Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common disease that occurs in dogs. large breeds. The fate of the animal depends on the quality and timeliness of treatment. If the problem is left unattended, the dog's life will be in danger. Only a qualified doctor can recognize dysplasia, who will subsequently develop an adequate therapeutic regimen and adjust lifestyle and diet.

Description and causes of the disease

The development of the disease is caused by improper selection of vitamins C and D, calcium, phosphorus, and excess weight

Dysplasia is a condition in which there is destruction of the joint. If long time If there is no treatment, the functioning of the entire musculoskeletal system is disrupted.

There are 5 main types of disease:

• 1 - characterized by the absence of symptoms and joint dysfunction;
• 2 - borderline state between the norm and the beginning of the development of dysplasia;
• 3 - the animal experiences periodic dislocations;
• 4 and 5 - characterized by a serious condition of the animal with disruption of the hip joints and the entire musculoskeletal system.

The disease most often occurs in large and giant breed dogs. Dysplasia is common in urban environments, since dogs living in apartments cannot behave active life. Shepherds, Great Danes, Alabais, St. Bernards, and Bullmastiffs are at risk).

Reasons for the development of pathology:

• genetic predisposition;
• improper diet;
• elevated physical activity(especially in childhood up to 1.5 years);
• sedentary lifestyle;
• leg injuries.

Clinical manifestations and diagnosis

Hip dysplasia in dogs has various symptoms. They begin to appear as early as six months of age. Clinical manifestations depend on the breed and lifestyle of the animal. Dogs' bones are formed by 12 months, so it is difficult to talk about the condition of the hip joints before this age.

It happens that in young dogs clinical manifestations of dysplasia are a temporary phenomenon. When the joints and muscles become stronger, the puppy gains sufficient body weight, and all manifestations of the disease disappear. If you suspect a joint disease, you should consult a doctor, as timely treatment will improve the dog’s health.

Manifestations of the disease:

• swaying from side to side when walking;
• inability to go up or down stairs;
• presence of lameness;
• fatigue;
• pushing off with both hind limbs simultaneously when running;
• unnatural eversion of the paws when lying down;
• the presence of swelling of the joints;
• narrowing of the pelvis and expansion of the anterior part of the body.

When visiting a veterinary clinic, the doctor will conduct an examination and perform a diagnostic test. It will reveal the presence of creaks, clicks, friction, and pain.

If upon examination the veterinarian suspects a diagnosis, diagnosis is made using x-rays. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, since the dog must be completely immobilized to obtain accurate results. Afterwards, the doctor evaluates the image, takes measurements of the angles and compares them with the indicators in a special table.

When the doctor cannot diagnose accurate diagnosis, is carried out additional examination- arthroscopy. A device is inserted into the joint through a puncture, allowing a detailed examination of the problem.

Every breeder should know the risks of hip dysplasia in dogs. If treatment is not carried out after diagnosis, the disease progresses rapidly. Over time, the animal loses the ability to independent movement.

Treatment

Changing the dosage or duration of treatment is prohibited as this may harm the dog.

Therapy is carried out conservatively or surgically. If the joints are not severely damaged, it is enough to adjust the dog’s lifestyle and diet.

Hip dysplasia in dogs includes treatment with the following medications:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antispasmodics;
• chondroprotectors.

Additionally, balanced feeds and vitamin and mineral complexes are prescribed. The dosage and course of treatment is calculated for each animal individually.

IN complex treatment include physiotherapy:

• ozokerite;
• paraffin applications;
• magnetic therapy;
• laser treatment;
• massage.

On early stages the doctor will prescribe homeopathic remedies that activate internal forces body and improve the general condition of the dog.

Conservative treatment is effective only if detected early. Medicines are not able to restore a damaged joint. This therapy is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the animal’s quality of life.

Surgical intervention

Surgeries for hip dysplasia in dogs are prescribed when in serious condition and the threat of immobilization. During surgical intervention the head of the hip joint is corrected. The method of operation is selected depending on the degree of damage.

The doctor makes a choice in favor of one of 3 types of operations:

1. Triple osteotomy- installation of a special plate that holds the joint in its natural position. It is carried out only after the puppy reaches 18 months, when the formation of the skeleton ends. The presence of arthritis in a dog is considered a contraindication to this species treatment.
2. Replacement of your own joint with a prosthesis, which is individually made from titanium. If the treatment is carried out successfully, the prosthesis will take root and the animal will return to a normal lifestyle.
3. Femoral head excision- a complex procedure that requires a long recovery period. After rehabilitation, the dog can lead an active lifestyle.

Surgical treatment is considered complex and dangerous method. Before the appointment, the doctor calculates everything possible risks, conducts a complete examination of the dog.

Prevention and prognosis

If the animal is prone to dysplasia, it is necessary to give food with glucosamine and chondroitin

To exclude the genetic factor of dysplasia, the owner needs to see the documents of the puppy’s parents, where it will be noted that they do not suffer joint diseases. The puppy should then be taken to the vet at 5, 12 and 18 months of age. If necessary, an x-ray is taken to confirm the absence or presence of changes in the joint tissues.

Prevention of hip dysplasia in dogs includes:

• balanced diet;
• proper physical activity;
• Regular examination by a veterinarian.

The dog must be taken outside regularly, as a confined space leads to obesity, pathologies of the joints and other body systems. Once a year, the animal needs to be given a course of vitamin and mineral complexes.

Every owner who has a large breed dog is interested in the question of how long dogs with hip dysplasia live. There is no exact answer to this, since it all depends on individual characteristics animal and its way of life.

Hip dysplasia is a common disease that affects mainly large breeds of dogs and very rarely small ones. With timely detection of pathology and proper treatment, the dog’s life is not in danger. If clinical manifestations are ignored, do not take the animal to the preventive examinations, the disease will progress, leading to complete immobilization and death.

