

HIP DYSPLASIA
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Most common osteorarticular disease in dogs.
It typically ocurrs in large and midium size dogs and is less common in small breeds.
It ocurrs when the femoral head (ball) becomes dislocated, outside its natural place within the hip socket (acetabulum)
By not being contained by the hip socket, the femoral head moves and causes stress to the area, inflaming and weakening the joint and periarticular tissues.
Common breeds at-risk of Hip Dysplasia: BullDogs, Dogo de Bordeaux, Saint Bernards, Napolitan Mastiffs, German shepherds, Rottweilers, Golden retreivers… all of them have an incidence above 20%.
Hip Dysplasia
Grading
Grade I
Minimal alteration with small subluxation and scarce degenerative changes.
Grade III
The 50-75 % of femoral head is outside the acetabulum: important degenerative changes are present.
Grade II
Marked lateral femoral head subluxation, 25-50 % outside the acetabulum
Grade IV
Femoral head luxation with obvious flattening of the cranial acetabular edge and deformation of the femoral head; important degenerative changes are present.

Main Symptoms
Unfortunately, the symptoms of hip dysplasia in your pet may be less noticeable when the disease first develops. However, the symptoms will become more intense as your pet ages.
Symptoms are:
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Decreased activity
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Reluctance to play
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Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running or climbing stairs
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Stiffness or limping
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"Bunny hopping" gait
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"Swaying gait" during walk
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Hip stiffness
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Lameness in the hind end
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Hip pain
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Pelvic pain
