints. This may be an important factor that explains the higher prevalence and more severe course of hip dysplasia in overweight dogs.

We discussed the problem of high calcium levels in the diet earlier. It follows that excess calcium leads to deterioration in the maturation of the hip joint, as well as vulnerable cartilaginous growth zones of the skeleton.

Electrolytes are present in all body fluids, including synovial fluid. Differences in the concentrations of circulating cations and anions affect the acid-base balance. The influence of electrolytes on the osmolarity of body fluids, as well as on the acid-base balance, may be important in the development of hip dysplasia in young dogs.

The average osmolarity of synovial fluid in normal retriever hip joints is significantly lower than in hip joints with dysplasia. Whether this difference reflects joint weakness or is a result of increased blood flow to the capsule in arthritis remains to be determined.

In another study, three groups of dogs from 27 litters of five breeds were fed diets that differed in the content of Na+, K+ and Cl+ ions. Hip laxity in these dogs was assessed by measuring the Norberg angle on radiographs taken at 30 and 105 weeks of age. However, acid-base balance and electrolyte levels in body fluids were not measured. Dogs fed dry food low in Na, low in K and high in Cl showed a slight but statistically significant increase in the Norberg angle compared to other groups. Only in retrievers the Norberg angle remained small regardless of diet. To establish the optimal electrolyte content of the feed, it is necessary to further investigate the clinical significance of these results, the sensitivity and reproducibility of radiographic testing, and the influence of other electrolytes that play a role in acid-base balance and osmolarity. Evidence of the adverse effects of long-term feed-derived acidosis on skeletal mineral composition suggests that further research in this area may provide valuable information.

It is possible that vitamin D also plays a role in the development of hip dysplasia, but this has not yet been proven. Although excess vitamin D intake does not increase calcium absorption, hypervitaminosis D adversely affects the process of enchondral ossification and, consequently, the growth and development of the hip joint. If the differentiation process of cartilage is impaired, its resistance to physical stress may decrease, which will lead to deformation of the femoral head and acetabular labrum.

This can be combined with overload of the hip joint, which is not yet sufficiently developed in a dog of this age and size, and, therefore, play a significant role in its deformation at a young age.

Canine hip dysplasia - treatment

In the field of canine nutrition, there is now sufficient evidence to suggest that, of all the nutritional components most often encountered in practice, it is the absolute amount of calcium in the daily diet that provokes the development of skeletal abnormalities, and not the ratio of calcium to phosphorus. When dietary phosphorus is high, it may bind more calcium in the intestine to form nonabsorbable complexes, but this may only be the case for phytates. Easily absorbed salts lead to the same consequences for the skeleton as an excess of calcium alone.

Hip dysplasia can develop in young overweight dogs, even with relative limitation of physical activity. Most likely, this is due to stretching of the periarticular tissues beyond the limit of elasticity and associated pathological changes in cartilage and subchondral bone tissue.

Overfeeding should be avoided and the dog should be given a diet that meets its energy needs. The required energy content of the diet is determined based on the individual needs of the animal, taking into account the influence of age, breed, body weight and activity. Because excess calcium can impair hip development, puppies' food should contain calcium in an amount appropriate to their size and age. There are ready-made balanced foods that meet the energy and calcium needs of a puppy during its rapid growth. Such foods should never be supplemented with vitamins and mineral supplements, as this may lead to an overdose.

Measurements using force plates before and after 3 months of crating have shown that rest alone and weight loss can improve the clinical manifestations of hip dysplasia in young and adult dogs.

Conservative treatment of hip dysplasia requires both a therapeutic diet and restriction of physical activity.

Hip development in young dogs can sometimes be corrected surgically. Some researchers recommend performing symphysiodesis in puppies between 8 and 13 weeks of age. They argue that the pelvic floor does not grow in width, and this does not interfere with the development of the dorsal parts, including the acetabulum arch. As a consequence, the degree of alignment of the femoral head will improve after thermal cauterization of the pelvic symphysis. Pectinate muscle myectomy is indicated in dogs with contractures in which the degree of adduction of the feet may be such that the limbs are crossed.

