Good Hip, Bad Hip

Can you tell the difference between these two hip radiographs? Hip Dysplasia is a devastating disease for many dogs. Hips can be degenerative as early as age 1 to 2 years of age. The way to evaluate for this disease is done by taking survey radiographs (x-rays) in a specific position. Breeding dogs should be screened for this disease prior to breeding, if either potential parent is dysplastic they should not be bred, no exceptions. However, occasionally two normal adult dogs may still have puppies with dysplasia, but it is much less likely. Dogs that are diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia have options for surgery or medical treatment. If the problem is detected prior to 8-10 months of age a surgery called a TPO (Triple Pelvic Osteotomy) can be performed to improve the joint conformation so that arthritis does not set in. If the dog is over 10-12 months, or if degeneration is already present they may be managed medically for a while and tend to do better if not overweight. Later they may be a candidate for a THR (Total Hip Replacement). The cost of these surgeries are ranging from $1,800.00 to $4,500.00. If left untreated the hip typically begins to separate from the joint socket and causes pain, stiffness and the inability to get up from a sitting or laying position. Late in the disease we occasionally see dogs that cannot even get up anymore or when walking their hips dislocate and they fall. Eventually there may be a genetic marker for this disease which would help us try to eliminate dysplasia and other genetic diseases from the dog population with a blood test. High risk breeds are large and giant breed dogs. (St. Bernards, Great Danes, Mastiff, Labradors etc...) OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) is an organization that screens and certifies hips, elbows, eyes, cardiac disease and other specific genetic conditions in many breeds. You can visit their website for more information at www.offa.org