The OFA has the largest database of confirmed dysplastic dogs and uses their information to further their pursuit to completely rid dogs from hip dysplasia. The criteria for evaluating the test results for each database were independently established by veterinary scientists from their respective specialty areas, and the standards used are generally accepted throughout the world. When the OFA first formed, an overwhelming acceptance between the veterinary community, the Golden Retriever Club of America, and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America to create an organization to set a standard for breeders and actively study the development and effects of hip dysplasia. Now, OFA is the leading force establishing controlled programs to lower the incidence of inherited disease.

When it comes to hip dysplasia, OFA offers a lot of support in the prevention and diagnosis of the disease. The radiographic procedures used by OFA are that of the American Veterinary Medical Association in which the animal must be placed on its back in dorsal recumbency with the rear limbs extended and parallel to each other. The knees are rotated internally and the pelvis is symmetric. Typically, anesthesia is recommended to the point of muscle relaxation to ease the process of positioning the dog and maintaining that position during the x-ray. It is recommended not to pursue tests if your dog is pregnant due to possible increased joint laxity from hormonal variations.

During an OFA radiographic x-ray screening, three randomly assigned certified veterinary radiologists examine and rate several different anatomic areas of the hip keeping in mind the age, sex, and breed of the dog at hand:

• Craniolateral acetabular rim
• Cranial acetabular margin
• Femoral head (hip ball)
• Fovea capitus (normal flattened area on hip ball)
• Acetabular notch
• Caudal acetabular rim
• Dorsal acetabular margin
• Junction of femoral head and neck
• Trochanteric fossa

While observing, they are specifically looking for abnormalities or deviations in the developing hip compared to typical alignment of the breed. The degree of fit or looseness of the hip is also very important and is the leading issue for dogs who develop symptoms of hip dysplasia later in life. The radiologist grades the hips different physical hip conformations: normal which includes excellent, good, or fair classifications, borderline or dysplastic which includes mild, moderate, or severe classifications.

Over 1 million radiographs have been examined resulting in an over 90% success rate of correctly grading the signs for developing hip dysplasia. If a dog passes with normal hips, they are given an OFA number and this information is accepted by AKC on dogs with permanent identification and is one stepper closer to having proper identification for breeding or just the knowledge that your dog is dysplasia free.

Hip Dysplasia Prone Breeds

• Tests to eliminate other possible reasons for the change in your dog.
• Veterinary Detections (physical and neurological exam and x-rays).
• Final Results are determined by the vet. Some dogs will need anti-inflammatory and pain medications and other will need surgery and post-operative treatment.

Detecting early signs of hip dysplasia in your dog can be hard. Typically, dogs will have worse days and seem perfectly fine and willing to play, and jump, and beg for treats the next. This is the number one sign that something is physically wrong with your dog, especially if you have noticed consistent off days. Typically, and especially in puppies—dogs don’t have off days. They’re built to run and anytime your dog shows trouble getting up after laying or general discomfort in their legs should be taken seriously.

Puppies

To begin, if you have a puppy that’s showing signs of dysplasia you should immediately bring your dog to your vet, especially if you don’t know anything about the parents or bought them in a puppy store. You should not be running the dog on hard surfaces for longed periods of time or do any repetitively damaging or stressful activities to their legs while they are developing.

If you have been allowing your puppy to eat out of a bowl of food when ever they want, you should stop. Studies have linked a large number of hip dysplasia diagnosed dogs to an over-growth spurt caused by excessive nutrition. Most puppy foods have 25% more fat and carbohydrates then typical adult doggy food. Instead of a daily feeding of puppy food, a regimen of three times (morning, lunch, and dinner) a day should be started. Typically, thyroid issues in puppies are not prevalent, but can have some of the same symptoms of hip dysplasia and can be very dangerous to change their diet, so please consult your vet before making any large changes to your puppy’s diet if signs of dysplasia are occurring.

As hip dysplasia continues to effect your dog, their hips will gradually become more and more inflamed and damaged and a change in the dogs walk (or gait) will worsen, including their trouble getting up every morning (instead of some mornings), and if this hasn’t already, should ring a definite alarm that something is wrong with your puppy. Once hip dysplasia has become mild, puppies will whine and show an obvious discomfort toward their hips.

