by Tina Brewster

Created on: September 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health describes hip dysplasia as "an abnormal development of the hip join in large dogs. It is characterized by a loose joint and subsequent degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)." (p.184) Large breeds such as Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards are very prone to having this problem.

Hip dysplasia can be caused by exercise are hard surfaces, bad nutrition, excessive growth but hereditary factors are usually the most common cause. Only one of the dog's parents would have to have hip dysplasia or carry the gene for hip dysplasia for a dog to inherit the problem. Signs of hip dysplasia can be seen in young dogs 5 to 13 months old and in older dogs. Middle age dogs can develop the disorder but a dog that has inherited the genetic problem will usually start showing signs as a young puppy or as an older dog.

The first thing that might tip off a dog owner that their dog may be showing signs of hip dysplasia is if the dog's gait changes. A slow or painful gait is definitely something to be concerned with, especially if the dog has not had any injuries that would cause its gait to change. Stiffness is another common sign but an owner may not notice this unless the dog howls or whines when stretching. The dog may stop wanting to do certain activities like going for a walk or climbing stairs.

If the hip dysplasia is not treated the problem will become worse. The dog may develop a bunny hop and/or a hobble when it tries to walk. The owner will start to notice grating noises when the dog stretches or is walking. This is a very painful problem for dogs. Dog owners should should get their dog in for testing as soon as they first start noticing signs of hip dysplasia. The owners should start treatment as soon as possible if hip dysplasia is the diagnosis of the dog's problem. Early treatment can help keep hip dysplasia from getting worse and help the dog live a better life.

Diagnosis of hip dysplasia is typically determined with the vet checking the dog for clinical signs of arthritis and pain, taking x-rays and giving the dog a complete physical exam. If the dog owner is a breeder they will want to have further Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) testing done to determine how severe the hip dysplasia will become. These tests are more accurate after the dog is 24 months and older. Since hip dysplasia is a primarily hereditary disorder, a breeder may not want to breed a dog who has hip dysplasia or that is carrying the genes for hip dysplasia.

Once the dog is diagnosed the vet will determine the necessary treatment which could include a better diet for the dog (especially if the dog is overweight), exercise, warm bedding to help ease the joint pain, massage therapy, vitamin supplements and possibly surgery. The most important thing for the owner to do is to provide the best care they can for their dog so the dog will live a happy and comfortable life.

Kahn, Cynthia M, BA. MA & Scott Line, DVM, PhD, Dipl ACVB (Eds), (2007),

TheMerch/Merial Manual for Pet Heath, Whitehouse Station, NJ, Merck&Co.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5370726_early-signs-hip-dy splasia-dogs.html

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1569&aid=444

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