Medical and Surgical Treatments for Dog Hip Dysplasia

Dog hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint is loose, unstable, or very lax, is common among a variety of dog breeds. It is most commonly found among German Shepherds, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, St. Bernards, Beagles, American Bulldogs, Bloodhounds, Rottweilers, and Shih Tzus. This disease may be addressed by certain medical and surgical treatments.

For as long as the detection of canine hip dysplasia was made earlier, medical treatments to delay the progression of the disease can be done. Veterinarians will suggest that the pet owner follow treatment religiously in order to stop further damage to the hip joint and to decrease the pain that the dog is experiencing. Medications are recommended to temporarily relieve pain, and not really to address the problem of hip dysplasia. Acetaminophen is indicated for mild to moderate hip dysplasia only; should not be given at high doses as this will pose damage to the dog’s kidneys. NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, reduce pain in low doses and reduce inflammation at high doses. They do not really prevent joint damage. When given for a long period of time it will even speed up the breakdown of the joint. Cortisone on the other hand reduces inflammation and swelling.

It is still best that the dog undergoes surgical treatment upon recommendation of a veterinarian. Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) removes the damaged rough-edged ball of the hip joint. It is a very simple procedure and almost all those dogs which have undergone this surgery return to an almost normal function. Triple Pelvic Ostectomy (TPO) is usually recommended to young dogs because the usual candidates for this form of surgery are those in the early stages with little or no evidence of arthritis on a hip x-ray. In this case, further arthritic change is kept at a minimum. Total Hip Replacement (THR) is performed in mature dogs at least two years of age. Here the neck and head of the femur are replaced with stainless steel or titanium implants. Darthroplasty is a new surgery where a shelf of bone is formed above the edge of the socket.