Hip Dysplasia

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Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

Canine hip dysplasia (means “abnormal in form”) is a developmental orthopaedic 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).

The main feature of hip dysplasia is joint laxity, and occasionally luxation. Despite affected dogs being genetically predisposed, the severity of the disease may be modified by diet, prescribed exercise, exercise restriction, and neutering. 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 affects young dogs (4-12 months), but it can pass relatively unnoticed, until the dog is showing signs of osteoarthritis at a later stage.

Canine dysplasia can be identified in most dog breeds but may have a much higher incidence in some breeds, especially German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Mastiffs and Saint Bernard's. It can also be seen in smaller breeds such as Spaniels.

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

Grade II

Grade III

Grade IV

Grade V

Grade VI

Grade VII

Grade VIII

Grade IX

back

excellent conformation

normal conformation for age and breed

less than ideal but within normal radiographic limits

near normal with minor hip joint abnormalities

borderline minimal dysplastic changes

grade I hip dysplasia, 25% subluxation

grade II hip dysplasia, 50% subluxation

grade III hip dysplasia, 75% subluxation

grade IV hip dysplasia with femoral head luxation