When the unfortunate event occurs that you think your puppy has hip dysplasia, the veterinary is first going to run a complete physical and neurological examination of the dog. Afterward, if no diagnosis has been found, a number of x-rays of your dogs hips will be taken and observed by doctors.

Adult Dogs

The majority of adult dogs that begin showing signs of hip dysplasia have had abnormalities in their joints for a long time, and just now have symptoms become severe enough to be noticed. Unfortunately, these are usually the worst cases because the degeneration of tissues and promotion of abnormal growth of your dogs hips has probably already reached a point where surgery is necessary to keep the dog from reaching a point of debilitating arthritis.

If you haven’t been giving your dog additional vitamins and supplements as puppies, it is a great idea to do so. Vitamins and supplements that promote joint laxity and other beneficial minerals are very important. Just like humans, dogs can be lacking certain vitamins and minerals. Introducing and maintaining extra vitamins not offered in typical dog food can drastically increase the health over your dog on a short and long term basis. Vitamins and supplements also have very little negative side effects. If a dog experiences itching, diarrhea or vomiting decrease the amount of supplements given, and if the problems continue it may be necessary to get your dog checked for food allergies or thyroid issues.

Exercise is also very important. Older dogs need to continue a daily exercise regimen or deterioration of the bones and muscles will significantly increase. Just like humans, if you remain inactive for long periods of time your body will be negatively effected and muscle mass will disappear.

A dog developing, or having developed hip dysplasia shows the relatively same general signs with more or less emphasis on a certain symptoms based on the dog at hand. You have to remember, some dogs have had the issue sense birth and develop a much higher tolerance for the pain and discomfort and learn to live with it better then a mature dog beginning to develop hip dysplasia. So, if your puppy or young dog is showing even small signs of any of the symptoms below, it is probably best to get them checked out before it is too late.

As a puppy, signs of canine hip dysplasia are generally a discomfort of the hind hips and can occur as early as 5 months. Your dog might resemble a rabbit, by hopping the back legs forward instead of an extended gate with separate motion of the legs and hesitation getting up after prolonged periods of rest. Your dog might also extend his legs straight forward or backward while resting; Some people describe it as chicken legs–or frog legs.

• Worsening trouble getting up after sleeping
• Wining and a general unwillingness to get up
• Change in the way your dog walks–resembling a bunny hopping
• Anxiety or displeasure toward people rubbing their hips
• Signs disappear once the dog is on their feet and active

Development of hip dysplasia in mature dogs usually happens around 4 or 5 years of age for the degeneration to be advance enough and pain and discomfort become obvious. Pain usually is worst after exercise or in the morning but works out once the dog is up and moving. It is important to bring your dog to your vet when any signs of discomfort in their legs is present, dogs are built to run–pain is not in their blood.

The most important part is to take your dog to the vet even if you are unsure their is an actual issue. Examining any dog (or human) and treating an issue before it develops is the number one way to ensure your dog won’t live in pain the rest of his life if they do indeed have hip dysplasia. Treatments range from anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers to surgery depending on the dog and severity of the case to further develop.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has been the standard method for diagnosing hip dysplasia sense 1966. The OFA is the worlds largest database of canine hip evaluations and is the standards set for most radiographs taken by veterinarians. Nearly all breeders have their dogs analyzed by the OFA for certification of the dog’s and is the number one most important step in ridding hip dysplasia in breeds prone to the issue.

Along with OFA Radiograph standards, regulations for the certification of a dog’s hips are also very strict and accurate. Tests evaluate the hip joints for size, shape, architecture of the femoral head and neck, congruity, subluxation and overall condition of the acetabulum. Once radiographs are taken, three veterinarians grade the results with either an excellent, good, or fair grade. Dogs that show signs of dysplasia will receive a rating of mild, moderate, or severe and aren’t eligible for important breeding IDs.

OFA and PennHIP are working wonders for dogs by improving the regulations on dog breeding drastically. If you buy a puppy from a certified breeder, there is a much MUCH better chance your dog has been properly bred and nourished as a puppy. This is the right step forward in removing hip dysplasia from breeds plagued by the disease and there has been drastic improvements in the diagnosis rate of hip dysplasia — unfortunately we can thank puppy mills for reversing much of the positive results seen by selective breeding.