It occurs in young and adult dogs. Short-term results can be impressive, although long-term effects and the prognosis for the possible development of osteoarthritis are still unknown.

Other possible types of surgical intervention for hip dysplasia, which can be used for appropriate indications, include triple pelvic osteotomy, hip replacement, and resection arthroplasty. A triple pelvic osteotomy can be performed when there is severe joint weakness, but without deformation of the head and fossa. Potential candidates for hip replacement include dogs with severe dysplasia and deformity of the femoral head and/or acetabulum due to osteoarthritis or trauma. Resection arthroplasty is indicated in cases of severe joint deformity and pain. The outcome of the operation depends mainly on the ability to create a smooth surface between the femur and the acetabulum, the dog's weight, musculature and the early start of training.

Dysplasia is a disease in which the head of the bone does not fit correctly into the acetabulum. This leads to complete or partial destruction or change of joints and can lead to paralysis of the limbs.

Joint dysplasia

Dysplasia in dogs is not a congenital pathology. But genetic predisposition is often the cause of the development of the disease.

The hip joints are most often affected. Due to the structure of the dog’s body, the greatest load is placed on them when moving. Dysplasia of the elbow joints is rare, and even less common is dysplasia of the knee joints.

Large breed dogs are at risk: retrievers, Rottweilers, St. Bernards, Great Danes, Shepherds, etc. Signs of the disease are more often detected after the period of increased growth - at 12-18 months. A rapid gain of muscle mass with insufficiently strong bones in combination with physical activity means a high probability of pathology. Impaired development of joints in puppies under 6 months can only be determined by taking an x-ray.

The situation is critical - experts note that the number of four-legged pets with dysplasia has increased significantly. They stopped allowing such dogs to be bred quite recently.

Causes of the disease

The causes of hip dysplasia in dogs are not only due to genetics and increased muscle growth during adolescence. Improper keeping of four-legged animals can provoke this pathology. Namely:

a large amount of meat in the diet or its complete absence;
low-quality industrial feed;
excess weight;
excess or lack of dietary supplements containing calcium, phosphorus, vitamins C, D;
injuries (bruises, sprains, dislocations, fractures);
sedentary lifestyle;
excessive physical activity.

The puppy's nutrition is balanced, he receives exercise in accordance with his age. And the parents did not have the disease. Unfortunately, this is not a guarantee that your pet will not develop it.

Main symptoms

The first signs of joint dysplasia in dogs can appear as early as 6 months. It all depends on the breed and how quickly the pet grows. However, the bones are finally formed only by the age of one year. Then the joints fall into place. Sometimes veterinarians advise not to worry before the due date.

Perhaps the symptoms that appear are only a temporary age-related phenomenon. But still, be attentive to your pet. The sooner you notice changes in the animal's behavior, movement, body structure and consult a doctor, the better. Treatment of the disease in the initial stages will be much more effective than advanced cases. This will prevent traumatic operations.

It is almost impossible for the owner to recognize dysplasia by eye. But the dog may have the following symptoms:

unsteady gait, swaying from side to side;
inability to go up and down stairs;
lameness when starting to move or after exercise;
periodic lameness - disappears for several days, then appears again;
the dog has difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position;
When walking, your pet gets tired quickly and often stops to rest;
when running, the dog pushes off with both hind legs at the same time;
Unnaturally twists paws when lying down;
swelling, induration and pain when touching the joints;
asymmetry of the body - atrophy of the muscles of the hind limbs occurs, the pelvis narrows, the load falls on the front part of the body.

Diagnostics

A veterinarian can diagnose dysplasia. To begin with, he examines the dog and evaluates its movements. Then the joint is palpated for inflammation, compaction, and deformation. Conducts diagnostic tests (Ortolani test, Bardens test), identifying the presence of creaks, clicks, friction, and pain.

After the examination, the doctor prescribes an x-ray examination.

To prevent the dog from moving, it is performed only under anesthesia. Then it will be possible to evaluate the joint without muscle support. An important point is that the position of the pelvis and hind limbs should be symmetrical.