Hip dysplasia is a disorder in the development of the hip joint, which leads to increased weakness and mobility (head femur comes out of the acetabulum), which subsequently leads to the development of arthrosis and destruction of the joint. This pathology is heritable. All animals are born with normal joints, but later the ligaments and capsule that fix the hip joint are relaxed, the “hinge” becomes loose, which leads to damage to the head of the femur itself, the supporting part of the acetabulum, destabilizing the joint even more. In most cases, dysplasia in animals develops on both sides, affecting both joints.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF HIP DYSPLASIA IN DOGS?

Hip dysplasia is an inherited pathology, but its development can be largely influenced by external factors: improper unbalanced feeding (), overfeeding the puppy, when excess body weight significantly increases the load on the joints, and the rapid growth of bones does not allow them to be sufficiently strengthened. Also, the risk of developing dysplasia increases if, in early puppyhood, you begin to give the puppy large and sudden stressful physical activities: agility, Frisbee, fetching, jumping from heights, which leads to microtrauma of the joints and disruption of their development.

Since we cannot differentiate what caused dysplasia, all dysplasia is considered hereditary, and animals must be excluded from reproduction.

HOW CAN YOU SUSPECT THAT A DOG IS DEVELOPING DYSPLASIA?

Hip dysplasia is the most common orthopedic pathology in dogs. It usually affects fast-growing dogs of large and giant breeds, but it also occurs in medium-sized and small dogs and even cats. Most often, hip dysplasia manifests itself between six and twelve months with varying degrees of lameness, refusal to take long walks, and difficulty getting up, especially after active exercise.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A DYSPLASIC JOINT?

Initially, pain appears due to overload of individual areas of the joint with the formation of microcracks in the articular cartilage and bone, erosion of the cartilage, abrasion of the articular surfaces, which leads to complete inflammation of the entire joint (osteoarthritis).

HOW TO DIAGNOSIS HIP DYSPLASIA IN A DOG.

First of all, you should evaluate clinical signs dysplasia, usually developing during puppyhood and progressing later in life if the dysplasia is not treated.

You may suspect hip pathology in your dog if you have:

• Lameness on the hind leg, up to the dog’s complete refusal to lean on the limb. After rest, the lameness is greater, and then the dog “saunters”;
• Exercise intolerance in a dog or puppy, which is often mistaken for personality traits or heart pathology;
• The dog has difficulty getting up or lying down, cannot sit normally;
• The dog has difficulty climbing stairs and cannot jump out or jump into a car;
• The dog has an abnormal gait. It is often described as: the dog wagging its hindquarters or placing its leg abnormally while walking;
• Lameness on both hind legs may remain unnoticed for a long time;
• The dog does not allow itself to be touched by the croup, bares its teeth and snarls;
• Severe pain is not always characteristic of hip dysplasia in dogs; they adapt extremely well to chronic pain.

If any of these signs appear, you should contact a veterinarian.

At the appointment, the mobility of the hip joint, the preservation of full amplitude of the limb, and the presence of possible pain in the joints are checked. There are specific tests that determine the pathological mobility of the hip joint - the “artolani” test, which is usually performed under light sedation to relax the muscles so that the animal does not resist. During this test, the weight bearing load on the dog's hip joint is simulated. In the presence of pathological mobility and weakness of the joint, the head of the femur is subluxated from the joint and, when the limb is abducted to the side, with a characteristic click it falls back into the acetabulum, and the test is considered positive. This test does not cause any harm to the joint, and the subluxation formed during the test occurs in the animal in the phase of beginning support during walking, which injures the joint.

The final diagnosis is made radiologically.

Informative photographs are carried out ONLY under sedation for complete muscle relaxation and comfort of the animal. During sedation, a maintenance drip is placed, and a team of experienced doctors monitors the general condition of the animal.

There are several techniques worldwide for assessing the canine hip joint for osteoarthritis (OA) due to dysplasia. Arthrosis changes in the joint are mainly assessed, the presence inflammatory changes bone and percentage of femoral head coverage. The most common projection (the position in which the dog lies during the photograph) is “lying on its back with legs extended back.” In this position, there is torsion of the hip joint capsule, which leads to depression of the femoral head into the acetabulum and erroneously covers more of the femoral head with the roof of the acetabulum. Typically, this projection is used to evaluate OA, joint destruction due to dysplasia.

In our clinic we use integrated approach to assess the condition of the hip joint in dogs. Images are taken only under sedation to ensure complete relaxation of the muscles (active stabilizers of the joints) and comfort of the animal. Three photographs are taken: lying on your back with legs extended for assessment general condition joint and the presence of joint OA, a compression view, during which the femoral head is pressed into the acetabulum, is used to measure the depth of the acetabulum and assess the congruence of the articular surfaces (whether they fit together in shape or have already changed). The third projection is distraction. Using a special distractor, the level of passive exit of the femoral head from the acetabulum is measured. The distraction index DI is determined. The greater the DI, the greater the passive weakness and the greater the likelihood and rate of development of hip OA in dogs due to dysplasia. It is the distraction index DI of the hip joint that is heritable and determining in the development of osteoarthritis (dysplasia) of the hip joint in dogs, and it is this that must be taken into account when choosing dogs for breeding so that subsequent generations of puppies do not have hip dysplasia.

The distraction index can be measured from four months and remains the same throughout life. Thus, by examining the hip joint of a puppy, we can predict with sufficient accuracy future fate his hip joint, recommend therapy or surgery to save his joints, so that in adulthood the dog can walk without limping, without hip dysplasia. You can immediately figure out which puppies are the best for breeding in relation to the condition of the hip joints (distraction index, hereditary characteristic, and the smaller it is, the better the hip joint), and for which puppies we can therapeutically or by performing a mini-operation save the joints from destruction, so that in adulthood age, the dogs walked without limping. The latter will have a poor gene pool for breeding regarding hip dysplasia, but they can make excellent companions for someone.

COMPARISON OF INFORMATION CONTENT CONCERNING THE STATE OF THE HJ joint of the CONVENTIONAL PROJECTION AND DISTRACTION.