Keeping your dog healthy and active is very important from puppyhood all the way through adulthood. As a puppy (and much like a toddler), bones are still developing and require physical activity to increase muscle mass. However, excessive running or demanding activities on hard floors like sidewalks increases the potential for development issues in the hips, legs, and back.

As a puppy, play time should consist of running around the backyard, on soft, padded ground. Puppies might seem full of energy but can really only handle small periods of intense activity—you’ve seen a puppy pass out after running around and playing, you never thought it would happen but they’re out like a light! The main point is: Don’t take your new puppy on your standard two mile jog and don’t run intense agility and jumping competitions with your puppy! It’s best to look at your puppy as if they are a 1 year old toddler; they’re still delicate and growing – even if it’s hard to see the resemblance between your hyperactive puppy and a new born child.

More and more studies regarding the effects of puppies diets during the first weeks and month of birth. Puppies allowed to feed by choice for the first three years of their life had a remarkable higher incidence of hip dysplasia. Puppies that eat an over-abundance of proteins and calcium have rapid growth to the point where the hips cannot develop and fuse properly. Popularity in home-made dog foods or non-commercialized (higher quality) dog food alternatives in dog health activists have continued to climb because you can better monitor the nutritional value of the food your dog gets depending on the stage of life the dog is in.

Weight reduction and stability in your dog is the most important aspect to reducing the risk of hip dysplasia. Dogs overfed as puppies and into adulthood have an extremely higher chance of developing hip problems. Hip dysplasia prone breeds are also relatively large, heavy dogs and also prone to obesity. Before changing your dogs diet, check for thyroid problems.

A comfortable atmosphere for your dog is important. Warmth, padded bedding and over all status of living is not only a preventive measure but should be a standard for all dog owners to follow. Dogs and human alike cannot sleep in cold–hard surfaced uncomfortable places. Our bodies will begin feeling the physical beating and increase the risk of developing worse issues.

Although this is a definitive case that there are techniques to preventing canine hip dysplasia, responsiveness to supplements varies from dog to dog. A method of increased doses of Vitamin C supplementation until the dog shows signs bowel issues (diarrhea, constipation, vomit). Typically, in humans too, dogs lack proper levels of vitamin C — which is known for curing a wide variety of joint ailments and illnesses throughout the entirety of their life. As a puppy, vitamin C is important in the correct development of bone structure.

VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS

• Antioxidants (Vitamin C, A, Zinc)
• Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (Adequan)
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Glucosamine and Chondrotin
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Vitamins for hip dysplasia range depending on the severity of the case at hand. Some dysplastic dogs can live happy lives with proper amounts of medication and supplements and not see worsening issues until the dog has reached an older age. Antioxidants and supplements are widely used by veterinarians and have been proven to significantly reduce pain in some cases.

Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (Adequan) is a series of shots that supports and promotes cartilage growth and lubricating fluids in joints. Many owners are satisfied with the improvement of their dog after the shots, but the option is expensive so cost reduced oral versions of the shot have been created, but don’t have the full effect as the shots do. These shots have proven to significantly reduce the progression of hip dysplasia in dogs.

Hyaluronic Acid is another component of the fluid made for joint lubrication, giving supplemental doses of this can improve movement of the hips but is usually used in addition to stronger pain-relieving and tissue regenerating drugs. Another supplment, Glucosaime is widely used in addition to chondrotin products which form together to create glycosaminoglycan, which also lubricates joints and helps to form cartilage.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA fatty acids) mainly found in cold-water sea life have been studied to reduce inflammation and is a risky free method for possibly reducing the pain of arthritis and dysplasia.

Tetracyclines
Other drugs like Tetracyclines (specifically doxycycline) have significantly slowed the destruction of collagen which is much of the joint structure in dogs and humans. Tetracyclines have very little negative effects and is often used as a first attempt to reducing the pain of canine hip dysplasia.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Rimadyl, Etogesic, Deramaxx, Previcox, Zubrin and Metucam are both widely used anti-inflammatory prescription medicines. They both work the same by introducing prostaglandins, which reduces inflammation. These medications are particularly useful prior to large activity and strenuous exercise for a dog with hip dysplasia. There has, however been negative effects on the liver in dogs so medication should be monitored and the dog should be given on a full, healthy diet. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly used option for treating the inflammation and pain in arthritis, particularly because of the cost efficiency compared to surgery. Anti-inflammatory drugs release prostaglandin which naturally decreases inflammation — there for reducing pain.

