Treatment of joint dysplasia in dogs. Joint dysplasia in dogs: a weak point for large breeds

Hip dysplasia in dogs – what is it? Is there a cure for this disease? What measures can you take to keep your pet safe? These questions worry many owners of large dogs. Let's try to figure it out.

Causes

Hip dysplasia is a real scourge of large breed dogs. With dysplasia, the joint is formed incorrectly and therefore functions poorly, causing discomfort to the animal. And although large dogs are more susceptible to this disease, it can also occur in smaller breeds. The main disadvantage of this disease is that it is not completely curable.

In the photo you can compare x-rays of a healthy and diseased hip joint.

Kinds

The most common type of this disease is hip dysplasia. Most often seen in puppies of large dogs. It can be recognized by the incorrect position of the hind legs, lameness during exercise, lethargy of the puppy, difficulty jumping and instability of gait.

With hip dysplasia in dogs, body asymmetry is observed: a disproportionately narrow rear, poorly developed paws and a massive, wide chest.

Elbow dysplasia is a developmental defect of the forelimbs. The defect can be on two or one paw. This genetic disease can be successfully treated surgically. However, even a cured individual is not allowed to breed. In advanced cases, you can hear a cracking and crunching sound in the elbow joint.

In the photo you can see an x-ray of the diseased elbow joint.

The most severe stage of hip dysplasia is multiple epiphasic dysplasia. This is a hereditary defect. Most often, a dog is affected in early childhood. Growth in puppies stops abruptly due to calcification of the pineal gland. The joints of a sick animal seem swollen, the gait is very unsteady and swaying.

Treatment

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely cure a disease such as hip dysplasia. But it is quite possible to stop its development and make the dog’s life full, long and painless. This can be done with medication or surgery.

Disease detection test

There is a so-called test that helps identify dysplasia. The test results are obtained based on a veterinarian's examination (includes palpation of the limbs) and an x-ray. Be sure to ask the test results of the parents of your future puppy - do not forget that most often dysplasia is hereditary.

Dysplasia can be diagnosed not only by x-rays. There is also the so-called Ortolani test. This is a special way of palpation. Moreover, this test is used not only for dogs, but also for newborn children. According to this test, the degree of dysplasia in different dogs can vary significantly:

• Grade A. No dysplasia.
• Grade B. Minor deviations from the norm.
• Grade C. Mild dysplasia.
• Grade D. Moderate dysplasia.
• Grade E. Severe dysplasia.

This method cannot detect elbow dysplasia.

Surgical treatment

Most often, this treatment method is used in advanced stages of elbow dysplasia or hip joint. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to guarantee the successful outcome of the operation and its effectiveness. Today, there are many types of surgical interventions for joint diseases in dogs. Let's look at the main ones.

• Myectomy of the pectineus muscle. Perhaps the simplest type of surgical treatment of all, described below. The operation is performed only on young dogs. This type of surgery helps reduce stress on the joint and reduce pain.
• Resection arthroplasty. This is the surgical removal of the head of the femur. Mobility after such an operation is preserved only in small dogs that weigh less than 15 kg.
• Triple pelvic osteotomy. A very complex operation that can only be entrusted to a true professional. During it, a dissection of the bone is made, then it is rotated so that the hip joint comes into better contact with it.
• Interacetabular osteotomy. The wedge-shaped part of the neck of the bone is removed. Afterwards it is fixed with a special plate. This is also a complex operation that not every pet surgeon can undertake.
• Hip replacement. This operation is performed only in large cities in large modern veterinary clinics. The diseased joint is replaced with a special prosthesis.

Drugs

Almost all drugs that are prescribed to dogs for hip dysplasia have to be used for life. They are not able to cure the disease, but they significantly reduce pain and allow the dog to walk more confidently and practically not limp. Proper treatment can give your dog a full life!

Nowadays, many homeopathic remedies have appeared on the market to treat this disease. Reviews from owners vary - some found them a panacea, others, on the contrary, did not see any results. To choose the optimal drug, you need to consult a specialist.

Care

With proper care, a sick dog can live a happy and fulfilling life. Always remember about the characteristics of her body. Take your pet away if he becomes overexcited while playing with other dogs. Don't give him long walks - it's better to go out several times for shorter periods of time.

To prevent the disease from getting worse over the years, carefully monitor your dog’s diet. It must be balanced and contain the required amount of vitamins, minerals and other useful and nutritious substances. Keep an eye on your dog's weight; obesity will only make the situation worse.

If you decide to have surgery, carefully follow all the veterinarian's recommendations during the postoperative period. Do not skip taking medications that alleviate the animal’s condition. Remember that the disease will worsen with age, so try to prolong the happy life of your pet as much as possible. Do not ignore drug treatment.

