Disorder - Hip Dysplasia

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative Names
Congenital dislocation of the hip
Acetabular Dystrophy

Brief Description

Abnormal formation of the hip joint resulting in joint slackness, often leading to arthritis. In severe cases the dog may suffer lameness in the affected limb(s).

Presenting Signs

Dogs with hip dysplasia may suffer this condition in one or both hips. Outward signs vary depending on the severity of the condition, which usually worsens over time. Initial signs are likely to be a slight change in gait and difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position, or in climbing stairs. A reluctance to move the affected joint may also be observed, for example, an otherwise obedient dog may show reluctance to sit on command. It is common for an affected dog to adopt a 'bunny hopping gait' by which it moves both rear legs simultaneously while running. Signs of a more serious condition include obvious pain when the leg is extended or when weight is placed on it, obvious lameness and stiffness especially after strenuous exercise, and in the most severe cases, permanent lameness in the affected limb. Dogs with naturally looser hip joints are more likely to develop problems with hip dysplasia than those with more tightly constructed joints. Overweight dogs are more susceptible due to greater strain on their joints. Also a young, growing dog with the genetic makeup for hip dysplasia is more likely to develop arthritis and have more eventual difficulty if it is extremely active.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
Akita
Alaskan malamute
American cocker spaniel
Australian cattle dog
Australian shepherd
Bearded collie
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois and Groenendael)
Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)
Bernese mountain dog
Black and tan coonhound
Bloodhound
Border collie
Borzoi
Bouvier de Flandres
British bulldog
Bullmastiff
Chesapeake Bay retriever
Chow chow
Clumber spaniel
Collie (Rough and Smooth)
Dalmatian
Dandie Dinmont terrier
Dobermann
English pointer
English setter
English springer spaniel
Flat-coated retriever
German shepherd dog
German short-haired pointer
German wire-haired pointer
Golden retriever
Gordon setter
Great Dane
Griffon Bruxellois
Hungarian vizsla
Irish setter
Irish water spaniel
Irish wolfhound
Komondor
Kuvasz
Labrador retriever
Leonberger
Maltese
Neapolitan mastiff
Newfoundland
Norwegian elkhound
Old English sheepdog
Otterhound
Poodle (Standard)
Pug
Puli
Pyrenean mountain dog
Rhodesian ridgeback
Rottweiler
Samoyed
Schnauzer (Giant)
Shar Pei
Shetland sheepdog
Siberian husky
St Bernard
Tibetan mastiff
Weimaraner
Welsh springer spaniel
Wire-haired pointing griffon


Treatment

Surgical/Medical

Related Disorders

Spondylosis
Coxofemoral Luxation

PubMed References
Hip Dysplasia

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
234
473


Contributor
Evan Cariola