In the first “supine position with legs extended” image, usually used to evaluate hip dysplasia in dogs, there are no signs of arthrosis of the joint, that is, there is no dysplasia.

The image with a distraction projection of the same animal shows that the heads of the femur almost completely protrude from the acetabulum, which indicates significant pathological mobility of the hip joint in the dog. This determines a significant risk of developing hip dysplasia in a given individual over several years.

In adult dogs, signs of osteoarthritis of the hip joint may be absent or mild, even in the presence of a large distraction index, if the owners handled the puppy correctly. Thus, such a dog will have a large heritable distraction index, which is directly proportional to the likelihood of developing dysplasia, but with a conventional x-ray examination it will be assessed as an animal with no dysplasia, a good gene pool and allowed for breeding, although a large distraction index will be passed on to the puppies, a higher probability development of osteoarthritis of the hip joint, and enormous efforts will be required to prevent the destruction of the hip joints in puppies. In the selection of parental individuals, individuals with the lowest distraction index, which is heritable, should be selected, and not those with no signs of hip dysplasia, which is largely influenced by the environment, feeding, maintenance, and to a small extent heritability is observed.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HIP DYSPLASIA

Hip dysplasia develops over the course of a year and this diagnosis cannot be made earlier. Dysplasia begins to develop in puppyhood, and the first signs can be detected radiographically as early as three months. From four months, there are patented approved methods for determining excessive pathological mobility of the hip joint, which will subsequently affect the development of osteoarthritis of the joint (its destruction). From one year in Europe and from two years in America, hip joints are assessed for signs of osteoarthritis (joint destruction) as a fact, and with a positive diagnosis, nothing can be done about it.

My puppy's parents did not have problems with joints and my puppy will not have dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is multi-inherited - that is, there are many genes that are responsible for the development of the hip joint, and it may be that your puppy gets the worst of both parents. In addition, even genetically ideal joints can be destroyed by improper feeding and maintenance of the puppy; and joints that are genetically predisposed to rapid destruction due to excessive mobility (large distraction index) can be saved from osteoarthritis with appropriate maintenance and feeding; also, at a young age, it is possible to perform minimally invasive surgeries aimed at increasing joint stability.

It is necessary to give more calcium and vitamin D so that joint problems do not develop. The most common misconception is that the more calcium, the more stronger than bones. With the correct and harmonious growth of bones in a young animal, processes of resorption and growth of a new matrix constantly occur in them, and these processes are in a fragile balance, which is disrupted by excessive intake of calcium and vitamin D with feeding. You can read in more detail about the effect of deficiency and excess of dietary components on the development of orthopedic problems in dogs in the article.

HOW TO TREAT HIP DYSPLASIA IN DOGS?

The sooner we determine developing pathology, the more effective the treatment will be. All orthopedic pathology begins before the age of one year and then continues to develop with age throughout life. Most effective treatment is carried out for up to a year, which can stop the development of osteoarthritis (dysplasia) of the hip joint in dogs with age.

Feeding a young, developing puppy is extremely important and we recommend commercially prepared diets for dogs of the appropriate age and size. When feeding prepared diets, additional vitamins and minerals cannot be given. The puppy should not be overfed, as overweight- this is an extra burden on developing, growing soft bones and joints. Super-stressful loads on joints and bones should be avoided: jumping from high barriers and others.

Most effective methods preventing the destruction of the hip joint due to its pathological weakness with a certain guarantee of the result are operations performed at the right time. All operations involve rotating the acetabulum to provide greater coverage of the femoral head with the roof of the acetabulum, which prevents destruction of the joint. It should be understood that when the joint is already destroyed, there is nothing left to save there, and the dog can only be helped by excisional arthroplasty (removal of the head and neck of the femur) or joint replacement.

At four months, a routine orthopedic examination can be carried out with measurement of the distraction index of the hip joint in a puppy, and in the case of a large DI and a high probability of developing osteoarthritis (dysplasia) of the hip joint, a mini-operation can be performed - “juvenile pubic symphysiodesis”. This operation takes about 10 minutes, is performed through a two-centimeter skin incision and consists of closing the growth zone at the pubic symphysis, which, as the animal grows, leads to greater coverage of the head of the femoral joint, greater stability and, as a result, prevention of the development of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs. Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis is carried out up to five months, but the closer to it, the less the puppy’s growth potential, the less effective the technique. This operation The puppy is well tolerated, he walks immediately, there may be a slight stiffness in his gait, but this quickly passes. Juvenile symphysiodesis prevents the development of hip dysplasia by ninety percent.

EXAMPLE OF EXAMINATION FOR THE PROBABILITY OF DEVELOPING OSTEOARTHROSIS AT 4 MONTHS.

Labrador puppy 4 months old. Already in the projection “lying on the back with outstretched legs” one can see insufficient coverage of the femoral heads by the roof of the acetabulum.

The “distraction projection” image shows a significant protrusion of the head of the femur from the acetabulum, which indicates a significant likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in the coming years of the animal’s life.

From five to seven months, a “double pelvic osteotomy” is performed. This operation consists of making two cuts on the bones of the dog's pelvis, ensuring mobility of the acetabulum, which is rotated to a certain degree to ensure sufficient coverage of the head of the femur and is fixed to a plate. The operation is quite difficult to perform. After this, there is a strict restriction of the animal’s mobility for two months so that all the cuts grow together well in the new position. Compared to a “triple pelvic osteotomy,” the recovery is much faster, and the dog begins to lean on his leg already on the seventh day.

From eight to eleven months, a “triple pelvic osteotomy” is performed - this is practically the same as a “double pelvic osteotomy”, with the only difference that not two, but three cuts are made to the pelvic bones to ensure mobility of the acetabulum with its subsequent fixation onto the plate in a new position. This is a difficult operation for the surgeon, the animal and its owner, but it produces results and prevents joint destruction in an adult animal.

