Dysplasia in dogs - diagnosis and treatment. Joint dysplasia in dogs: features and causes of the disease How much does an analysis for dysplasia in dogs cost

Dysplasia in dogs in most cases is diagnosed during puppyhood. Breeds of large dogs are most susceptible to violation, which is associated with their large body weight. Due to the massive physique, the hip joints are always subjected to additional physical impact, which can trigger the development of pathology. With timely treatment and subsequent preventive methods, the disease is completely eliminated, and the dog moves freely. Read more about hip dysplasia in dogs in our article.

Dysplasia in dogs: symptoms, treatment

The disease is a degenerative process that affects the articular tissue. With dysplasia, the main violations occur in the joints located in the elbow and hip.

If therapy is not started on time, there is a high risk of the dog being unable to move in the future. With a similar disease, a wide gap appears in the area of \u200b\u200bthe bone head and the cavity of the joint, due to which the bone begins to lie incorrectly. In the normal state, it is in maximum contact with the joint. Because of the resulting space, bone and joint tissues begin to actively touch, rub against each other. Due to the increased load, the joint is subjected to additional stress, begins to exfoliate and wear out.

There are several reasons for the disease:

In addition to establishing the cause of the violation, the specialist also identifies the exact stage of dysplasia. For this, there is an international classification, according to which the degree of pathology is set:

Stage 1 (A) - completely healthy joints, the problem in the movement of an individual should be sought for other reasons;
2 (B) or 3 (C) stages - the dog periodically has dislocations from mild to severe;
4 (D) degree - refers to the average, the first structural and degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue are observed;
5 (E) degree - the most severe stage of the disease. With it, pronounced destructive processes in the tissues are observed, the motor activity of the individual is significantly limited.

Attention! Depending on which joint was affected by dysplasia, the doctor distinguishes between a dislocation of the hip or elbow joint.

Symptoms of dysplasia in a dog

In almost 100% of registered cases, a similar diagnosis was made to young individuals aged from one to one and a half years. The appearance of the disease during this period is due to several reasons, including intensive growth and rapid weight gain. Because of this, a huge load is placed on the cartilage tissue, which can provoke a degenerative process. At the first symptoms, one can only notice lameness in a dog, after which other signs of the disease are recorded associated with damage to a particular joint - the elbow or hip.

Destruction of articular tissue in the elbow area in dogs

With this type of disease, the animal has the following signs of the disease:

lameness is noted only on the front paws, while the destruction most often affects both legs;
in an attempt to bend a limb, a sick pet feels discomfort and pain, may whine, show aggression in attempts to touch it;
if the dog is trained, even when commanded, it does not want to give a paw and does not follow direct orders;
on palpation in the joints, there is a seal, swelling;
if the pain is severe, the dog refuses to walk or moves extremely slowly, it becomes almost impossible for the puppy to go down the stairs;
with x-rays, delamination of the joint can be noted, the tissue becomes flat;
in severe cases, the joint simply begins to hang freely and the individual cannot walk.

Destruction of the hip joint

With such a lesion, the disease proceeds for a long time without pronounced symptoms. But gradually the following signs of dysplasia appear:

while walking, the dog begins to wag, it is difficult for her to climb stairs or any elevated surfaces;
at first, the puppy begins to spend a long time in a horizontal position, trying to spread its paws;
walks become tiring, while running, the dog tries to push off with both paws, that is, there is a “rabbit run” syndrome;
when lameness appears, it is diagnosed in the region of the hind limbs, it can affect one paw or both at once;
given the deterioration of the condition, the puppy moves less and less and may become paralyzed after smoothing the articular tissue and loosening the joint.

For more information about the disease, you can also watch a video about hip dysplasia in dogs.

Video - Dysplasia in dogs

Attention! In some puppies, the first signs of dysplasia can be seen already at the age of four months, while the paws are not yet strong, and the dog is characterized by increased activity. In such cases, treatment is started immediately, since it is impossible to wait for a one-year-old individual due to the high likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.

Diagnosis of dysplasia in puppies

Confirmation of the diagnosis is carried out in several stages.

First, the doctor conducts an internal examination, which involves palpation and examination of diseased limbs. Without fail, the paw is required to bend and unbend in order to pay attention to whether there are clicking sounds in the joint. Their presence indicates the development of cartilage destruction.
The appointment of an x-ray, which will allow you to make an accurate diagnosis, taking into account the deterioration of the tissue.
Arthroscopy. The most informative procedure involving the introduction of a small chamber into the joint through a puncture. It is carried out only in professional clinics with modern equipment.

Attention! X-rays of dogs are often performed using general anesthesia. This should not be frightened and abandon such tactics of examination. Since it is important to get a clear picture for a correct diagnosis, the dog should be immobilized as much as possible.

Surgical therapy for dysplasia

Operative methods of treatment include several types of operations, each of which has its own characteristics.

Table. Characteristics of surgery for dysplasia

Type of operation	Character
Myectomy of the pectineus muscle	is an excision of the pectineus muscle inside the hip joint; after the operation, pain and discomfort when walking go away; further reduced physical load on the musculoskeletal system
Cut off the femoral head	complete elimination of the head of the hip bone; installation of a special ligament in its place, which will fix the bone and joint
Method of triple osteotomy of the hip joint	during the operation, a bone with a cavity is first excised; the dissected part is turned over and applied tightly to the joint; the resulting structure is fixed with a special titanium plate
Interacetabular osteotomy	the veterinarian removes the wedge-shaped bone; the bone is applied tightly to the joint; fix the structure with a titanium plate
Complete replacement of a diseased joint	the destroyed joint is removed; an artificial one is installed in its place; full mobility of the dog is ensured

Drug Therapy for Dysplasia in Dogs

In the presence of a violation, complex therapy is mandatory, which includes several types of medicines. They are selected taking into account the age of the puppy, the degree of neglect of the disorder and the presence of symptoms of dysplasia.