Buffered Aspirin is also used to fight the inflammation and pain of arthritis. There is a risk of intestinal upset in dogs so check-ups and heavy monitoring is necessary when your dog is prescribed buffered aspirin.

Corticosteroids have been used for many years but are controversial due to the negative short and long term effects it has on dogs. Newer drugs have been replacing the use of corticosteroids but is still used on occasion for old dogs not showing any signs of improvement from other medications.

PSGAGs – Disease Modifying Osteoarthritis Agents

PSGAGs stands for Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan, which are natural materials found in the joint. PSGAGs are agents used to enhance synthesis of glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronate in the joints that dogs with degenerative arthritis lack. These agents help to create proteoglycan, an important part of the hyaline cartilage that lines the joint and also promotes fluid (lubrication) of the ball-in-socket. Controlled studies on people with osteoarthritis has seen positive results using these agents. Typically, a PSGAG regimen will begin showing positive results one month afterward and have very little negative affects.

Medications

There are a variety medications given to dogs with hip dysplasia. Much like humans, anti-inflammatory medication is the primary drug given to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with the joints. Pills and shots are the two main methods for medicating dogs with hip dysplasia. Rimadyl, Etogesic, and Rimadyl, Etogesic, Deramaxx are some of the most common anti-inflammatory medications given to dogs. It is never ok to give a dog human pain reducers like ibuprofen or aspirin.

Surgically

There are several different methods of surgery depending on your dogs age, health and over all severity of the issue. The types of surgery operations are broken into two groups. The Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) and Canine Pubic Symphysiodesis (CPS) are both surgeries typically used very early in a dogs life when hip dysplasia has been diagnosed but no damage to the hip joints are present. For dogs already diagnosed with hip dysplasia, there are two types of surgeries available to relieve most, if not all of your dogs pain. The total hip replacement has been the primary surgery used for dogs over 50 pounds with mild to severe signs of hip dysplasia. If the total hip replacement surgery is not viable, the Femoral Head Osteotomy is primarily used. However, results vary on dogs over 50 pounds. Typically, dogs that under go this surgery are primarily fit, well muscled dogs due to the intensive healing process.

Juvenile Public Symphysiodesis (JPS) is the surgery used for puppies between 2 and 4 months of age that have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia but have no physical signs of degeneration yet. Advancements in medicine and surgery procedures in the last years to defend against hip dysplasia has proved to benefit the success rate of this surgery. JPS is now a relatively simple, but costly procedure. However, the puppies must be refrained from running and jumping for at least four weeks after surgery which can be quite a task. Re-evaluation usually occurs around three months after surgery by another radio-graphic test. During a JPS surgery, two pelvic bones are fused together, allowing the rest of the hip and resulting in a tighter, more accurate hip ball-in-socket. Early diagnosis is crucial for this surgery to be viable, usually between 16-20 weeks of age before any damage to the joints has occurred.

For young dogs, a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) is used. The procedures involve surgically breaking and realigning much of the hips ball-and-socket joint structure. Note, this is an intensive surgery with high expenses but has proven successful for many puppies. During a TPO surgery, three bone cuts are made to free the actebular component (socket) from the pelvis. The actebulum is then rotated and a bone plate is applied to maintain the new position of the ball-in-socket. This surgery allows for correct joint congruity and stops friction and grinding of the ball-in-socket.

In older dogs, a Total Hip Replacement is typically used as a very promising option to getting your dog back to a healthy condition. The surgery replaces the deformed joints with a prosthetic hip joint. Most dogs that go under this type of surgery recover well, however it is relatively costly and requires extended periods of rest and recuperation but add on years of healthy, active life for your dog. Total hip replacement is the primary surgical operation for dogs over 50 pounds and has a remarkable 95% success rate in dogs and is the only surgery that returns complete normal hip-joint function after severe arthritis has set in. This surgery is very intensive, and highly trained surgeons are required to perform that operation — making it relatively expensive.