To be completely confident in the diagnosis, it is not enough just to look at the resulting image. The specialist must be able to read it correctly. The joint is assessed according to 6 criteria (angles, indices, characteristics of certain surfaces). The veterinarian, using a protractor, lines the picture and measures the angles. And then, using the table, calculates the scores for each item. Their sum and the number of deviations from the norm determine the degree of dysplasia.

Sometimes computed tomography is prescribed instead of fluoroscopy. The methods are equally informative, but CT is more expensive.

If the examination data is not enough, then the arthroscopy method is used. An endoscope is inserted through the puncture, guiding it to the affected area. With its help, you can examine the joint in detail. And the presence of a palpator probe allows you to evaluate its structure. The procedure is quite expensive and is not performed everywhere.

Degrees of the disease

There are 5 degrees of joint dysplasia in dogs:

A – there are no abnormalities in the joint. No action required.
B – suspicion of dysplasia, borderline condition. Regular examinations, adherence to a regimen and proper nutrition are required.
C – mild degree, minor violations. Dysplasia has already appeared, it is necessary to take control of the process.
D – moderate condition. The disease progresses and treatment is necessary. And then taking measures to prevent a relapse.
E – severe degree of dysplasia. Maintenance treatment only.

Treatment

It is impossible to completely rid a dog of the disease. But timely comprehensive treatment will help prevent its further development and improve the pet’s quality of life.

There are two types: conservative and surgical.

For conservative therapy, the veterinarian prescribes the following medications:

drugs against inflammation (Quadrisol-5, Rimadyl, Deracoxib, etc.);
antispasmodics - to relieve pain (Phenylbutazone, No-spa, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc.);
chondroprotectors – for the regeneration of articular and cartilage tissues (Stride, Pentosan, Adequan, Chondrolone, etc.).

Additionally, vitamin-mineral complexes and nutritional supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are prescribed.

The dosage of medications and their combination depends on the condition of the animal and the degree of the disease. Determined only by a veterinarian. You should not treat yourself and use folk remedies.

Physiotherapy treatments have a good effect:

ozokerite;
paraffin therapy;
magnetic, laser therapy;
massage.

It is possible to use homeopathic remedies (Chondartron, Discus compositum, Akti Vet). They activate the body's own forces. They have a supporting effect. Homeopathy cannot cope with serious damage to articular joints.

Traditional therapy will not restore damaged cartilage. It gives a temporary effect - it helps relieve pain and eliminate lameness. It makes sense only in the early stages of pathology.

If the disease continues to progress, only surgery will help. During surgical treatment, the shape of the femoral head is corrected. It is necessary to ensure that it fits all the parameters of the acetabulum. The complexity of the operation depends on the extent of the damage. You may only need to remove a small part of the cartilage. For more serious defects, the following is carried out:

Triple osteotomy is a complex operation during which a special plate is installed. She must change the angle of the acetabulum so that the head of the bone receives the largest area of support and does not fall out of the joint. It is carried out on puppies after the complete formation of the skeleton. This method is not used for grade D and E dysplasia, as well as for concomitant arthritis.
Endoprosthetics - the damaged fragment is completely replaced with a titanium prosthesis. If the operation is successful, the dog will return to normal life.
Excision of the head and neck of the femur, complete or partial. An operation with a long rehabilitation period. As a result, the joint will be completely restored and the dog can move safely without any prostheses.

These operations require a lot of experience and knowledge.

Prevention

Think about this when choosing a large breed puppy. The breeder is required to provide documents confirming that the father and mother have been tested for the presence of dysplasia, the results are negative (grade A). But even absolutely healthy parents are not a guarantee that your pet will not develop a disease.

The first preventative examination should be done at 5 months. Even if no pathologies are identified, it is better to re-examine and take an x-ray every year.

Monitor your pet's diet. The menu must be balanced. Eating more than normal will lead to obesity. And this is an additional load on the joints.

Excessive physical activity during periods of increased growth is contraindicated for a puppy. The bones are not yet strong. Do not expose your dog to additional risk.

Choose the load according to your age. A sedentary lifestyle also provokes the development of dysplasia.

If the disease has already been identified, then swimming is a good activity. All muscle groups work in water, and the pressure on the joints is reduced. It is better to walk your dog on the lawn. Sick dogs should be kept at home.