Hip dysplasia is a genetically transmitted disease that results in a poorly formed hip joint. At some period during the dog’s lifetime this abnormal hip development gives rise to osteoarthritis and joint degeneration. The degree of pain from osteoarthritis may only show as stiffness and weakness in the hind legs or the pain may totally incapacitate the individual causing prolonged recumbency and poor quality of life. In the dog, hip dysplasia is the most common orthopedic problem and the most important cause of osteoarthritis. Hip dysplasia is found in all breeds; however, large breeds have a greater chance of showing clinical signs due to their greater body mass.
Ideally the socket of the pelvis should cover the entire top aspect of the ball that extends from the femur (thigh bone). A well-formed hip joint allows weight to be supported by the cartilage covered bone surfaces during all types of activity. Additionally, it is important that the soft tissues (ligaments, joint capsule, tendons and muscles) hold the ball tightly in the socket during all forms of activity. Individuals with hip dysplasia do not have good weight bearing by bone structure. Instead, the soft tissue structures bear more weight than they can handle, resulting in tearing and stretching of the soft tissues. Chronic tearing and stretching of joint structures causes painful joint inflammation (osteoarthritis) that in turn results in the formation of boney spurs around the joint and degeneration of joint cartilage. When cartilage degeneration progresses to bone on bone contact, the individual becomes incapacitated from joint pain.
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The clinical signs of osteoarthritis, in the form of hip pain and stiffness, are what most people recognize as hip dysplasia. It is important to realize that a dog that has hip dysplasia may not display any clinical signs of osteoarthritis. Many factors influence the onset of osteoarthritis pain, such as: degree of dysplasia, individual pain tolerance, activity level, body weight, muscle development around the joint, nutrition, pain relievers, etc. The age at which an individual begins to outwardly show signs of hip dysplasia varies greatly. It is very common to encounter middle-aged (4-6 years old) dogs that are just beginning to show obvious signs of hip osteoarthritis. Yet, when x-rays are taken we find considerable evidence of osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. Therefore, the only way to diagnose hip dysplasia in its early stages with a high degree of certainty is through the use of radiographs (x-rays).
For some time now, several surgical procedures have been available to effectively treat hip dysplasia and prevent painful osteoarthritis in fully developed adult dogs. These surgical procedures are quite invasive, expensive and not without possible serious complications. In the past, there was not anything that could be done to effectively and consistently influence the development of the hip joints to prevent osteoarthritis in puppies that have the genes for hip dysplasia. Now, there is a new procedure available to help prevent the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis caused by hip dysplasia. The procedure is called Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS). This surgical procedure is much less invasive than the surgical treatments previously available, and much less costly.
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Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis is a surgical procedure performed that consistently and effectively inhibits the development of osteoarthritis in individuals that have hip dysplasia. Maximum benefit is gained if the procedure is preformed when the puppy is 16 weeks of age. After that, the potential benefit decreases with each successive week until the puppy is 20 weeks old. After 20 weeks of age the pelvis is probably too well developed for a JPS to have significant effect on hip joint conformation. Early detection of hip dysplasia is the key. Most pups do not show signs of joint pain from hip dysplasia at 16 weeks of age. Therefore, we must rely on radiographic (x-ray) evaluation to tell us if a JPS procedure is indicated to prevent osteoarthritis from developing in an individual.
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis involves heating (cauterizing) an area near the center of the lower pelvis (pubic bone). The procedure alters how the pelvis develops. The area of the pelvis above the hip joints grows outward and over the hip joints. This change in the pelvic growth pattern improves the coverage of the socket over the ball. The resulting hip joint conformation provides improved weight bearing by the skeleton and significantly decreases the chances osteoarthritis will develop in the future. |
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