Years ago dogs with walking or movement difficulties were simply considered to be lame. We nowadays understand that this lameness can be brought on by a range of causes, two of the commonest being hip and elbow dysplasia.
In recent years the domestic dog has become a comparatively unfit beast, in comparison with its ancestors. Selective breeding has meant that several conditions are hereditary or inherent in a particular breed of dog.
Dog Hip Dysplasia
The dog's hip joint in common with that of other animals is a ball and socket system, with tendons and muscles used to control the joint. When this joint is working correctly the ball and socket fit closely together and are protected by cartilage and lubricated by joint fluid. This lets the dog to run and move freely, however should there be damage or inflammation then significant problems can occur.
Hip Dysplasia is a abnormality of the hip joint where extra bone develops inside the socket or the cartilage gets worn down, so that the ball begins to rub onto the socket. The hip joint becomes impaired and doesn't operate correctly creating substantial pain to the dog and eventual lameness.
In the worst cases the dog will become virtually crippled and cannot walk without unbearable agony. The condition is generally widespread in the larger breeds for instance German Shepherds or Labradors. There's a strong genetic factor in this condition so dogs have to be monitored early on in life.
Hip Scoring
Hip Scoring is used to recognize dogs predisposed to Hip Dysplasia, primarily to ensure that the owners will not breed from these dogs. The hip grade is calculated by x-raying the dog then awarding points for all of the features within the hip joint. The lower the score the less dysplasia is within the joint and the score can vary from zero to 106.
There are "breed mean scores" that confirm what degree of dysplasia is average within the breed. Therefore if the dog is beneath the "breed mean score" it is all right to breed with that dog. Those with scores above the norm should not breed. This system is slowly helping to curb the amount of dysplasia present in dogs. Nonetheless even though the dog has a good grade there is no guarantee that the dysplasia won't develop in any pups.
Hip scoring needs to be applied from the age of twelve months, when the body is well established. Your vet will set up the x-ray and the result will be lodged with the OFA or Kennel Club.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Dysplasia is hard to spot as dogs are commonly very good at dealing with pain and so make no external sign. So monitor your dog closely for any indication of limping or dragging the feet. Also look out for any loss of interest in walks or exercise.
Treatment for hip dysplasia generally takes the form of painkillers or heat therapy which can both greatly reduce the pain. An exercise programme designed with your vet can help to contain the damage made to the joints. In serious cases surgery may be the only remedy. This will either be by way of the reshaping of the joint or by artificial hip replacement, of a similar kind to that used in humans.
For both elbow and hip dysplasia weight regulation is essential as an
overweight dog will put pressure on the joints. Happily most dogs can lead a relatively normal and active life once the disorder is being treated properly.