After a year, there are no surgeries to save the hip joint, and therapy is multimodal, aimed at reducing the rate of development of osteoarthritis of the joints, and consists of weight control and physical therapy, and some drug support.

All diagnostics and all operations are performed by experienced specialists at our clinic; we do not lose touch with our patients and their owners and are always ready to help in the postoperative period.

Swipe early diagnosis check your puppy for the possibility of developing hip dysplasia, provide him and yourself with a quality life in the future.

Dysplasia in animals is an inherited disease of the musculoskeletal system, which is manifested by a violation of the correspondence between articular surfaces, resulting in dislocation or arthrosis. Most often, damage to the hip joint is observed, since it bears the main load. Less commonly, animals have dysplasia of the elbow joint.

Reasons for the development of pathology:

• Hereditary predisposition. In 85% of cases, a vicious gene in a breeding dog is passed on to its offspring.
• Incompetently designed exercise regimen for young pets. Dog breeders overload the immature body under the age of one and a half years with excessive physical activity. As a result skeletal tissue does not keep pace with the development of the muscle corset, which leads to a violation of the congruence of the articular surface. Most often detected in bullmastiffs, Great Danes, and St. Bernards.
• Physical inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle and constant keeping of a dog in an enclosure leads to the fact that the structure of the connective tissue undergoes changes, which negatively affects the health of the joints. Excess weight puts additional stress on support apparatus.
• Errors in nutrition. Deficiency in the diet of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, essential amino acids leads to disruption of mineral metabolism in bones and connective tissue, which provokes joint damage. Excess phosphorus in the diet often leads to pathology of the musculoskeletal system.
• Injuries. Often it is mechanical damage to the hip, elbow joint is a trigger for disruption of the physiological correspondence between articular surfaces. Sprains while running, unsuccessful jumps, walking on ice and slippery floors indoors, injuries from collisions vehicle can lead to dysplasia.

The disease most often affects working breeds of dogs.: German and East European shepherds, retrievers, Labradors, bulldogs. Molossian breed lines - bullmastiffs, St. Bernards, Great Danes are also susceptible to polygenically inherited diseases.

The first changes in the functioning of the pet’s musculoskeletal system appear no earlier than 4 months of age. In a puppy, pathology in the hip or elbow joint can only be detected by testing.

The severity of symptoms of hip dysplasia in a dog and the choice of technique treatment largely depends on the stage pathological process. According to the accepted classification, disorders in the hip joint can be of 5 degrees, and disorders of the elbow - 4.

Manifestations of the disease:

• Lameness of the supporting limb. Impairment of the supporting ability of the joint develops gradually; the first manifestations in puppies are not easy to notice.
• A sick dog often lies on its side. It is almost impossible to see a dog lying on its stomach.
• When forced to run, the drift is noticeable hind limbs, which is reminiscent of a rabbit race.
• A careful examination can reveal pronounced atrophy of the thigh muscle tissue.

Hind limb weakness due to hip dysplasia

Absence necessary treatment over time leads to a complete loss of motor activity of the four-legged family member.

An external examination of the configuration of the diseased joint, assessment of gait and identification of features of the position of the limbs help the veterinarian suspect dysplasia. Upon palpation, which is usually carried out under anesthesia of the animal, muscular dystrophy is detected. When abducting the limbs, the specialist will identify hip dislocation, deformation and displacement of the acetabulum.

The main method for diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders is radiographic examination. In addition to confirming the dislocation, the specialist will detect dysplastic changes in the acetabulum, displacement of the femoral head, the level of joint asymmetry, and its effect on the function of the animal’s spinal cord. They do it in 2 projections.

Hip dysplasia

First, the animal is placed on the ridge, and the hind limbs are extended parallel to each other. Then the examination is carried out in the supine position. The limbs are bent at the knee joints and brought to the body. The animal is first anesthetized and immobilized.

In veterinary practice, there are 2 approaches to the treatment of pathology - conservative and surgical. In case of minor dysplastic changes in the joint, the animal may be prescribed medications.

Treatment usually includes the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Phenylbutazone and Rimadyl. Corticosteroid drugs, for example, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, effectively reduce swelling, pain and inflammation.

The use of chondroprotectors helps reduce atrophic processes in the connective tissue of joints. In this case, the best therapeutic effect is achieved with the introduction medicinal substances directly into the diseased joint.

Chondroprotectors

It plays an important role in alleviating the pet’s condition. complete diet and the use of vitamin and mineral supplements, immunomodulators. Special regularly performed exercises help reduce the degree of dysplasia.

With little effect from the applied conservative therapy, and also in case of serious changes in the joint, a surgical solution to the problem is often recommended:

• young individuals most often undergo pectineus muscle myectomy;
• if the pet’s weight does not exceed 15 kg, it can undergo resection arthroplasty with removal of the femoral head; the limb is fixed using a ligament;
• if the dog is young, then a pelvic osteotomy may be suggested - a complex surgical procedure during which plastic surgery is used to strengthen the cut bone;
• in some cases, the surgeon resorts to acetabular osteotomy;
• V specialized clinic a sick dog can be complete replacement joint using high-tech prostheses.

Basic prevention of musculoskeletal disorders:

• carrying out regular monitoring and culling of sick individuals from breeding;
• competent care and proper feeding of animals;
• injury prevention.

Read more in our article on dysplasia in dogs.

Read in this article

Causes of hip and elbow dysplasia

Joint dysplasia in animals is an inherited disease of the musculoskeletal system, which is manifested by a violation of the correspondence between the articular surfaces, resulting in the development of dislocation or arthrosis in the joint. In veterinary practice, damage to the hip joint is most often observed, since it bears the main load. Less commonly, animals have dysplasia of the elbow joint.

Among the reasons that provoke the development of pathology of the musculoskeletal system in dogs are: experienced dog breeders And veterinarians note the following:

• • Hereditary predisposition. In 85% of cases where joint dysplasia is detected in a stud dog, the vicious gene is passed on to the offspring.
  • Incompetently designed exercise regimen for young pets. Many inexperienced dog breeders overload the immature body under the age of one and a half years with excessive physical activity. Due to the puppy's hyperactivity, owners cannot always correctly dose motor activity.

