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Monday through Friday:
7:30-6:00
Saturdays:
9-1
Appointments preferred.
Email:
Dr. Ken
Dr. Mary
Dr. Sandra
Staff
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CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA
Canine Hip Dysplasia is a condition caused by a congenital instability or loose
fit of the hip joints. As the condition progresses, osteoarthritis or
“degenerative joint disease” of the hips occurs, leading to intermittent
lameness, stiffness and pain. Hip dysplasia has a hereditary basis which is why
it is more prevalent in certain breeds. The inheritance is influenced by
multiple genes interacting with environmental factors, such as rapid weight gain
as a puppy.
The clinical signs of hip dysplasia are lameness, reluctance to rise or jump,
shifting of weight to the front legs, loss of muscling over the rear limbs, and
pain when the hips are manipulated. Not all dogs with hip dysplasia visible on
x-rays show clinical signs. Dogs may show clinical signs at any age or stage of
development of the disease. Many dogs are painful at 6 to 8 months but recover
as they mature. Some dogs with very dramatic changes on x-rays do not show any
lameness or pain until later in life. As the arthritis progresses over time,
dogs may show clinical signs similar to people with arthritis such as lameness
after unaccustomed exercise, stiffness after prolonged confinement, and
worsening with cold weather. Sedentary behavior can exacerbate the condition by
contributing to the further muscle atrophy and increasing weight.
Recommended treatments for hip dysplasia varies with the age of the dog,
condition of the hips, and severity of clinical signs. Treatment protocols
involve surgical options, anti-inflammatory medications, weight-management,
nutritional supplements, and physical therapy. Immature dogs (less than one
year) with loose fitting hips, but no arthritic changes may be candidates for a
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy or TPO. This procedure involves cutting the pelvic bone
in three places and rotating it to stabilize the hip joint and in many cases
prevents osteoarthritis. Immature dogs with osteoarthritis present have advanced
disease and are treated medically as needed.
Mature dogs with hip dysplasia who are not showing clinical signs do not need
surgical treatment. These dogs need to maintain an ideal body weight. The ribs
should be easy to feel and the dog should have an obvious waistline. In obese
dogs, weight loss alone may alleviate clinical signs. Mature dogs with hip
dysplasia may benefit from nutritional supplements for improving joint health.
These products include glucosamine, condroitin, often along with magnesium and
Vitamin C. Supplements available from veterinarians (such as Cosequin) are dosed
and flavored for dogs. It is very important to encourage regular non-traumatic
exercise to develop good muscle mass supporting the hips. Controlled leash
walking and swimming are good choices.
Mature dogs with occasional lameness can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs
such as aspirin (preferably enteric-coated products such as Ascriptin) or
prescription NSAIDS (such as Rimadyl). A veterinarian should be consulted
regarding dosing, possible side affects and any drug interactions. These should
always be given on a full stomach and discontinued if there are any
gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite). After the
lameness subsides, slowly increasing the exercise program should be attempted;
if lameness recurs, exercise is decreased and the medications are administered
again.
When medical therapy does not provide pain relief and reasonable function, the
dog is a candidate for one of two surgical procedures to reconstruct the hip
joint. The femoral head and neck osteotomy (FHO) involves removing the femoral
portion of the hip joint. The joint heals with fibrous tissue and in many cases
allows a more pain free existence. The total hip replacement involves replacing
the hip joint with a metal and polyethylene prosthesis. This procedure results
in the most normal limb function in large dogs. The procedure is expensive
because of the implants and the technical requirements of the surgery. It also
is subject to complications such as infection at the implant sight, and requires
intense follow-up care.
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Our Mission:
All Creatures Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing progressive medicine in
a caring environment for pets of all species. Through preventative medicine,
client education, professional development of our staff, and advanced medical
and surgical techniques, we hope to foster a strong and lasting bond with
clients and their pets.
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