by Gloria Edmonson Nelson

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: September 29, 2009

For those unfamiliar with hip dysplasia; it means abnormal growth; consequently, hip dysplasia means abnormal development of the hip. In other words, the ball and socket of the hip do not fit properly. The femoral head (round like a ball) connects the femur to the pelvis. It is coated with a smooth cartilage to prevent friction so the bone can glide smoothly. When the ball and socket do not fit smoothly; it can result in arthritis.

Hip dysplasia can develop as early as four months and worsens as the grows older. Because there are no nerves in cartilage; hip dysplasia can start before the dog feels anything, and some do not until fully grown or elderly. There are two sets of patients affected by hip dysplasia; those six to 18 months old where arthritis has not developed yet (and there is no pain); and the elderly where pain has started; but they have been walking like this for years, where wear and tear has caused pain. They are then brought to the veterinarian for an evaluation.

If you are thinking about getting a large dog as a pet, for example, a German Shepherd, Rotweiller, the Golden Retriever, etc., you should do some homework first. Either speak with a veterinarian or collect information on the particular breed. Reason being: these are large dogs which eventually end up with hip dysplasia.

This problem can be both debilitating for the dog as well as for the owner; because you might have to make a decision to have surgical intervention, to see the dog suffering or to possibly get rid of the dog.

Dogs with normal hips have joints that fit together; however; those with moderate dysplasia have hip sockets that are loose. Severe dysplasia can result in complete loss of mobility in the hind legs.

Although this is a genetic illness, some offspring do not get dysplasia. It sometimes skips generations, but even normal dogs can breed dysplasia. Research shows that German Shepherds are twice as likely to develop dysplasia and also the above-average adult dog.

Some of the signals or "red flags" of dysplasia are: Joint pain, inflammation, pain in general, or arthritis. Some dogs will exhibit anti-social behavior, crying when touched. They prefer to sleep rather than walk, run, or play; and there are changes in eating habits. Although some dogs don't cry, their overall activity is reduced: they have difficulty getting up or down.

The leading causes of dysplasia (other than genetics) are:

Developmental malformation

Muscle laxity

Inadequate muscle tone

Malnutrition or

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