This leads to the fact that the skeletal tissue does not keep pace with the development of the muscular corset, which leads to a violation of the congruence of the articular surface. Most often, owners of large breeds – bullmastiffs, Great Danes, and St. Bernards – face this problem.

• • However, according to veterinary experts, hip dysplasia in four-legged friends is caused not only by unbalanced physical activity, but also physical inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle and constant keeping of a dog in an enclosure leads to the fact that the structure of the connective tissue undergoes changes, which negatively affects the health of the joints.

Excessive weight of a pet puts additional stress on the supporting apparatus, which provokes dysplasia.

• • Errors in nutrition– one of the main reasons for the development of pathology in dogs of all breeds. As a rule, the disease is caused by imbalance nutrients in puppyhood, when the growing body consumes protein components, vitamins and minerals in an enhanced manner.

A deficiency in the diet of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and essential amino acids leads to disruption of mineral metabolism in bones and connective tissue, which provokes joint damage. Excess phosphorus in the diet often leads to pathology of the musculoskeletal system.

• Injuries. Often, it is mechanical damage to the hip or elbow joint that is the trigger for disruption of the physiological correspondence between the articular surfaces. Sprains while running, unsuccessful jumps, walking on ice and slippery floors indoors, and injuries from being hit by a vehicle can lead to the development of dysplasia.

The disease most often affects working breeds of dogs. Veterinary experts note that German and East European shepherds, retrievers, Labradors, and bulldogs are primarily susceptible to the disease. Molossian breed lines - bullmastiffs, St. Bernards, Great Danes are also susceptible to polygenically inherited diseases.

Symptoms of pathology in dogs

The owner can notice the first changes in the functioning of the pet’s musculoskeletal system no earlier than 4 months of age. In a puppy, pathology in the hip or elbow joint can only be detected through an x-ray examination.

The severity of symptoms of hip dysplasia in a dog and the choice of treatment method largely depends on the stage of the pathological process. According to the accepted classification, disorders in the hip joint can be of 5 degrees, and disorders of the elbow - 4.

Symptoms can be detected by the owner already in the phase mild degree disease (classification stage C). In phases D and E, with pathology within acceptable limits and with a significant degree of joint destruction, the clinic becomes obvious.

• Lameness of the supporting limb. Impairment of the supporting ability of the joint develops gradually, so the owner may not immediately notice the symptom or not attach any importance to it, deciding that the dog landed poorly after a jump.
• Decline physical activity. The dog avoids games, exercises, jumping, and is reluctant to run. During a long walk, the animal often stops and refuses to go further.

• A sick dog often lies on its side. It is almost impossible to see a dog lying on its stomach with this pathology.
• When walking, a sick individual experiences wobbling of the hindquarters. The gait is uncertain.
• After sleep and rest, it is difficult for the dog to get up.
• When forced to run, the owner can observe the rear limbs moving out, which is reminiscent of a rabbit run.
• If serious changes develop in the structure of the joint, the animal stops jumping and has difficulty climbing stairs.

• The whole body of the sick dog begins to look inharmonious due to progressive atrophic phenomena in the hip area, the sternum becomes more powerful.
• Upon careful examination, the owner may detect severe atrophy of the thigh muscle tissue.

The lack of necessary treatment over time leads to a complete loss of motor activity of the four-legged family member.

Watch this video about the causes and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs:

Diagnosis of the condition

An external examination of the configuration of the diseased joint, assessment of gait and identification of features of the position of the limbs help the veterinarian to suspect the phenomenon of dysplasia. Upon palpation, which is usually carried out under anesthesia of the animal, muscular dystrophy is detected. When abducting the limbs veterinary specialist will reveal hip dislocation, deformation and displacement of the acetabulum.

The main method for diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders in veterinary medicine is radiographic examination. In addition to confirming the dislocation, the specialist will also detect dysplastic changes in the acetabulum and displacement of the femoral head. The method allows us to identify the level of joint asymmetry and identify its effect on the function of the animal’s spinal cord.

Severe hip dysplasia in a dog

An X-ray is required in 2 projections. First, the animal is placed on the ridge, and the hind limbs are extended parallel to each other. Then the examination is carried out in the supine position. The limbs are bent at the knee joints and brought to the body. The animal is first anesthetized and immobilized.

The reliability of the results obtained and the choice of treatment method for joint dysplasia in dogs depends on how still the dog remains during the manipulation. According to analysis x-rays the specialist makes a conclusion about the stage of the pathological process.

Treatment of joint dysplasia in dogs

In veterinary practice, there are two approaches to the treatment of pathology - conservative and surgical. In case of minor dysplastic changes in the joint, the animal may be prescribed medications. In this case, treatment of elbow dysplasia in dogs usually includes the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

For this purpose, veterinarians use Phenylbutazone and Rimadyl. Corticosteroid drugs, for example, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, effectively reduce swelling, pain and inflammation.

Of no small importance to alleviate the pet’s condition is a nutritious diet and the use of vitamin and mineral supplements and immunomodulators. Many veterinary specialists rightly believe that special regularly performed exercises help reduce the degree of dysplasia.

If the effect of conservative therapy is insignificant, as well as with serious changes in the joint, the owner is often recommended to surgically solve the problem. At the same time, in surgical practice, there are several types of surgery as a treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs.

Special corset for dogs with hip dysplasia

Young individuals most often undergo pectineus muscle myectomy. If the pet's weight does not exceed 15 kg, it can undergo resection arthroplasty. During the operation, the femoral head is removed. Fixation of the limb occurs due to the ligament. Large breeds do not undergo this operation.

If the dog is young, a pelvic osteotomy may be suggested. This is a complex surgical procedure in which plastic surgery is used to strengthen the cut bone. In some cases, the surgeon resorts to acetabular osteotomy. In a specialized clinic, a sick dog can undergo a complete joint replacement using high-tech prostheses.