A medicinal product in the form of tablets. Refers to chondroprotectors, eliminates pain, discomfort when walking, produces restoration of articular tissue. Usually prescribed after 6 years of life of the dog, but with dysplasia it is recommended to include it in puppy therapy. The dose must be calculated individually for each animal based on the calculation of 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight. The tablet is crushed, taking into account the weight of a particular animal, and Artroglycan is given in the morning and evening in a selected dose. The duration of treatment is 3 weeks with the possibility of extension.

A drug based on glucosamine and chondroitin. It has a general strengthening effect on the body, restores mobility, eliminates pain. Often used to treat dysplasia in puppies of all breeds. The dose is selected individually. First, the drug is dissolved in water and given with a drink, then added to the feed. In order not to provoke unwanted reactions, the drug is first given at the rate of 1/10 of the selected daily dose daily for seven days. With good tolerance, the remedy is taken in full once a day for 8 weeks after a week.

"Chondroitin Complex"

The drug prevents further destruction of the joints, starts the regeneration process, and also restores bone tissue. It is taken in the form of capsules for oral administration. The dose for puppies is usually 1 capsule per day. If necessary, Chondroitin is adjusted upwards if the destruction is severe and pronounced. The recommended duration of admission is 3-8 weeks.

"Chondroitin Complex"

A safe antispasmodic used to relieve pain and discomfort when walking. It is taken as tablets or administered intramuscularly and subcutaneously. When prescribing "Papaverine" to a puppy, the dosage is 1-3 mg / kg in the morning and evening. Duration of reception is determined individually for each puppy.

"No-shpa"

It is also an effective antispasmodic that relieves muscle spasms and makes it easier for the animal to walk during the active course of therapy. You can take "No-shpu" orally or go in the form of injections subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The dose of the active substance is 1-3 mg/kg of the puppy. Take the drug twice a day individually selected course of therapy.

"Rimadil"

A good non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. It is taken as liver-flavoured tablets. Since the medication is designed specifically for dogs, it is well tolerated by them and shows side effects in exceptional cases. Relieves stiffness and inflammation. The dosage of the drug is selected taking into account the weight of the puppy and is 4 mg / kg. The prescribed amount of "Rimadil" is recommended to be divided into morning and evening reception. After a week, with successful treatment, the amount of the drug is reduced to 2 mg / kg in one or two uses.

"Rimadil" is available in various forms

Also a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Removes stiffness in puppies, eliminates swelling, pain in the affected area, provokes faster recovery of the articular tissue. It is taken in tablet form and is well tolerated by puppies. "Previcox" should not be given only to individuals weighing less than 3 kg and up to 10 weeks of age. The dose of the active substance is 5 mg/kg. You can take the drug for a long course. It is also prescribed in the same amount after surgical interventions after the elimination of dysplasia for a period of three days.

"Norocarp"

This drug belongs to the narcotic analgesic group, it is used to relieve only acute pain due to dysplasia in severe stages, as well as during the recovery period after surgery on the affected area. Enter "Norocarp" only injectable subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The dosage is 4 mg/kg daily in an individually tailored course of therapy. If necessary, the amount of active substance is reduced to 2 mg/kg, also once a day.

"Norocarp" for injections

Prevention of dysplasia in dogs

In order to prevent such a violation in the future or to protect a healthy puppy from the possible development of dysplasia, it is recommended to adhere to the following recommendations:

the dog must follow a balanced diet with enough minerals and vitamins;

if necessary, supplement the diet with artificial vitamin complexes, they are taken in courses;

do not expose puppies to long walks and overload them, so as not to have an excessive effect on the musculoskeletal system;

at the same time, you can’t avoid walking and keep the dog all the time in a confined space, which contributes to gaining excess weight and stress on the knee and pelvis;

individuals that are large due to belonging to large breeds, regardless of the presence of symptoms and weight up to two years, should be periodically shown to the veterinarian to assess their condition.

Feasible physical activity is a guarantee of the absence of degenerative processes in the joint

Attention! Puppies whose dysplasia has been eliminated are at risk for the occurrence of other degenerative processes in the musculoskeletal system in the future.

Hip or knee dysplasia in puppies is one of the most common diseases that is provoked for several reasons from genetic predisposition to malnutrition.

Since early signs appear already in the period from 4-12 months of life of an individual, you should immediately contact a veterinarian to stabilize the health of the animal. With a quick start of therapy, it is possible to restore the puppy's joint quite quickly and without the use of invasive methods. In other cases, surgery and long-term use of serious medications may be required.

Dysplasia in animals is an inherited disease of the musculoskeletal system, which is manifested by a violation of the correspondence between the articular surfaces, resulting in the development of dislocation or arthrosis. Most often, the hip joint is affected, since it is on it that the main load falls. Rarely, dysplasia of the elbow joint is noted in animals.

