HIP DYSPLASIA
As with other breeds, the white shepherd can face problems with hip and elbow dysplasia. All our clubs registered breeders are required to have their breeding stock hip and elbow x-rayed, and adhere to club guidelines when choosing mates for their dogs. As a club, we pride ourselves on ensuring the health and wellbeing of the breed is first and foremost with our breeders.
WHAT IS HIP DYSPLASIA?
Hip Dyplasia is badly fitting or loose hips. It is the bad fit of the hip in the socket that causes the eventual arthritis, inflammation, pain and breakdown of the hips.
The hip joint is a 'ball and socket' joint: the ball (the top part of the thigh bone or femur) fits into a socket formed by the pelvis. If there is a loose fit between these bones, and the ligaments which help to hold them together are loose, the ball may slide part way out of the socket (subluxate). With time, as this occurs repeatedly, other degenerative changes in the joint occur (also called osteoarthritis) and your dog will become painful, lame and weak in the hind end. This is a disease that worsens and becomes more painfull to your dog over time.
PREVENTION OF HIP DYPLASIA
There is no known method of preventing hip dysplasia except for a thoughtful and carefully executed breeding program with regular radiographic analysis of all stock before breeding.
HOW IS HIP DYSPLASIA INHERITED
The mode of inheritance of this disease is polygenic (caused by many different genes). Scientists do not yet know which genes are involved, or how many genes. Factors that can make the disease worse include excess weight, a fast growth rate, and high calorie or supplemented diets.
WHAT BREEDS ARE AFFECTED BY HIP DYSPLASIA
Hip dysplasia is the most common inherited disease in large and giant breed dogs, and occurs in many medium-sized breeds as well. When obtaining a dog from a large or giant breed, you should ask before purchasing to see hip and elbow x-rays, prefferably from several generations back.
CAN YOU TELL A DOG HAS HIP DYSPLASIA BY LOOKING AT IT
The degree to which the hips are dyplasic does not always correlate with the amount of pain. Some dogs with radiographically very bad hips, show less pain than other swhose x-rays show only minor changes. This is why it is vital that dog owners hip and elbow x-ray their dogs to check for poorly fitting hips before breeding, as unless a dog is in obvious pain, it is not possible to tell whether a dog has good or bad hips without a veterinary x-ray.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HIP DYSPLASIA
While there is a severe form of hip dysplasia that affects very young dogs (less than twelve months old), sign s of the disease are most common in older dogs. The loose fit at the hip joint will be present in young dogs, but it may take a few years for the other changes to cause pain and become noticeable. Signs such as difficulty getting up, pain or stiffness after exercise, unwillingness to play or be as active may be signs of osteoarthritic change occuring in the joint or joints. There is no easy cure, but pain and lameness by making sure they are not overweight, restricting exercise, and use of pain relief medication. Other options such as swimming and acupuncture may be complimentary alternatives.
DIAGNOSING HIP DYSPLASIA
Often your vet may suspect hip dysplasia if your large breed has any of the above signs. This will be confirmed with radiographs (x-rays) which will determine the fit of the hips, and whether there has been any osteoarthritic change occured in the hip.
CAN YOU TELL WHETHER A DOG HAS OR WILL DEVELOP HIP DYSPLASIA BY LOOKING AT IT?
The degree to which the hips are dysplastic (loose or poorly fitting) does not always correlate with the amount of pain. Some dogs with radiographically very bad hips, show less pain than others whose x-rays show only minor changes. This is why it is vital that dog owners hip and elbow x-ray before using their dogs for breeding, as unless a dog is in obvious pain, it is not possible to tell whether a dog has good or bad hips without a veterinary x-ray.
MY DOG HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH HIP DYSPLASIA
Although there is no cure for hip dysplasia, there are ways to manage the pain. Your veterinarian will work with you to keep your dog comfortable. Treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs and/ or alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Nutraceuticals such as glucosamine or the Sascha's blend product, may also be helpful. Controlling exercise and maintaining your dog at an appropriate weight, are important in managing the pain and effects of hip dysplasia.
MY VET HAS SUGGESTED SURGERY
Depending on the patients age and diagnostic findings, recommended surgical options may include:
- Rearrangement of the angle at which the components of the hip meet (triple pelvic osteotomy)- most commonly used for young dogs without significant cartilage wear (arthritis) or bony reformation.
-Replacment of the components of the hip (total hip replacement)- most commonly used for older dogs or those with significant arthritis or bony reformation
-Alteration of the hip joint to prevent painful bone contact (femoral head and neck ostectomy)- more commonly used for smaller dogs
Post Operative Care:
If a triple pelvic osteotomy or total hip replacement was performed:
-Patient activity is strictly limited until adequate healing occurs, usually 6-12 weeks
-X-rays will be taken at specific intervals to evaluate healing at the surgery site
-If femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, physical therapy will be initiated within several days of surgery, and is usually continued 4-8 weeks
Expected Results After Surgery:
-If a triple pelvic osteotomy was performed, pain is generally relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and the patient does not develop significant hip arthritis
-If a total hip replacement was performed, pain is relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and arthritis is permanently relieved
-If a femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, a mild limp will likely remain, but pain and arthritis are relieved