We recommend reading about what to do if a dog’s paw is broken. From the article you will learn about the causes of injuries, types of fractures, symptoms of a fracture of the front and rear paws, first aid, and surgical treatment.

Read more about how to care for a dog after a fracture.

Joint dysplasia in dogs is a common pathology, especially in working breeds. IN advanced case the disease can result in the animal losing the ability to move independently. The main method of identifying the disease is an X-ray examination of the joint in 2 projections.

Treatment may be conservative. If there is a significant dysplastic change, the veterinarian recommends one or another method of operatively solving the problem.

Useful video

Watch this video about the diagnosis and treatment of joint dysplasia in dogs:

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a pathology of the musculoskeletal system, which is characterized by underdevelopment of the acetabulum of the hip joint. Large breeds of dogs are especially susceptible to the disease. The disease is dangerous because it provokes partial and sometimes complete destruction joints and cartilaginous tissues, threatens the loss of motor functions. Diagnosis and timely treatment of dysplasia will help stop degenerative processes in the animal's body.

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What is hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a defect in the development of the joint in the socket area. The disease was originally called subluxation of the articular head due to the increase in the gap between the socket and the head of the bone (it is not adjacent to the joint, which leads to friction and wear of the head). As a result, compaction and deformation of the joint occurs.

Causes and risk group

Most often, dysplasia is diagnosed in German shepherds, retrievers, Great Danes, bullmastiffs and St. Bernards.

The main causes of THD:

• heredity;
• overfeeding, unbalanced nutrition (lack of phosphorus, calcium in the diet, excess protein leads to the development of the disease);
• excessive physical activity (pets under 18 months of age are prohibited from heavy exercise, especially large and heavy breeds);
• lack of movement (puppies need gentle exercise for bone and muscle tissue to develop properly);
• rapid growth of bone and joint tissues in the first 6 months of life;
• injuries.



Symptoms

A veterinarian can detect the disease in the 12th month of a puppy’s life, but dysplasia begins to appear only at 2-2.5 years.




Signs of hip dysplasia in dogs:

• lameness that occurs spontaneously (when examining the limbs, no changes in integrity are observed);
• even with a small load the dog gets tired quickly;
• hind legs are shaking;
• the dog sways while walking;
• when palpating the upper thigh area, the pet whines and tries to bite;
• the hind legs are spread to the side.

Puppies with dysplasia, while resting, take a frog position to unload the hind limbs. Also in young individuals there is asymmetry of the body: powerful front legs, weak hind legs and well-developed rib cage.

Symptoms of DTS may appear partially, so diagnosing the disease at home is difficult. For example, a pet may place its paws differently due to fatigue, or limp due to damage to its paw during a walk.



Diagnostics

Diagnosis of diseases related to bones is carried out using x-rays. Based on the image, the veterinarian can determine not only the presence or absence of pathology, but also the degree of deformation of the joint.

X-rays are performed under general anesthesia to ensure good quality results. In some cases, arthroscopy is done. During this procedure, an incision is made into which an arthroscope is inserted to examine the joint. A mini camera shows the condition of the desired area and surrounding tissue.

The study helps the specialist determine the severity of the animal’s illness:

• A – no deviations;
• B – there is a predisposition to joint deformation;
• C – initial form;
• D – middle stage;
• E – severe dysplasia.

Conservative therapy

Treatment for hip dysplasia is effective in the early stages of the disease. Therapy is based on eliminating pain, swelling, and restoring cartilage tissue.

Conservative treatment includes the use of:

1. 1. Chondroprotectors– medications that restore joint and cartilage tissue(Glucosamine, Adequan, Chionate, Teraflex, Mucosat, Chondrolone). Medicines are prescribed in the form intravenous drips, injections into joints, intramuscular injections. The drugs can be taken alone or in combination.
2. 2. Antispasmodics– eliminate pain syndrome (Analgin, No-shpa, Baralgin).
3. 3. Anti-inflammatory drugs- Rimadyl, Nimesulide.
4. 4. Mineral complexes based on glucosamine and chondroitins- Omega-6, Omega-3.

Veterinarians prescribe corticosteroids, which are hormonal medications that are injected under the skin (in small breeds) or directly into a joint. However, with such therapy a number of undesirable side effects are possible.

Conservative treatment is supplemented with physiotherapy. IN veterinary clinics can carry out electromagnetic radiation or laser therapy. These procedures are aimed at warming up the joints, but are not always effective, as they have many contraindications.

Operative technique

Conservative therapy is not always effective for hip dysplasia. On late stages the disease requires surgical intervention. The complexity and duration of the operation depends on the degree of joint deformity.

Types of surgical intervention:

• Excision of the femoral head and neck is a major operation that involves a long recovery period. After excision, the joint is restored, and the pet can move independently without prostheses. Due to the narrowing of the pelvic cavity, organ dysfunction is sometimes observed abdominal cavity.
• Osteotomy– dissection of the bone and change in the position of the articular fossa, promotes correct location joint The procedure can be performed when the disease is not aggravated.
• Myectomy– excision of the pectineus muscle during the puppy’s growth. This procedure does not lead to full recovery, but reduces lameness and restores motor function of the joint. The operation is performed when conservative therapy is ineffective. Myectomy is performed on puppies between 6 and 12 months of age.
• Resection arthroplasty– joint resection to reduce pain syndrome. The procedure eliminates friction between the head of the joint and the socket, resulting in reduced pain. The operation is indicated for small breeds of dogs weighing up to 20 kg. Arthroplasty can be performed even on older dogs.
• Endoprosthetics- assigned to last stage diseases. The joint is replaced with an artificial one made of titanium alloy. After the procedure, the dog moves without pain, leads normal image life. The operation is prohibited for muscle atrophy. From a functional point of view, it is recommended to install a prosthesis in dogs weighing more than 30 kg.

