Hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis of elbows are skeletal disorders in dogs that have been focused on exceedingly. Hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis of the elbows is caused by a combination of hereditary effects and environmental effects. The degree of inheritance points to how large a portion of the total variation in an inherited defect that has been caused by hereditary factors. The degree of inheritance in hip dysplasia and elbow osteoarthritis is agreed to be between 10% and 30%. This means that several effects are of great importance when it comes to a dog developing either of the two skeletal disorders.  

Hip dysplasia is a growth defect in the hi joints where both or just one of the joints may be affected. Hip dysplasia is an orthopaedic problem that may result in displacement of the hip joints, wearing of the femur cavity and other changes due to arthritis. The defect occurs when the hip socket and the femur do not align properly. The defect is graded according to the degree of seriousness: Excellent (A, B), Mild (C), Medium (D) or severe (E).

Hip dysplasia is as mentioned earlier a partly hereditary defect, which means that other causes are present in order for a dog to develop hip dysplasia. A dog’s diet, rate of growth and exercise are probable causes. Preventive measures can be taken so as to avoid increasing the seriousness of the disease, slower rate of growth, good muscles and prevent obesity.

X-rays taken at a clinic approved by the Norwegian Kennel Club will give an indication of the dog’s hips. X-rays may be taken from the age of 18 months. To get the most correct judgement it is adviced that one does not x-ray when the dog is very young, the skeleton has not had time to grow properly and hence give a wrong view of the hips. At such a young age one may easily get a worse reading due to the hips not having settled properly. It is important to remember with the mastiff that this is a breed that grows very fast.

The University of Michigan and Vetgen is performing a study to identify the genes involved in hip dysplasia. Along the line this study may pave the way for a DNA test for uncovering those dogs that are bearers and those that have the actual defect. Go to Vetgen’s website to learn more, www.vetgen.com.

Not all dogs that develop hip dysplasia are certain to live a life of handicap. Most dogs that develop hip dysplasia live active and full lives without surgeries or medicine. If a dog should need assistance there are several treatments available. Several non-surgical treatments are also available, to mention a few are acupuncture, chiropractical adjustments and Neutraceutical Supplement Therapy.

The Orthopedic Foundation For Animals (www.offa.org) gives descriptions of the different procedures, together with dogs that have been tested for hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, PRA and other ailments the veterinarian may check for.

                                                       Hip grades in different countries:

Osteoarthritis in elbows is a generic term describing a hereditary polygenic defect. There are mainly three reasons for osteoarthritis in elbows, but here only mentioning Osteochrondritis Dissecans (OCD). OCD occurs when ligament detaches from the bone. This is a defect in the tissue when it does not cover or attaches properly to the bone. A small piece detaches and acts as an irritant in the joint. If this defect is caught at an early stage, it can be reversed by a change in diet. A diet consisting of meat (proteins) and minerals that build up the skeleton is a good choice in this case. Other times there are no other choices than to perform surgery.

X-rays can also be taken to determine the degree of osteoarthritis. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the course of action.