Canine Hip Dysplasia Review

This comprehensive review discussed hip dysplasia diagnosis, genetic control and breeding, and prevention. Clinical hip dysplasia is multifactorial, and the genes are influenced by external and environmental factors. The clinical signs of dysplasia usually manifest before 1 year of age (because of instability of the hips, articular overloading, pain, round ligament tearing or stretching, synovitis, and acetabular microfractures) or in adult dogs with osteoarthritis pain. Clinical signs are usually manifested by gait abnormalities and signs of osteoarthritis. Hip joint laxity is a significant factor in clinical disease, and the clinical Ortolani, Barlow, and Barden tests are used to evaluate hip joint laxity. The remainder of the physical examination assesses for the presence of osteoarthritis. Radiographs are essential to evaluate joint congruence and osteoarthritis; the standard ventrodorsal hip extended view, the PennHip method, and other less common methods are used to evaluate joint congruence, signs of osteoarthritis, and hip joint laxity. Ultrasonography is sometimes used to confirm diagnosis as well, particularly in young puppies. Selective breeding is important, and breeding should try to exclude populations with hip joint laxity and hip dysplasia. Therapy includes conservative medical therapy; surgical procedures (juvenile pubic symphysiodesis and triple pelvic osteotomy) can be helpful as well.

Commentary: Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most widely studied veterinary orthopedic conditions. Despite our large database of information, we have been ineffective at controlling the prevalence of this genetic disease or preventing its clinical expression. This article is an excellent review of this widespread condition. It is important to remember that very few patients who are diagnosed with hip laxity secondary to hip dysplasia go on to be clinically affected by laxity or degenerative joint disease. Early diagnosis is probably the most important tool to help decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs. Until more successful preventive measures are developed, management will focus on definitive treatment in dogs with clinical signs. Total hip replacement is evolving as a highly successful management strategy available to most clinically affected patients.

Diagnosis, genetic control, and preventive management of canine hip dysplasia: A review. Ginja MMD, Silvestre AM, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Ferreira AJA. VET J 184:269-276, 2010.