Massage

Massage is a mandatory procedure that is carried out in combination with conservative and surgical therapy. It relieves pain, relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation. You can also perform massage exercises at home:

• warm up the muscles with confident, slow movements;
• apply pressure;
• initially it is necessary to massage the longitudinal spinal muscles on both sides, then move to the hind limbs;
• You can only work the muscles; pressing on the bones is strictly prohibited.

Care and nutrition

For rapid rehabilitation After treatment, the pet must be provided with appropriate conditions. The diet should contain vitamins, proteins, minerals, microelements, and at the same time you should monitor your pet’s weight to prevent obesity.

The dog should not be put on a strict diet, as this will lead to a worsening of the condition. You need to remove foods containing large number fat

After surgery, it is necessary to force the pet to move to ensure additional blood flow to the limbs, this will help the muscles not to atrophy. The dog should be examined systematically. Due to the weakening of the body, diseases associated with nervous system, abdominal organs, penetration of infection.

You should walk a pet with dysplasia on the lawn, minimizing walking on asphalt. Swimming is beneficial, since the water reduces the load on the joints, and the rest of the muscle group receives the necessary load.

What is prohibited to do

For hip dysplasia in dogs, the following is strictly prohibited:

• exclude meat products from the diet;
• treat the disease with painkillers;
• try to insert the bone into place on your own;
• cool or warm the pelvic part;
• independently administer intramuscular or intravenous drugs.

Also, physical activity and long walks, which cause strain on the hind limbs, are contraindicated for sick dogs.

Prevention

Preventive measures include proper nutrition With a large number microelements. IN early age Puppies' food should be nutritious and healthy. They also need to avoid heavy loads, as microcracks can occur in underdeveloped limbs.

If an animal is diagnosed with dysplasia, it must be spayed or neutered so that the disease is not passed on to descendants.

The concept of dysplasia, unfortunately, is familiar to many breeders of large breed dogs. And, as practice shows, every year this problem becomes more and more urgent. And there are several reasons for this, but the first and most important is incorrect selection, a frivolous and illiterate approach to breeding. Of course, dysplasia causes enormous inconvenience for both the dog and its owner, but this is not a death sentence. At proper treatment, maintenance and care, the animal can live a completely normal life. This is exactly what we’ll talk about right now.

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A scary word for a dog breeder: dysplasia

Dysplasia in dogs, in simpler terms, is incorrect formation and subsequent work of the joint. Today we most often hear the term “hip dysplasia,” but the disease can affect any type of joint. Of course, due to the special structure of the dog’s skeleton, we most often refer this concept specifically to the hind limbs. In order to more accurately understand what is hidden under this word, you need to consider what a healthy and “sick” joint looks like.

As can be seen in the picture of the hip joint, when it is healthy, the cup has the shape of a hemispherical depression. At the same time, it covers most of the surface of the head of the bone. In the presence of dysplasia, the shape of this cup approaches flat, so the head of the bone does not fit into it correctly. Often, due to the large body weight, the bone falls out of the bowl. Typically, a flat cup shape is hereditary in many dog ​​breeds.

Different stages of manifestation of dysplasia

Today, veterinary medicine distinguishes three stages of dysplasia:

• mild violation of the first degree - the cup is only slightly flattened, but the head of the bone itself sits deep;
• average violation of the second stage - the cup is flattened, and the top of the bone has the shape of a mushroom, the joint is still articulated quite firmly;
• severe stage of the third and fourth stages - the cup is strongly flattened, the surface of the head is heterogeneous, the joint seems to be in a state of dislocation.

Causes and factors of dysplasia

The most important and main cause of any form of dysplasia is a hereditary factor. When mating parents with this defect, extreme negative result. If one of the parents has dysplasia, then 50% of the litter will also have this defect. Even apparently healthy but susceptible dogs carry a greater than 37% risk of producing affected offspring. Dogs with a mild degree of impairment may be allowed for service, but not for breeding.

The World Canine Federation prohibits allowing male dogs with any form of dysplasia to be bred. Bitches are allowed only on an individual basis (the value of the individual) with a mild degree of defect.

One more important factor transmission of dysplasia is the mating of individuals with disproportion in size. The need to obtain bones of the required length leads to the formation of sharp angles of their connection, which entails a shift in the center of gravity. Therefore, when breeding, it is always worth paying attention to such points as a slight tilt of the pelvis, a small angle of the hips. Most often, running dogs, which naturally have a sloping croup, are prone to this and develop sharp corners joints. However, heredity is far from the only cause of dysplasia; the following are also distinguished:

1. Heavy loads and activity. In most dog breeds, complete skeletal formation is completed by about one year, but in some large dogs only by two years. During this period, the puppy develops intensively and grows, but its joints are still at the formation stage. Therefore, extremely undesirable loads are stronger, which have a positive effect on the muscles, but a negative effect on the joints - their displacement and improper articulation may occur.
2. Insufficient activity. But an overly passive lifestyle at a young age is also a factor that causes dysplasia. After all, as we know, proper development bones also depends on their work. Lack of movement in puppies leads to underdevelopment of the joint and muscles.
3. Incorrect excess diet. Fast growth and lack of nutrients is another factor leading to joint dysfunction. Therefore, puppies with intensive growth should be limited in feeding, given specially developed food for large breed puppies, and properly select minerals and nutrients.
4. Overweight. Too much stress on unformed joints leads to their improper development.
5. Injuries. Any injury to the joint and its improper treatment can lead to dysplasia.

When we talk about this defect, we most often mention hip dysplasia. But why exactly does he suffer so often? The fact is that in dogs, due to the structure of their bodies, it is this joint that bears the greatest load. Especially when running and jumping, this area experiences powerful pressure, and any discrepancy leads to increased friction. As a result, deformation of the surface and abrasion of the cartilage of the hind limbs occurs.