Reasons for the development of pathology:

hereditary predisposition. In 85% of cases, the vicious gene is passed on to offspring in a stud dog.
Illiterately compiled load regimen for young pets. Dog breeders overload the immature body under the age of one and a half years with excessive physical exertion. As a result, the skeletal tissue does not keep pace with the development of the muscular corset, which leads to a violation of the congruence of the articular surface. Most often detected in bullmastiffs, Great Danes, St. Bernards.
Physical inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle, the constant keeping of a dog in an aviary leads to the fact that the structure of the connective tissue undergoes changes, which negatively affects the health of the joints. Excess weight gives an additional load on the supporting apparatus.
Nutritional errors. Deficiency in the diet of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, essential amino acids leads to a violation of mineral metabolism in bones and connective tissue, which provokes joint damage. Excessive content of phosphorus in the diet often leads to the pathology of the musculoskeletal system.
Injuries. Often, it is mechanical damage to the hip, elbow joint that is the trigger for the violation of the physiological correspondence between the articular surfaces. Stretching while running, bad jumping, walking on ice and slippery floors indoors, and injuries from being hit by a vehicle can lead to hip dysplasia.

Most often, the disease affects working breeds of dogs.: German and East European Shepherds, Retrievers, Labradors, Bulldogs. Molossian lines of breeds - bullmastiffs, St. Bernards, Great Danes are also susceptible to a polygenically inherited disease.

The first changes in the functioning of the pet's musculoskeletal system appear no earlier than 4 months of age. In a puppy, pathology from the side of the hip or elbow joint can only be detected through conduction.

The severity of symptoms of hip dysplasia in a dog and the choice of technique treatment largely depends on the stage of the pathological process. According to the accepted classification, violations in the hip joint can be 5 degrees, and elbow - 4.

Disease manifestations:

Lameness of the supporting limb. Violation of the supporting ability of the joint develops gradually, the first manifestations in puppies are not easy to notice.
A sick dog often lies on its side. It is almost impossible to see a dog lying on its stomach.
When forced to run, the removal of the hind limbs is noticeable, which resembles a rabbit run.
On closer examination, a pronounced atrophy of the muscle tissue of the thigh can be detected.

Weakness of the hind limbs in hip dysplasia

The lack of necessary treatment over time leads to a complete loss of motor activity of the four-legged family member.

An external examination of the configuration of the diseased joint, assessment of gait and identification of the features of the setting of the limbs help the veterinarian to suspect dysplasia. Palpation, which is carried out, as a rule, under anesthesia of the animal, reveals muscular dystrophy. When the limbs are abducted, the specialist will identify hip dislocation, deformity and displacement of the acetabulum.

The main method for diagnosing disorders of the musculoskeletal system is an X-ray examination. In addition to confirming the dislocation, the specialist will detect dysplastic changes in the acetabulum, displacement of the femoral head, the level of joint asymmetry, and its effect on the function of the spinal cord of the animal. Do in 2 projections.

hip dysplasia

First, the animal is placed on the ridge, and the hind limbs are extended parallel to each other. Then the examination is carried out in the supine position. At the same time, the limbs are bent at the knee joints and lead to the body. Previously, the animal is anesthetized and immobilized.

In veterinary practice, there are 2 approaches to the treatment of pathology - conservative and operative. In case of minor dysplastic changes in the joint, medications may be prescribed to the animal.

Treatment includes, as a rule, the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, Phenylbutazone, Rimadil are used. Corticosteroids, such as Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, effectively reduce swelling, pain and inflammation.

The use of chondroprotectors helps to reduce atrophic processes in the connective tissue of the joints. In this case, the best therapeutic effect is achieved with the introduction of medicinal substances directly into the diseased joint.

Chondroprotectors

Equally important to alleviate the condition of the pet is a complete diet and the use of vitamin and mineral supplements, immunomodulators. Special regular exercises help to reduce the degree of dysplasia.

With a slight effect of the applied conservative therapy, as well as with serious changes in the joint, a surgical solution to the problem is often recommended:

young individuals are most often myectomy of the pectineus muscle;
if the pet's weight does not exceed 15 kg, resection arthroplasty can be performed with the removal of the femoral head, the limb is fixed due to the ligament;
if the dog is young, then a pelvic osteotomy may be offered - a complex surgical intervention, during which plastic is used to strengthen the dissected bone;
in some cases, the surgeon resorts to acetabular osteotomy;
in a specialized clinic, a sick dog can undergo a complete joint replacement using high-tech prostheses.

The main prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system:

carrying out regular monitoring and culling of sick individuals from breeding;
competent care and proper feeding of animals;
injury prevention.

Read more in our article on dysplasia in dogs.

Articular dysplasia in animals is an inherited disease of the musculoskeletal system, which is manifested by a violation of the correspondence between the articular surfaces, resulting in the development of dislocation or arthrosis in the joint. In veterinary practice, damage to the hip joint is most often observed, since it is on it that the main load falls. Rarely, dysplasia of the elbow joint is noted in animals.

Among the reasons that provoke the development of the pathology of the musculoskeletal system in dogs, experienced dog breeders and veterinarians note the following:

- hereditary predisposition. In 85% of cases of detection of joint dysplasia in a dog-producer, the vicious gene is passed on to offspring.
- Illiterately compiled load regimen for young pets. Many inexperienced dog breeders overload an immature body under the age of one and a half years with excessive physical exertion. Following the puppy's hyperactivity, the owners are not always able to correctly dose the motor activity.

This leads to the fact that the skeletal tissue does not keep pace with the development of the muscular corset, which leads to a violation of the congruence of the articular surface. Most often, owners of large breeds - bullmastiffs, great danes, St. Bernards - face such a problem.

