Hip dysplasia, better known as HD, is a very common skeletal disorder in dogs. It is a hereditary malformation of the hip joint that occurs primarily in large breeds and affects up to half of all dogs of a breed.
The heritability of the disease ranges from 20 to 40% depending on the breed, which has long prompted many breeding associations to require special tests for HD freedom for breeding approval in order to reduce the incidence of the disease. However, in addition to the hereditary component, many other factors also play a role in the development of hip joint dysplasia. Poor nutrition and excessive strain on the musculoskeletal system during the dog's growth phase can have a contributing effect on the disease.
Affected dogs usually first show signs of sudden lameness, reduced activity, or difficulty getting up. If the disease is not diagnosed during puppyhood, the strengthening of connective tissue, tendons, and muscles may lead to a temporary improvement in symptoms. However, the instability of the hip joints remains and, as the disease progresses, leads to the development of osteoarthritis, which causes the dog pain again in adulthood. In the advanced stages of hip osteoarthritis, the dog suffers from severe movement restrictions, pain, lameness, and muscle wasting in the hindquarters.
Based on the preliminary report and a thorough orthopedic examination, the veterinarian can already obtain clear indications of the presence of hip joint dysplasia. Various passive mobility tests allow them to determine whether the hip joint is painful, unstable or restricted in movement. However, HD can only be confirmed with certainty by means of an X-ray examination. In order to determine the exact degree of dysplasia, the dog must be fully grown, as the hip joint only completes its development once bone growth has stopped.
The X-rays required by the various breeding associations may therefore only be taken from a certain minimum age and only after special positioning and exposure criteria have been met. Furthermore, the dog must be anesthetized for the official X-rays to be taken. If the images are only needed to clarify lameness, this is not mandatory, but it is often necessary and useful in order to obtain X-ray images that can be evaluated.
There are various treatment options available depending on the severity of the dysplasia. It is important to contact your veterinarian immediately when the first symptoms appear in order to obtain an early diagnosis and slow down the progression of the disease. Treatment includes painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in combination with physiotherapy.
Depending on the severity of the dysplasia, there are various options for surgical treatment of HD. One method used in young dogs is surgical realignment of the joint socket to better accommodate the femoral head. In older dogs, similar to humans, a completely artificial hip joint can be inserted (TEP = total endoprosthesis, joint replacement). Although this procedure is very expensive, it usually results in lifelong freedom from symptoms. Another method is the surgical removal of the joint head of the thigh bone without the use of a prosthesis. Following this operation, the connective tissue forms a new connection between the hip and the thigh bone, which is not the same as a joint connection and has significant functional limitations, but still offers the dog an adequate quality of life.
The prognosis for HD varies greatly. With mild HD, appropriate treatment can be very successful. In severe cases of HD, the prognosis for a complete cure is poor. The main focus here is on relieving the dog's pain and enabling it to live a reasonably comfortable life.
Through the preventive examinations mentioned above, which are prescribed by the various breeding associations, breeders are already making a major contribution to reducing the spread of the disease. However, since nutrition also has a major influence on the development of HD, an individually tailored nutritional plan (with a balanced energy and protein content) can help prevent joint problems, especially during the growth phase.
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