Canine Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is one of the primary orthopedic conditions seen in veterinary medicine. 

Although most predominately known as a debilitating condition in large breed dogs, it can also be frequently noted in small breed dogs and cats.  It is a developmental condition in which dogs are born with normal hip conformation, however a complex process begins during growth leading to hip joint laxity.  The laxity and hip subluxation lead to a series of biomechanical and biochemical events which result in cartilage damage and degradation with ultimate progression to degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis).  

There are several approaches to the management of hip dysplasia which depend predominately on clinical signs and the stage of the disease.  

Medical management works for some individuals while surgical intervention is required for others.  

Surgical management involves corrective procedures in young dogs (juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, triple pelvic osteotomy) or salvage procedures once degenerative changes are present (total hip replacement, femoral head and neck excision).