- However, according to veterinary experts, not only unbalanced physical activity leads to hip dysplasia in four-legged friends, but also hypodynamia. A sedentary lifestyle, the constant keeping of a dog in an aviary leads to the fact that the structure of the connective tissue undergoes changes, which negatively affects the health of the joints.

Excessive weight of the pet gives an additional load on the supporting apparatus, which provokes dysplasia.

- Errors in nutrition- one of the main reasons for the development of pathology in dogs of all breeds. As a rule, an imbalance of nutrients in puppyhood leads to an illness, when a growing body consumes protein components, vitamins and minerals in an enhanced mode.

Deficiency in the diet of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, essential amino acids leads to a violation of mineral metabolism in bones and connective tissue, which provokes joint damage. Excessive content of phosphorus in the diet often leads to the pathology of the musculoskeletal system.

Injuries. Often, it is mechanical damage to the hip, elbow joint that is the trigger for the violation of the physiological correspondence between the articular surfaces. Stretching while running, unsuccessful jumps, walking on ice and slippery floors indoors, injuries when hit by a vehicle can lead to the development of dysplasia.

Most often, the disease affects working breeds of dogs. Veterinary experts note that German and East European Shepherds, Retrievers, Labradors, and Bulldogs are largely susceptible to the disease. Molossian lines of breeds - bullmastiffs, St. Bernards, Great Danes are also susceptible to a polygenically inherited disease.

Symptoms of pathology in dogs

The owner can notice the first changes in the work of the pet's musculoskeletal system no earlier than 4 months of age. In a puppy, pathology from the hip or elbow joint can only be detected through an X-ray examination.

The severity of symptoms of hip dysplasia in a dog and the choice of treatment method largely depend on the stage of the pathological process. According to the accepted classification, violations in the hip joint can be 5 degrees, and elbow - 4.

Symptoms can be detected by the owner already in the mild phase of the disease (classified as stage C). In phases D and E, with pathology within acceptable limits and with a significant degree of destruction of the joint, the clinic becomes apparent.

Lameness of the supporting limb. The violation of the supporting ability of the joint develops gradually, so the owner may not immediately notice the symptom or not attach importance to it, deciding that the dog landed badly after the jump.
Decreased physical activity. The dog avoids games, exercises, jumps, runs reluctantly. During a long walk, the animal often stops, refuses to go further.

A sick dog often lies on its side. It is almost impossible to see a dog lying on its stomach with this pathology.
When walking in a sick individual, a wobbling of the back is observed. The gait is unsteady.
After sleep and rest, it is difficult for the dog to get up.
When forced to run, the owner can observe the removal of the hind limbs, which resembles a rabbit run.
In case of development of serious changes in the structure of the joint, the animal stops jumping and climbs the stairs with difficulty.

The whole body of a sick dog begins to look inharmonious due to progressive atrophic phenomena in the hip region, the sternum becomes more powerful.
On closer examination, the owner can detect severe atrophy of the muscle tissue of the thigh.

The lack of necessary treatment over time leads to a complete loss of motor activity of the four-legged family member.

Watch this video about the causes and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs:

Condition Diagnostics

External examination of the configuration of the diseased joint, assessment of gait and identification of the features of the setting of the limbs help the veterinarian to suspect the phenomenon of dysplasia. Palpation, which is carried out, as a rule, under anesthesia of the animal, reveals muscular dystrophy. When the limbs are abducted, the veterinarian will identify hip dislocation, deformity and displacement of the acetabulum.

The main method for diagnosing disorders of the musculoskeletal system in veterinary medicine is an X-ray examination. In addition to confirming the dislocation, the specialist will also detect dysplastic changes in the acetabulum, displacement of the femoral head. The method allows to reveal the level of asymmetry of the joint, to reveal its influence on the function of the spinal cord of the animal.

Severe hip dysplasia in a dog

X-ray is required in 2 projections. First, the animal is placed on the ridge, and the hind limbs are extended parallel to each other. Then the examination is carried out in the supine position. At the same time, the limbs are bent at the knee joints and lead to the body. Previously, the animal is anesthetized and immobilized.

The reliability of the results obtained and the choice of a method for treating joint dysplasia in dogs depends on how motionless the dog will be during the manipulation. According to the analysis of x-rays, the specialist concludes about the stage of the pathological process.

Treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs

In veterinary practice, there are two approaches to the treatment of pathology - conservative and operative. In case of minor dysplastic changes in the joint, medications may be prescribed to the animal. However, the treatment of elbow dysplasia in dogs usually includes the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

For this purpose, veterinarians use "Phenylbutazone", "Rimadil". Corticosteroids, such as Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, effectively reduce swelling, pain and inflammation.

Equally important to alleviate the condition of the pet is a complete diet and the use of vitamin and mineral supplements, immunomodulators. Many veterinarians rightly believe that special regular exercises help to reduce the degree of dysplasia.

With a slight effect of the applied conservative therapy, as well as with serious changes in the joint, the owner is often recommended a prompt solution to the problem. At the same time, in surgical practice, there are several types of surgery as a treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs.

Special corset for dogs with hip dysplasia

In young individuals, most often myectomy of the pectineus muscle is performed. In the event that the weight of the pet does not exceed 15 kg, resection arthroplasty can be performed. During the operation, the head of the femur is removed. The fixation of the limb occurs due to the ligament. Large breeds do not do such an operation.

