Animal Hospital of Casper - On Line

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a multifaceted disease of dogs causing arthritis of the primarily the hip joints. Pets can show signs of this disease as early as their growth stage of life and is seen most often in large breed dogs. Radiographic signs of hip dysplasia are normally present by two years of age. Genetics, exercise and nutrition are some of the factors that can improve or worsen the signs of hip dysplasia. Arthritis is, unfortunately, a normal aging process that occurs in pets but not usually diagnosed until very late in your pet's life. Many pets, especially cats and small dogs, have relatively few problems throughout their lives.

Normal hip - show the head of the femur (ball part of hip joint) deeply set into the acetabulum (socket part of the hip joint). The head of the femur is round in shape - not flattened as in the radiographs show later of hip dysplasia.

Mild to moderate signs of Hip Dysplasia. Note that both heads of the femur are flattened and not deeply set into the acetabulums (sockets).

Worse case situation of Hip Dysplasia. Both heads of femurs flattened and sockets are nearly non-existent!

The hip on the left is normal with a deeply set head of the femur. This hip joint does not have any arthritic bony buildup and the head of femur is round and not flattened. The differences in an arthritic hip joint can be easily be seen when compared side by side!

Hip dysplasia can be treated several ways depending on various factors. Hip replacement is becoming more popular, although the surgery is expensive and performed more by Veterinarians having additional skills in surgery. Many pets suffering from hip dysplasia or old age arthritis in a conservative manner. Reducing the pet's weight if carrying too many excess pounds is often helpful. Anti-inflammatory drugs should be used under the direction of your veterinarian. Many drugs are available that have potential and dramatic effects on pets suffering for arthritis, including hip dysplasia. Recently, researchers have found that certain type of growth ration fed during the pet's growth stage of life can have a dramatic effects in limiting or reducing the later signs of hip dysplasia and other forms of genetic arthritic diseases.

Find out more about Rimadyl (anti-inflammatory) by clicking on this Cocker.

Find out more about Science Diet Large Breed Growth dog food.

Look HERE for the benefits of Science Diet Large Breed Maintenance.

Find out more about Nutimax "Cosequin" by clicking on picture

Find out more about "Adequan" by clicking on this Guide.

OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (statistics and information on hip dysplasia and other inheritable diseases)