Hip Dysplasia

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is the most common developmental orthopedic disease in dogs, which means it occurs as puppies grow. It's a genetic growth abnormality of the hip joint. Both hips are usually affected, but sometimes only one hip frequently shows clinical signs and symptoms.

At-risk breeds for hip dysplasia include, but are not limited to:

Labrador Retrievers
Rottweilers
German Shepherds
Golden Retrievers
Old English Sheepdogs
Giant breed dogs

CHD involves laxity (looseness) of the muscles and ligaments around the hip joint. During development, the femoral head (ball) doesn't fit well into the acetabulum (socket). Laxity causes the femoral head to subluxate (slip in and out) of the acetabulum. PennHIP method X-rays identify and measure the degree of laxity.

Continued subluxation repeatedly stretches and thickens. This inflames the joint capsule surrounding the hip joint causing cartilage erosion and the development of osteophytes (bone spurs). The femoral head loses its round appearance and the acetabulum becomes flattened. Without intervention, osteoarthritis worsens, causing pain and severely limited mobility.

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis

Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) is a preventative procedure most effectively performed on puppies between 15-18 weeks of age. JPS biologically alters the orientation of the hip sockets, so the femoral heads are less likely to subluxate (slide out of joint). The bottom of the pelvis where each bony half unites is called the pubic symphysis, which…

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Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (THR) is the only surgery that returns full hip joint mobility. Dogs from five pounds - to over 200 pounds - are eligible for hip replacements, and cats are no exception! Greater than 95% of dogs receiving BioMedtrix THR enjoy active lives without exercise restriction and should be able to use their durable, new hip for the remainder…

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Femoral Head and Neck Excision Arthroplasty

Femoral Head and Neck Excision Arthroplasty (FHO/FHNE) FNHE, or Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) is a relatively simple technique involving surgical removal of the ball portion of the hip to alleviate bone-on-bone contact in the diseased joint. With FHNE/FHO, there's a trade-off between pain relief and dysfunctional hip mechanics. Removing the diseased…

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Triple and Double Pelvic Osteotomy

Among several surgical treatments for puppies diagnosed with CHD are the Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) and the Double Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO). Both procedures involve bone cuts (osteotomies) made through specific areas of the pelvic bones. This alteration may improve hip joint conformation, stability and function by changing the orientation of the acetabulum…

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This is a ventrodorsal (VD) radiograph of a dog's hips and pelvis. This position requires the dog to be lying on their back with the hind legs extended out and down. A well-positioned VD radiograph is key to diagnostic value. Here we see severe, degenerative remodeling of the hips as a long term consequence of canine hip dysplasia. Note the use of a calibration marker on the right side of the image. These markers are essential for two dimensional orthopedic planning and templating.

This is an example of a PennHIP (Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) distraction radiograph of a young dog with excessive hip laxity and is at higher risk for developing osteoarthritis (OA). PennHIP evaluations may be performed with reliability in dogs as young as 16 weeks of age. In PennHIP terminology, "tighter is better" and is associated with lower risk for developing OA. Laxity profiles are available for most breeds and may be obtained from your PennHIP certified veterinarian.

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