There are many different conditions that have similar symptoms to hip dysplasia. Therefore, standards have been created to successfully diagnosis hip dysplasia in dogs. First, a complete physical and neurological examination followed an x-ray of the hips. Diagnosis is based on breed, pet history, physical examination and x-rays of the hips, back and legs and treatment is just as multidimensional.

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.

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Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is one of the first, and longest running organizations dedicated to the advancement of canine health (particularly breeding standards, regulations, and tests). The OFA was originally founded in 1966 as a not for profit organization and has focused its research particularly on hip dysplasia but also has a strong mission statement “To improve the health and well being of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease.” in general.

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.