If the dog is young, a pelvic osteotomy may be suggested. This is a complex surgical intervention, during which plastic is used to strengthen the dissected bone. In some cases, the surgeon resorts to acetabular osteotomy. In a specialized clinic, a sick dog can undergo a complete joint replacement using high-tech prostheses.

We recommend reading about what to do with a broken paw in a dog. From the article you will learn about the causes of injuries, types of fractures, symptoms of a fracture of the front and hind legs, first aid, and surgical treatment.

And more about how to care for a dog after a fracture.

Joint dysplasia in dogs is a common pathology, especially in service breeds. In an advanced case, the disease can result in a loss of the ability for the animal to move independently. The main method for detecting the disease is an x-ray examination of the joint in 2 projections.

Treatment may be conservative. With a significant dysplastic change, the veterinarian recommends one or another method of promptly solving the problem.

Useful video

Watch this video about the diagnosis and treatment of joint dysplasia in dogs:

The diagnosis of hip dysplasia in dogs does not sound promising. The disease adversely affects the mobility of animals, causes pain and discomfort. The disease is especially susceptible to dogs with a large weight and large physique, which experience intense physical exertion.

Dysplasia in dogs - symptoms

If there is a genetic predisposition, the disease can overtake the animal at an early age. Cases when observed in six-month-old puppies are not uncommon. Improper fit of the head of the bone to the articular cavity can be suspected by the nature of the movements of the dog and its changed habits. Be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian if:

the dog began to limp and sway when walking;
incorrectly places its paws, when running it is repelled by both hind limbs;
makes frequent pauses for rest;
movements become constrained - it is difficult for the dog to move up the stairs, get up from the floor, follow commands;
the body gradually becomes asymmetrical - a massive chest and forelimbs clearly stand out against the background of a narrow pelvis and atrophied muscles of the hind legs;
there is swelling and swelling of the joint;
The dog has pain on touch.

Dysplasia in dogs - causes

Joint problems can be caused by many factors. Owners should be especially vigilant if the puppy's parents suffered from this disease. Joint dysplasia in dogs is not considered a congenital disease; the following can become a trigger for the development of pathology:

malnutrition with an excess of protein foods;
feeding with low-quality feed;
excessive ingestion of calcium and phosphorus;
exhausting loads;
obesity;
sedentary lifestyle;
past trauma to the limbs.

Diagnosis of dysplasia in dogs

Timely detection of the disease is the guarantor of a speedy recovery and the return of the pet to a full life. Therefore, at the first suspicion, it is necessary to undergo a full examination. The preliminary diagnosis is dysplasia of the hind limbs in dogs, a qualified specialist makes immediately after the examination. The veterinarian conducts a mobility test, feels the limbs - this information is enough for him to set the algorithm for further actions.

X-rays are additionally taken to determine the degree of hip dysplasia in dogs and prescribe treatment. The image provides complete information about the nature of the joint damage and helps determine the optimal therapy. In modern, well-equipped clinics, arthroscopy is performed for a complete diagnosis of dogs. This is an expensive but informative procedure that allows you to study the structure of cartilage tissue and the degree of its damage.

Testing for dysplasia in dogs

In order to prevent the disease, owners of dogs of large breeds try to get tested for dysplasia in advance. As practice shows, the first signs of the disease can appear at the age of 2-9 months. However, experts do not recommend jumping to conclusions, since disorders in puppies can be temporary, associated with intense and uneven growth.

Hip dysplasia in dogs may not be definitively diagnosed until 9-18 months of age (depending on height and breed). This does not apply to hereditary pathologies that are clearly visible when the puppy reaches 4 months. The test for dysplasia is a necessary official document for dogs applying for breeding. Although the absence of a disease in parents is not considered a guarantee that puppies will not be prone to developing pathology.

X-ray diagnosis of hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia in dogs is diagnosed by X-ray and a hypermobility test. Both the first and second procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, before conducting the study, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist and an anesthesiologist. Full sedation of the dog ensures its correct position and, as a result, obtaining high-quality reliable images in all necessary projections. After all, even the most calm and obedient animal will strain the muscles and ligaments, which will prevent the correct placement of the articular surfaces.

Dysplasia in dogs - how to determine at home?

It is problematic at first to suspect an ailment by characteristic symptoms. Joint dysplasia in dogs is determined with the naked eye only in advanced stages, when the animal experiences severe discomfort and pain. This condition is accompanied by:

wrong position;
lameness or "rabbit" gait;
intolerance to physical activity;
aggressive behavior, more often when touched.

Degrees of dysplasia in dogs

By the way dysplasia manifests itself in dogs, one can judge the degree of development of the disease. According to the classification of the International Canine Federation, the disease has several stages of development:

BUT- absence of pathology;
AT- borderline condition, predisposition to the development of the disease is present;
FROM- mild degree - the dog is recommended for exclusion from breeding;
D– average degree;
E- severe dysplasia - accompanied by serious impairment of mobility.

Prevention of dysplasia in dogs

A radical measure to prevent the development of the disease in dogs - the exclusion from breeding individuals with this disease, gives its results. However, heredity is far from the only factor that can provoke the development of the disease. Even animals with excellent pedigree can be susceptible to the disease. Joint dysplasia in dogs often develops as a result of external factors. To prevent potential problems, hosts should remember that:

a puppy whose joints and muscle corset are not yet formed should not be subjected to strong physical exertion. Toddlers are contraindicated - jumping from a great height, gravity, running long distances;
the pet must walk and move, lack of activity is fraught with underdevelopment of the acetabulum;
you need to feed the animal in moderation, extra pounds are not an indicator of love, but the risk of developing many diseases, including hip dysplasia in dogs;
Adding supplements to your pet's diet should be done carefully. This is especially true for specialized feed.

