Hip Dysplasia

Orthopedic Surgery

Hip Dysplasia

CLINICAL SIGNS (SYMPTOMS)

The incongruency between muscular support and the rapid rate of skeletal growth means that if the muscles of the hind limbs fail to develop and reach functional maturity at the same rate as the bones, joint instability may result. This eventually leads to degenerative arthritis. This theory is supported by the fact that Greyhounds, with tremendous muscular support for a fine, bony skeleton, rarely have hip dysplasia.Canine hip dysplasia is characterized by varying degrees of hip joint laxity (looseness of the hip joint), subluxation (partial dislocation), and ultimately, severe arthritic change. Clinically, the symptoms range from having no clinical signs in some affected dogs to a crippling disease in others. In addition, the severity of the clinical signs does not necessarily correlate with the degree of radiographic (x-ray) or pathologic change seen. Breed and individual differences in temperament may also affect the amount of discomfort an individual exhibits.

Young dogs often show sudden onset of unilateral disease (occasional bilateral), characterized by sudden resuction in activity associated with marked soreness of the hindlimbs. They will show sudden signs of difficulty in arising with decreased willingness to walk, run, jump, and climb stairs. The muscles of the thighs are often poorly developed. The dog may exhibit a "bunny hopping" gait of the hindlimbs when running. Some pet owners are able to detect a palpable or audible click or popping when the dog arises from a sitting or laying position

Older dogs suffer from chronic degeneratvie joint disease (arthritis) and its associated pain. Pain and lameness may be unilateral but is most often bilateral. The symptoms may be exacerbated by strenuous or brisk activity which can stretch or tear the soft tissues of the abnormal joints. Lameness after after prolonged activity or heavy exercise, a waddling gait and restricted range of motion of the hip joints is common. Some pet owners are able to detect a palpable "grating" or "grinding" of the arthritic hips when put through a range of motion.

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