Treatment of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition in which the dog has malformed hips that can cause pain and difficulty in movement. Most breeds and mixed breeds are susceptible to developing hip dysplasia, contrary to popular belief it isn't limited to large breeds or older dogs. Luckily, there are treatments available for hip dysplasia.

What Hip Dysplasia Does

Hip dysplasia is a crippling disease in which the ball and socket of the dog's hip do not fit correctly. This malformation causes osteoarthritis over time and dogs that suffer from the disease may limp, showing stiffness and pain in the rear legs. Dogs with hip dysplasia may not be able to run and jump like normal dogs.

Identifying Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is usually diagnosed through clinical signs of pain and arthritis combined with x-rays. However, only x-rays can determine whether or not a dog has hip dysplasia if the dog shows no outward signs. Many dogs with hip dysplasia may limp, show tenderness in the hindquarters, or may bunny-hop instead of run. Still, others may show no signs at all.

Treatments Available

Hip dysplasia can sometimes be mitigated with nutraceuticals (alternative drug therapies known as disease-modifying osteoarthritis agents), and anti-inflammatories, but may need surgery.

Standard non-surgical treatment include NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs) such as carprofen (Rimadyl), deracoxib (Deramaxx) or even buffered aspirin can help with pain and inflammation. Veterinarians may recommend oral nutraceuticals such as glucosamine, Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM), or Perna canaliculus mussels or injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis agents such as Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (Adequan).

The surgical options include the Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO), Total Hip Replacement and Femoral Head and Neck Excision. The Triple Pelvic Osteotomy requires the veterinarian to break the pelvis in several places and realigning the ball and socket so they fit correctly.

The Total Hip Replacement replaces the dog's hips with an artificial one.

The Femoral Head and Neck Excision has the veterinarian remove the femoral bone's head and lets the surrounding muscle act as the bone's head. This surgery is only good for dogs who are less than 40 lbs.

Time Frame for Treatment

Non-surgical treatment can begin any time. Surgical treatment depends on the age of the dog. If the dog is younger than 10 months or does not have signs of osteoarthritis, the Triple Pelvic Osteotomy can be performed. Otherwise, you will have to opt of either a Total Hip Replacement, or if the dog is small enough, a Femoral Head and Neck Excision.

Considerations

Hip dysplasia surgery is often costly which is why pet owners often opt for less invasive and less costly treatment, especially if the dysplasia is mild. However, some dogs are in such pain that surgery is the only option.

Reference

OFA: Hip Dysplasia by Breed

OFA: Hip Dysplasia Treatment Options

PetEducation.com: Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention