Hip Dysplasia

By: Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre

Hip Dysplasia

Bruce Smith BVSc, MS, FACVSc, Dip ACVS

 

 

 

What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip Dysplasia is a developmental problem of loose hip joints. The affects of the disease are most severe in large breed dogs, however small dogs and even cats may also be affected.

While all pups are born with normal hips for pups with Hip Dysplasia the hip joint becomes loose This looseness is first detectable as early as 12 to 24 weeks of age. The reason for the looseness currently remains unknown.

As the pup grows and becomes more active on the loose hips, every-day activity begins to injure the delicate cartilage surfaces. Over time the joint cartilage is lost exposing sensitive bone and the signs of arthritis will develop. Once present arthritis is irreversible and will increase in severity over the life of your pet.

Although a very common disease Hip Dysplasia is not inevitably crippling for dogs and there are a range of management options available ranging from weight and activity control through to hip joint replacement.

 

How do I know if my Pet has Hip Dysplasia?

Because Hip Dysplasia begins early in life, and treatment is more effective before arthritis has developed it is highly desirable to have your pets hips assessed as soon as possible.

Your primary care veterinarian can screen for hip dysplasia as early as 12 – 16 weeks of age and this can usually be combined with the vaccination program. If your veterinarian is concerned that Hip Dysplasia may be developing further assessment of the hips may be requested under sedation or anesthesia and X-Rays performed.

 

 

 

 

 

If hip looseness is documented your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you; these may be limited to controlling your pets weight through to recommending referral for more detailed assessment and treatments including surgery.

 

What Treatments can help with Hip Dysplasia.?

The following are some of the treatments that can be used to correct or control Hip Dysplasia. It is very important that a veterinary assessment is performed so that an individualized treatment plan & options specific for your pets needs can be presented.

• Weight Control Programs
• Activity Control Programs
• Professional Physiotherapy
• Medication
• Controlled Diet
• Surgery
• Stem Cell Therapy*

All treatments other than stem cell therapy is available through Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre.

 

How will I know if my Pet needs Surgery for Hip Dysplasia ?

While it is difficult to know early in your pets life how badly they will be affected by arthritis later in life there is now emerging information from the PennHip clinical database that may help with the decision regarding early surgical intervention. The following is a broad overview of surgical treatments and the age at which it may be performed:

 

• Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (Pubic Fusion) 12 – 20 weeks of age
• Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (Joint realignment) 5 - 12 months of age
• Femoral Head Ostectomy (Joint removal) Any age
• Total Hip Replacement (Artificial Joint) Any age after 9 months
• Hip Denervation (Desensitization) Any age (for arthritic pain)

All procedures other than Total Hip Replacement surgery is offered at Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre.

 

* Brisbane Veterinary Specialist Centre does not currently recommend Stem Cell Therapy for arthritis but can direct you to these services for more information on request.

Please refer to separate hand-out discussions of the individual procedures for more detailed information.

Financing surgical treatment for your pet
 

 

BVSC understands that surgical treatments are both unexpected and costly. To assist you, access to third party external finance companies is available. These companies require a detailed application & credit check. BVSC is not an agent for these companies and may request a deposit to allow treatment to proceed if finance approval is pending.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where is BVSC and how do I make an appointment for my pet?

BVSC is located on Brisbane’s north side on the corner of Old Northern & Keong Roads, Albany Creek 4035.

 

To make an appointment for your pet you will be required to have a referral from your vet, to get a referral contact your veterinarian and request referral to BVSC then contact our friendly reception staff on (07) 3264 9400