Hip Dysplasia: Diagnosis

One of the most common causes of lameness and degenerative arthritis we see in dogs is a genetic disorder known as Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). The disorder most commonly affects the larger breeds of dogs, but has been diagnosed in all breeds. The frequency of CHD runs between 15-50% in different breeds.

The hip joint is what's known as a "ball and socket" joint. The "ball" is the head of the femur (thigh bone) and is normally seated firmly within the "socket" (acetabulum) of the pelvis. This allows for the smooth rotation of the hip through a wide range of motions. The top left x-ray shows a patient with normal hip joints.

CHD causes an abnormal development and formation of the hip joint which compromises the mobility and stability of the hip. Frequently the socket is abnormally shallow and the ball is misshapened. The end result is progressive degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis as the dog ages. Mildly affected dogs may show little problems until later in life. More severely affected dogs may be severely crippled at a very early age. The top right x-ray shows a dog with a severely deformed left hip joint.

The disorder can be positively diagnosed as early as 6 months of age. The diagnosis is made by radiographic (x-ray) and manipulative examination of the hips. These examinations require that the patient be sedated for proper positioning and joint relaxation. All larger breed dogs (adult weight greater that 50 pounds) should have these examinations performed between 6-8 months of age.

There are several medical and surgical options available to help pets afflicted with CHD. If diagnosed at an early age before degenerative changes occur, a repositioning surgery known as Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) can be performed to allow for deep firm seating of the ball within the socket. Once degenerative changes have occurred, the best surgical option is a Total Hip Replacement (THR). The x-ray on the bottom shows a dog that had a TPO procedure done on the left hip and a THR on the right hip (the "R" marker denotes the right side). Both of these procedures require the expertise of a "board certified" veterinary surgeon.

A less desirable, but much less expensive, procedure known as a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) can be performed to remove the deformed ball and reduce the pet's discomfort. This procedure works marvelously well in the smaller dogs but has variable results in the larger dogs. The x-ray on the top right shows the appearance of the right hip following this procedure.

Pets unable to have surgery can frequently be kept comfortable by the administration of dietary supplements to support better joint function and anti-inflammatory pain relieving medications. Weight management is also critical to help prevent unnecessary stress to the hip joints.

Since this is a genetically determined disorder, all affected pets should be surgically neutered. Those pets intended for breeding should have their hips thoroughly examined for any signs of CHD and certified for breeding if normal. Never buy a large breed pet without documented proof that both parents were certified free of CHD by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

Smelly Dog Breath? Think "Dental Disease"

Does your pet have bad breath? If the answer is yes, lift up the lips and look at your pet's teeth. There's a good chance your going to find your pet has some degree of dental disease. This problem is caused by the bacteria that lives in the mouth. The bacteria causes the buildup of dental tartar, infection of the gums and damage to the periodontal ligament (the critical structure that attaches the tooth to the jaw). Over time the infection causes damage to the tooth roots and tooth loss. Furthermore, the constant infection in your pet's mouth is a persistent stress to the immune system and may eventually lead to other serious medical problems.

The pictures in this blog show a patient with advanced dental disease before and after the extraction of several diseased teeth and cleaning of the remaining healthy teeth. You can only imagine how lousy we would feel with a dental infection such as this. We owe it to our pets to not let it get to this point. We also owe it to ourselves - this pet's dentistry cost over $500.00

The very best way to prevent dental disease is to brush your pet's teeth at least once everyday. Most pets (yes, even cats) readily accept brushing of their teeth if using an appropriate veterinary toothpaste and properly sized tooth brush. It only takes 1-2 minutes each day and can prevent so many problems. There are also dental sprays and dental chews to help prevent dental disease - but nothing is as effective as brushing.

Go ahead now, lift up your pet's lips and look at those teeth - especially those teeth in the back. If your pet's teeth look like the "before" dental cleaning picture, with tartar buildup or red sore looking gums and stinky breath, schedule an appointment to determine what level of therapy is needed to return your pet's mouth to good health. If your pet's teeth look beautiful, like the "after" dental cleaning picture, schedule an appointment to have us show you how to best care for your pet's teeth.

Preventative dental care is much better for your pet's overall health and a lot less expensive than treating dental disease.