Typically, for dogs under 50 pounds, a Femoral Head Excision/Ostectomy is the surgery of choice, however it has been performed on dogs over 50 pounds with varying results. During a femoral head excision, the femoral head (or the ball of the ball-in-socket) is removed, allowing the femur to freely float. As scar tissue forms from the moving femur, it hardens and creates a false-joint (a pseudoarthrosis). This is a last resort procedure, due to intense post-op recovery. Dogs to under-go this surgery are typically well muscled, fit dogs that can handle the recovery period without further injuring themselves. Best results have been seen in dogs 50 pounds or less, and results vary in dogs which weigh more or are out of shape.

Doctors will diagnosis the cause hip dysplasia based on genetic issues (history of CHD in the blood line or no OFA examination), environmental or dietary/fitness issues (overweight, rough environment or sleeping conditions), a failure between muscle tissues and skeletal system to fuse correctly during growth, or a failure of the hip tissue to maintain proper joint structure after full maturity. Hip dysplasia is actually broken down into two types, Acetabular (most common) and Femoral hip dysplasia.

Acetabular Hip Dysplasia

Is the failure of the developing femoral head to align correctly into the socket cup causing an abnormal develop of the dorsal rim and hip in general. Over time, the hip tissues are continuously rubbed by the grinding bones and become weak or disappear completely.

Femoral Hip Dysplasia

The femoral neck of the dogs leg is shortened which decreases the support of the acetabular and dorsal rim. Over time, the joint surfaces support is deteriorated and joint support becomes very disrupted and damaged.

Because scientists have not been able to identify the exact genes or reason for the development of hip dysplasia, veterinaries primarily use a physical exam to determine whether or not there could be other reasons for the decreased activity with varying joint pain. Additionaly, and most importantly confirmed by radiographic x-rays.

During the physical examination, the dog will be manipulated to determine the pain and overall range of motion the dog currently has. More specifically, the Ortolani procedure is conducted–which indicates that the femoral head (ball) slips into the acetabulum (socket). Because joint hip structure develops during the first eight months of age, radiographs before eight months may not show any signs of dysplasia, yet development ran rapidly occur afterward, therefore radiographic tests of puppies is not a reliable diagnosis in puppies.

One of the primary x-ray procedures is called the dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) test. During the procedure, the dog is first anesthetized and layed on its side. Multiple images are taken in different positions and your dog is rated. A dog with a rating 55 or better have normal legs, a dog under 55 is at a much greater risk of develop hip dysplasia if the dog hadn’t already.

During the early stages and development of hip dysplasia, signs can be relatively minimal. Typically, the first signs of arthritic behavior is your dog having increased difficulty getting up after long exercise or sleep. Additionally, the pain and discomfort quickly wears off once your dog is up and moving. This is the number one reason to bring your dog to the vet. Dogs, especially ones with great health records and boisterous personalities should never be soar on a regular basis. As symptoms develop, your dog may become uneasy with children or strangers petting them because of the pain. A change in the stance and walk will be obvious and as more time passes you will notice your dog spending more time laying down and increased pain their hips.

Radiographs are used to diagnosis Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) but results may not be present until your dog has fully matured. Additionally, affected dogs of CHD show clinical signs much differently. Some dogs manifest problems of Canine Hip Dysplasia before six months of age, others won’t show signs until well into adulthood but damage could still be occurring. Fortunately, research and advancements in technology have increased the success rate of surgical procedures greatly in the past 10 years. Total hip replacement and stem cell regrowth are two of the newest options of dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

SYMPTOMS

• Noticeable decrease in activity
• Difficulty getting up after laying
• Strange posture (gait) when walking
• Calluses and sores from excessive laying and inactivity

It is important that other conditions like Cauda Equina Syndrome (lower back issues) and ligament tears are not the actual culprit of your dogs pain. However, these conditions are much less prevalent compared to Canine Hip Dysplasia and symptoms are usually on the extreme side and appear and worsen rapidly. It is always to important to bring your dog into the vet on first indication that something might be wrong. Catching hip dysplasia early is the key to returning your dog to full health.