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs - Treatment

It is possible to correct the development of dysplasia and provide the animal with a decent quality of life by conservative and surgical methods. Traditional therapy includes:

drug treatment using chondroprojectors, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, nutritional supplements;
adherence to a special diet (for obesity);
physiotherapeutic procedures (magnetic, laser therapy, ozocerite, massages).

The answer to the question of how to treat dysplasia in dogs includes surgical methods. Depending on the individual characteristics of the four-legged patient, surgeons can perform:

myectomy of the pectineus muscle;
resection arthroplasty;
pelvic osteotomy;
complete joint replacement.

Dysplasia is dangerous joint disease, which in dogs is not a congenital pathology, but is directly related to heredity. This disease mainly affects representatives of large breeds. Almost every puppy is predisposed to the disease, which will later grow into a dog of heavy build. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose the disease even in puppyhood. Timely treatment will help protect the pet from serious consequences, including complete immobility.

Reasons for the appearance

Recently, joint dysplasia has been spreading rapidly and takes terrifying forms. Over the years of studying the disease, many experts have come to the conclusion that joint dysplasia is a genetically determined disease. Pathology is passed down from generation to generation.

However, there is an opinion that the disease can be acquired (as a result of an injury). But this hypothesis is broken by the fact that unhealthy puppies are more likely to be born to certain breeds. Moreover, in the same females and males.

In addition, the theory genetic predisposition confirms the fact that stray and outbred dogs are not susceptible to the disease, although more often pets are injured. Also, the disease develops in puppies resulting from "mixed marriages" between outbred representatives and individuals of breeds predisposed to dysplasia. Therefore, it is hardly possible to think that the disease is acquired.

The role of hereditary predisposition to the appearance of the disease is enormous. There are factors that contribute to the development of dysplasia in dogs:

lack of essential vitamins and minerals;
early and inappropriate physical activity;
unbalanced diet;
incorrect proportion of calcium and phosphorus;
obesity;
excess protein;
diseases that lead to a violation of the development and growth of the animal.

All of the above factors have their place in the development of pathology, but their "contribution" to the appearance of the disease is no more than 5%.

Types of disease in dogs

Symptoms and disease, as was said, develop in large breeds of dogs - Labradors, Great Danes, Shepherds, St. Bernards and others. Dysplasia is a serious pathology that leads to the destruction of the hip, elbow or knee joints. At the last stage of the disease, animals cannot move independently.

There are 5 degrees of dysplasia:

1 (A) - no disorders in the joint;
2 (B), 3 (C) - sometimes there are dislocations;
4 (D), 5 (E) - moderate and severe degrees, which lead to serious and severe damage to the joints.

There is dysplasia of the hip, elbow and knee joints.

Hip dysplasia (DTBS)

In dogs, adverse events in the hip joint cause changes in the physiological location of the femoral head to the articular cavity. The main signs of animal behavior with such changes are:

The appearance of signs of hip dysplasia is determined by the severity of violations:

with minor changes, the symptoms of the disease usually do not appear at all or develop only in old age;
with significant changes in the hip joint, signs of the disease will immediately become visible even if the puppy is properly maintained.

Elbow dysplasia

If the disease is concentrated in the elbow joint, then the following symptoms are observed:

dog limping on front paws;
unwillingness to give a paw on command;
the appearance of thickening or other fragments on the elbow joint;
withdrawal of the limb during palpation of the neoplasm;
refusal to go down the stairs.

Some of the symptoms of this type depend on the characteristics of the disease. For example, articular bones can thicken, causing friction, and, conversely, shrink, creating a strong gap.

knee dysplasia

Changes in the knees in dogs are uncommon and usually result from injury or increased load on the hind limbs. In such situations, the position of the bones changes according to the type of subluxation. Signs of knee dysplasia:

visible deformity of the knee joints;
pain when feeling the knee;
severe lameness on the hind legs.

To prevent the disease from developing, puppies of large breeds should create the right conditions for keeping and try to exclude the possibility of injury.

Diagnostics

Joint dysplasia is diagnosed by a veterinarian after a thorough examination of the animal and an X-ray examination. The doctor probes all the joints of the dog, evaluates their mobility, listens for the presence of friction squeaks during extension or flexion of the limbs. An experienced veterinarian can in most cases make a diagnosis based on these examinations.

At the initial stage, the dog is shown an x-ray examination. The picture is taken after the introduction of anesthesia, since without this it is almost impossible to provide the property of the animal. In the picture you can see the location of the femoral neck and articular cavity. The specialist determines the presence of deformation.

Rules that must be followed to obtain high-quality images:

small dogs are examined only after 1 year of life, adults - after 1.5;
each dog is filmed 2 times;
the picture is taken in the supine position of the animal on its back with parallel legs extended.

Arthroscopy - another examination, which will allow you to give an objective assessment of the condition of the joints and help determine dysplasia. This is an endoscopic examination. Through a small puncture, a miniature camera is inserted into the joint area, with the help of which a specialist can see the cartilage structure. This procedure is very expensive and is not carried out in all veterinary clinics.

After all the manipulations and studies, the doctor determines the degree of dysplasia and selects the treatment.