Symptoms

As veterinary practice and numerous studies of this issue show, dysplasia and its first symptoms appear in 2-9 month old puppies. It all depends on the growth rate and breed of the dog. As a rule, only by the age of one year is the formation of the skeleton completed and the degree of impairment stabilizes. Therefore, before 9 months, experts do not advise making hasty conclusions and tests, since the disorder can only be a temporary age-related phenomenon.

All studies to determine the breeding suitability of a dog are carried out no earlier than 12 months, and in some cases no earlier than 18.

There are small changes in the joints that can only be seen on an x-ray. They, as a rule, do not affect the health and activity of the dog in any way. But hereditary defects are already clearly visible from the age of 4 months in the behavior and movement of the puppy. So, for example, the puppy may be quite sluggish in its movements, there are reluctant jumps, unsure gait, unsteady gait, stiffness when running. Visually, such dogs clearly have narrow and weak hips.

Main types of dysplasia

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia

A very severe stage of joint damage, which is associated with calcification of the epiphysis. The dog is usually affected from birth, and the joints may appear swollen and have a wobbly, unsteady gait. Puppies suddenly stop growing. This defect is also hereditary, but its genetic origin has not yet been precisely studied.

Elbow dysplasia

Another common joint deviation is associated with a defect in the development of the elbow joint of the forelimbs. As a rule, it is observed already at 4-6 months and can affect both two and one paw. Most often, elbow dysplasia in dogs is removed through surgery and surgical treatment, but sick individuals are not allowed to breed even after recovery. This defect also has genetic roots.

Hip dysplasia

As we have already said, this is the most common type of defect that is observed in large breeds of dogs. Veterinarians identify the following main symptoms, which determine both the degree and presence of hip dysplasia:

• incorrect position of the hind limbs;
• the difficulty of performing the “frog” pose - spread out hind legs in a position lying on your stomach;
• low activity;
• the occurrence of lameness during prolonged physical activity;
• gait instability;
• the puppy has difficulty getting up;
• jumping difficulties;
• cannot go down or up stairs.

Hip dysplasia in dogs also causes body asymmetry. For example, the chest is wide and large, and the pelvis is narrow, the hind legs are poorly developed. When dogs move, they transfer weight and load to the front part of the body, thereby developing it more strongly. It is important to note that at a young age the body can compensate for the defect by deposition of new tissue on the bones, but with old age the disease only intensifies. Therefore, it is important to carry out comprehensive treatment and maintenance.

Treatment and prevention of dysplasia

Today it is impossible to cure dysplasia completely, but it is possible to slow down its development through various methods and means to make life easier for a sick pet. If it so happens that your dog has this defect, then you need to make every effort to ensure that she lives a full and painless life. For this purpose they are used complex preparations and painkillers. For example, Quadrisol -5 is often used for pain, Phenylbutazone is used to relieve inflammation, Stride is used for joint destruction, any mineral and vitamin preparations, as well as special diet and physical activity regimen.

Surgical treatment

As one of the treatment methods for very complex and running forms, in which the dog’s movement is generally difficult to achieve. It is rarely used, since the veterinarian cannot guarantee the result and success of the operation. At the same time, today many types of operations are performed for dysplasia. The specific type of treatment is prescribed by the surgeon after a complete examination.

Pectineus muscle myectomy

Not complex operation, in which the surgeon cuts the pectineus muscle inside the hip joint. This helps relieve pressure on the joint and reduce pain when moving. This operation is performed only on young dogs in order to further stabilize the condition.

Resection arthroplasty

During this operation, the head of the hip bone is removed, and the limb itself is attached to a special ligament. At the same time, mobility is preserved only in dogs weighing no more than 15 kg. Therefore, heavy breeds, as a rule, undergo such an operation to no avail.

Triple pelvic osteotomy

It is a rather complicated operation that not every surgeon can perform. In this case, the bone with the socket is dissected, after which it is turned so that the hip joint is in better contact with it. The result is secured with an additional plate. Only performed on young dogs.

Interacetabular osteotomy

In this operation, a wedge-shaped piece at the neck of the bone is removed. As a result, the bone fits into the cavity better, and the bone is fixed with a special plate. Only done on young dogs.

Hip replacement

Done in special centers with availability necessary tools and hip prostheses. During the operation, the entire diseased joint is removed and replaced with a new one. In most cases, the result of treatment allows the dog to completely return to normal life.

Use of drugs

Unlike operations, the use special drugs are not able to treat hind limb dysplasia, but only remove some of its symptoms. For example, Rimadyl eliminates or reduces lameness. The drug is used for life. Also today there are a number of homeopathic remedies, for example, Traumel, Discuscom.

Proper feeding

A dog suffering from limb dysplasia should mandatory consume supplements with chondroetin and glucosamine. They can be used both as a prophylaxis for puppies and already for obvious illness. But they do not cure, but only help to contain the negative consequences of dysplasia. In general nutritional rules, a highly nutritious diet and strict weight control come first. You should not allow the age norm to be exceeded.

Physical activity

Dogs with a tendency to limb dysplasia or an already obvious form of it should not have a heavy load. Long runs, jumping, playing with healthy dogs - all this only leads to a more complicated stage of the disease. But even without movement, nothing good will come of it; the golden mean is important here. Until 6-7 months, too active exercise is prohibited for dogs prone to dysplasia, but this does not apply to swimming. Only starting from this age, under strict supervision of a veterinarian and based on the test results, can the load be increased.

Dysplasia detection test

A test to detect dysplasia is carried out at veterinary centers where there is an X-ray machine. At the age of 1 to 1.5 years, the dog must be examined by a doctor, the limbs must be palpated and x-ray hip joint. Depending on the test result, either treatment and support is prescribed, or surgery. Such a test allows you to find out the exact degree of the disease or predisposition to its occurrence. However, there are other types of tests developed by different veterinarians, such as the Ortolani test.

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Video “What does a dog owner need to know about dysplasia?”

In this video you can find out more information about this disease from the words of an experienced breeder. He will not only tell you the symptoms, but also preventive measures for your pet. Special attention Pay attention to muscle development lessons given by a specialist.

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