Small Animal Ortho: Hip Dysplasia

Question 1

How does hip dysplasia develop?

Answer 1

Hips are normal at birth but then there is joint laxity that prevents the femoral head to push against the acetabulum appropriately & if the acetabulum is not getting that feed back it forms incorrectly around the femoral head

Question 2

What is the condensed version of why hip dysplasia happens?

Answer 2

laxity/ instability –> poor joint congruence–> subluxation–> abnormal hip development

Question 3

What are the factors/influences that contribute to hip dysplasia?

Answer 3

genetics
nutritional influences
dietary electrolyte balance
increased weight= increased chances of hip dysplasia
environmental: activity level has no effect

Question 4

What is the common signalment of animal that can have hip dysplasia?

Answer 4

large breed
fast growing
germen shepherds, retrievers, rottweilers

Question 5

What are the clinical signs of hip dysplasia?

Answer 5

Lameness: intermittent with varying degrees of severity, abnormal gait, hopping
low exercise tolerance
difficulty rising/jumping
muscle atrophy

Question 6

What is normally found during physical exam with hip dysplasia?

Answer 6

Pain in hip joint with decreased ROM in extension, weight shifted to fore limbs
muscle atrophy
joint laxity: positive ortolani sign

Question 7

What are the two ways to diagnose hip dysplasia on radiographs?

Answer 7

OFA
Penn hips: distraction index

Question 8

How do you interpret a distraction index?

Answer 8

The lower the score given means less laxity and less chance of hip dysplasia occuring

Question 9

What are the conservative treatment options for hip dysplasia?

Answer 9

NSAIDs
Physical rehab
nutrition/weight management
holistic approach

Question 10

What are the surgical treatment options for hip dysplasia?

Answer 10

juvenile pubic symphysiodesis
double or triple pelvic osteotomy
femoral head & neck excisional arthroplasty
total hip arthroplasty