Treatment

Dysplasia in dogs is treated medically and surgically. The choice of treatment method depends on the course of the disease, the individual characteristics of the body and the health of the dog. Therapy of dysplasia of the joints of the elbows can be carried out both conservatively and surgically. Treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs is usually surgical.

Conservative therapy

Medical treatment includes the use of drugs of various effects:

chondoprotectors - preparations for the regeneration of joints;
antispasmodics - to relieve pain;
anti-inflammatory - aimed at relieving tissue inflammation.

But biologically active supplements with chondroitin and glucosamine are also prescribed to accelerate the recovery processes in the joints. Along with the use of dietary supplements and medicines, the dog is shown a special diet for weight loss while taking vitamins and minerals.

Physiotherapeutic procedures can give a positive effect. The most popular and in demand are:

laser and magnetic therapy;
ozokerite or paraffin therapy;
massage of the diseased joint.

During treatment, the animal's motor activity is not excluded, but it should be restrained - light jogging, swimming, slow walks. It is necessary to know that conservative therapy for DTS is only a temporary improvement in the condition, in which lameness is eliminated and pain sensations are removed. Unfortunately, the destroyed articulations of the joints are not restored. Therefore, veterinarians recommend prompt correction.

Surgical intervention

Hip dysplasia surgery in dogs involves reshaping the femoral head to fit the glenoid cavity. The complexity of the operation depends on the degree of the disease. With minor violations, the process consists in removing a small part of the cartilage. In severe cases the following operations are carried out:

Endoprosthetics - replacement of the hip joint with a prosthesis made of titanium. After recovery, the animal will move normally without any discomfort.
Osteotomy - changing the place of the articular notch and giving the physiological correct shape to the joint. If arthritis is present, aggravating dysplasia, this type of operation is not foreseen.
Removal of the head and neck of the femur - the procedure does not involve the replacement of the joint with an implant, but is associated with a long recovery period. After the final recovery, there are no symptoms of the disease, the dog can jump and run without restrictions.

The decision on the method of surgical intervention is made by the veterinarian based on the condition of the dog and the diagnosis. With dysplasia, any operation is a delicate work that a surgeon can perform qualitatively only with deep anatomical knowledge and extensive experience. Therefore, it is very important to find a good specialist.

Disease prevention

Preventive measures to prevent and prevent the development of pathology depend on the stage at which they are needed. You need to think about the absence of illness in a puppy even before buying it. When choosing a puppy of a large breed, it is important to make sure that his parents do not have a disease. Their test results for dysplasia must correspond to grade A. The breeder is obliged to submit such a certificate along with other documents. Although even this does not give full confidence that in the future the dog will not develop a disease.

In puppies aged 6 months (and even older), it is very difficult to determine dysplasia. But with a predisposition, the disease will still someday manifest itself. Therefore, it is necessary to start preventive measures as early as possible to prevent the risk of occurrence and development of consequences. Preventive measures include adequate exercise and a balanced diet. With this approach, it is possible to stop the further development of the disease, even if the puppy has begun the process of articular changes.

But if a puppy of a large breed begins to be fed and subject to great physical exertion, then all this leads to an increase in the load on the joints and the development of pathology.

Any animal requires care and attention, especially if it is a large breed dog, which is at risk of joint diseases. However, you need to know that dysplasia is not a sentence. You can save your pet if you notice changes in time and start adequate treatment.

Attention, only TODAY!

X-ray. Left healthy joint

Although dysplasia affects the dog's physical performance, and, alas, for the worse, it is still far from always possible, looking at the movements of the dog, even to assume that she has this defect. It happens that well-developed, trained muscles can hide the external manifestations of even a severe degree of dysplasia. Therefore, the diagnosis is made only by x-ray.

But here is the picture. We look at it - and what? - Yeah, this is the spine, but this looks like a pelvis, and here is the femur, and here is the head of this bone ... and some other dark and light spots. Everything seems to be in place, everything is fine.

But it’s actually normal or not, only a specially trained specialist can say. On the one hand, as one of the leading experts in the field of dog genetics, M.B. Willis, an Englishman who happily combines a veterinary geneticist, a cynologist and a dog breeder: "In order to read a picture, you do not need to study five years at a veterinary school." But "not all veterinarians know how to do it right."

Of course, if the acetabulum has the shape of a saucer, and instead of a rounded femoral head, some kind of stub sticks out, then you can immediately see - dysplasia. But dysplasia, as the name implies, is an malformed joint. And a manifestation of dysplasia is considered not only severe, but also any deviation from the norm.

What is a norm?

This question is not as simple as it seems. For decades, DTS researchers have debated all aspects of dysplasia. Why? Yes, if only because dogs differ greatly in height, body type, weight. And, as a result, the configuration of the pelvis in the tiny Yorkshire Terrier is different than in the St. Bernard.

This problem was, in particular, devoted to the doctoral dissertation of the German researcher Victoria Richter. The results of her analysis of the structure of the pelvis in German shepherds, boxers, cocker spaniels, miniature poodles and dachshunds of all varieties (i.e. four breeds + dachshunds of three growth categories) clearly demonstrate that in addition all these breeds differ from each other not only outwardly, but also from within.

Dogs are neither mice nor rats, and therefore, as an object of mass laboratory research, fortunately, are expensive. (Although there was a fact - at the dawn of the study of the problem of dysplasia, the American organization Fidelko, which trains dogs for the service of guides for the blind and the police, gave a group of live dogs "for experiments". There were no "Greens" on them then). So, due to the inability to conduct detailed studies, scientists have been offering their schemes and approaches for detecting DTS for a long time.

In the end, we settled on two options for performing (there is also a 3rd additional option), and for establishing a diagnosis from a picture - on six criteria for assessing the hip joint. The names of these criteria sound intimidating, and I will not intimidate the reader with them, I will only say that there are several angles determined by a complex method, indices, characteristics of certain surfaces of the joint.

Gone are the days when a veterinarian squinted at a picture against the light and immediately made a diagnosis. Now a specialist veterinarian draws a picture using a special protractor, determines the angles. Using special tables, determines the scores for each of the criteria. And according to the sum of points, according to the number of signs deviating from the norm, he makes a diagnosis: the degree of dysplasia = A, B, C, D or E.

A is no dysplasia, B is a borderline case, suspected dysplasia, "almost normal", C is mild dysplasia, in some countries it is called "still allowed", D, E is moderate or severe dysplasia, respectively.

This is where you can breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, when making a diagnosis, accurate and completely objective parameters appear. Here we get the conclusion in our hands and read: the Norberg angle is 105 degrees, the penetration index of the head is 1.005, the tangential angle is ... Involuntarily you feel trust. But, unlike a dog, you don't have to relax. The fact is that in order to measure all these angles and indices using the protractor, you must first plot these angles on an x-ray. The starting point for this is the center of the femoral head.

But it has a spherical shape only theoretically. "In life" its form, even if it is rounded, is still very, very irregular. And it is not so easy to determine the geometric center of this sometimes intricate figure. It is necessary to draw axes of various bones of the pelvis and thigh, it is necessary to draw straight lines, which are continuations of various (curved!) lines of the contour of the joint. If there is an error in the definition of some point, then all further constructions will be distorted. Believe me, it's not all that easy.

This is where special training, extensive experience, and the ability to "see" are needed. A doctor, like any expert, needs it no less than an artist. Therefore, the diagnosis is entrusted to a few. In the RKF system, the final and officially recognized diagnosis is a diagnosis made by a doctor with the appropriate license, and we have few of them in Russia. To obtain such a conclusion, an x-ray is sent through the club to the Central Club in Moscow, and the owner of the dog will receive a response from the RKF with a doctor's opinion by mail.

But even the best doctor-expert can make a mistake if he receives an incorrectly taken picture for evaluation. I remember how ten years ago, looking at a picture of my dog and remembering my modest institute knowledge in drawing and geometry, I pestered a radiologist: “Look how asymmetrical everything is here. Couldn’t this affect the diagnosis?” He looked at me like I was stupid. "No, it couldn't."

Alas, it could. The current Internet is full of examples of x-rays of the same dog taken on the same day. According to one picture, dysplasia appears, and according to the other, it is healthy. Or "suspicion of dysplasia" and then another diagnosis - a mild or moderate form of dysplasia. The difference between these shots is only in how the dog lies when shooting. Roughly speaking, the position of the pelvis and hind limbs is symmetrical or not. There are pictures like this on many websites.

One of the best articles on this subject is by renowned American dog handler Ed Frawley and is titled "The Importance of Proper Positioning in Hip X-rays". Despite the scary-sounding title, the article is written in a very simple and accessible way, because it is addressed to ordinary dog breeders, that is, to you and me. It is beautifully illustrated and provided with explanations on how to determine whether the picture was taken correctly or not.

Apparently, getting a high-quality image is a worldwide problem. Many researchers believe that most of the errors in the diagnosis are due precisely to incorrectly performed dog laying. Moreover, the wrong position of the pelvis during the shooting worsens the diagnosis. Ed Frawley writes that they now have the Veterinary Orthopedic Organization (OFA) in the US starting to send back images due to poor positioning. Our experts also began to return pictures without evaluation, but with a recommendation to reshoot.

But even with experts, the situation is not so simple. Not only the incorrect position of the dog during the shooting, not only the shooting "without anesthesia", but also the mistake in reading the picture - this is one of the most serious problems in diagnosing dysplasia. At the Institute of Animal Husbandry and Domestic Animal Genetics of the Justus Liebig University of Giessen (Germany), a series of X-ray images were selected, three sets of copies of these images were made and sent to three highly qualified experts.

The results once again confirmed that the diagnosis of "dysplasia" even on x-rays, although, I repeat, this method is still considered the most accurate, is a very subjective matter. It would be nice if there were still discrepancies at the boundaries of the assessments: one expert says - "norm", another - "border case", or "light degree" - "average degree". But there were also discrepancies of the type: "mild degree of dysplasia" - "free from dysplasia." High agreement was only in the assessment of severe dysplasia.

In general, everything turned out in accordance with the theory of expert assessments. There is also this: in order to get the most accurate estimate, for example, the estimated time for completion of some complex work, they take the forecast of an optimistic expert, the forecast of a pessimistic expert. The most realistic term will be in the middle (of course, provided that both of these experts were quite competent).

In the Giessen University experiment, it was similar: a pessimistic expert and an optimistic expert, and also a moderate expert. His assessments have the most coincidences with colleagues. And besides, his diagnoses most of all "resonated" with the symptoms indicated by the owners of the dogs whose pictures were submitted for this experiment.

Here, it seems, is the solution to the problem. Testing Expert Advisors, choosing "moderate" and... go ahead. But it was not there. And some assessments of the "moderate" expert were more optimistic than those of the "optimist", and some were more negative than those of the "pessimist". What does it say? First of all, that when it comes to dysplasia, everything is not simple and everything is not unambiguous.

E. Alexandrova