Mostly large dogs suffer from dysplasia, and the disease consists of the destruction of joints. The illness is serious, but it is not a death sentence.

With proper care from the owner and medical care, the dog will live a normal life. How does dysplasia manifest in dogs and how to cure it?

With dysplasia in a puppy, the formation of the joint structure is disrupted: the acetabulum, in which the head of the bone is fixed, gradually becomes flat. This leads to the bone does not hold tightly in the joint, the effect of constant dislocation occurs, the animal lames, it is in pain.

Dysplasia in dogs: what is it? This is a disease that results in the destruction of the animal's hip joints. St. Bernards, retrievers and others are susceptible to this disease.

Stages and causes of the disease

Veterinarians distinguish 4 stages of the disease:

• 1st degree (mild form) – the acetabulum is flattened, but the bone “sits” firmly in it;
• 2nd degree (medium form) – the flattening is already noticeable, irregularities appear on the head of the bone, the articulation weakens, but is still considered strong;
• 3.4 degrees (severe form) – the acetabulum is flat, the head of the bone is also flattened and destroyed, the joint is in a state of dislocation.

Attention! Most often, dysplasia affects the hip area, but this does not mean that other joints are safe. Any one of them could get hurt.

The disease can be congenital or acquired. Causes of dysplasia in dogs:

• genetic factor- if one of the parents has at least a mild form of dysplasia or a tendency to it;
• increased physical activity when the puppy’s skeleton is forming (and this lasts up to 2 years in large dogs);
• insufficient physical activity, when both muscles and joints cannot form correctly;
• poor nutrition – excess calcium and phosphorus, low-quality dry food, growth stimulants or excess meat in the puppy’s diet;
• excess weight, which leads to excessive stress on the joints, that during the period of skeletal development increases the risk of disease;
• joint injuries.

The consequences of the disease are sad: lameness, body asymmetry, with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia in puppies, growth stops, joints swell. If the elbows are affected, there is lameness on the front legs, the pet will not go down the stairs.

Signs, symptoms, diagnosis

It is difficult to notice signs of the disease at an early stage without an x-ray, which means the owner will need to pay special attention to the puppy. What should cause concern? Symptoms of dysplasia in dogs:

1. When walking, the pet sways, limps slightly, and is stiff after sleep.
2. When running for walks, he pushes off the ground with both hind legs and rests often. He doesn’t immediately run towards his owner, but walks carefully, as if warming up.
3. He limps, starting to run, but then it goes away. Limps after physical activity. Moreover, this sign may appear or disappear.
4. When the puppy lies down, the paws are unnaturally turned out.
5. Refuses to go up stairs, won't give paw on command, or whines when he does.
6. The joints are swollen, edematous, painful. If you feel it, the puppy will whine.
7. Asymmetry of the body that occurs because the pet transfers weight from diseased paws to healthy ones.

Important! After the dog turns one year old, it will be more difficult to cope with the disease.

If you detect at least one sign, you need to consult a doctor immediately! In the hospital, the veterinarian will, first of all, examine the puppy: palpate the paws, try to straighten the joint one way or another, listen to see if there are any clicks or squeaks, or maybe friction when bending the limbs.

This is a preliminary part of the diagnosis. After this, the doctor will order an x-ray. It is performed on dogs under anesthesia; there is no need to be afraid. They do this because animals resist strongly when excited.

In the image, the veterinarian will be able to clearly examine the condition of the joint, acetabulum, and the tightness of the bone. This is enough to make an accurate diagnosis of the presence or absence of dysplasia.


Condition of the pet's joint after x-ray Doctors describe it this way:

• A (no pathologies);
• B (there is a predisposition to the disease);
• C (mild form);
• D (medium shape);
• E (severe form).

Attention! It is certainly impossible to determine dysplasia without an x-ray! There is a high risk of making a mistake, and in this case a healthy animal will suffer from treatment.

There is another way to diagnose the disease - arthroscopy. The joint cavity is punctured and a small camera is inserted inside, through which the veterinarian examines the structure of the dog’s cartilage tissue. The procedure is informative, however, it is performed only in very well-equipped clinics. There are few of them.

Treatment of dysplasia

Dysplasia in a dog, how to treat? Depending on the degree of damage to the joint, the doctor prescribes either surgical or drug treatment. The first is used for severe forms of the disease, the second does not so much treat as mitigate the consequences of dysplasia.

Surgical intervention

Before the operation, the dog will definitely have an x-ray taken again. Surgical treatment of dysplasia in dogs can be as follows:

• cutting off the pectineus muscle inside the joint, which reduces the load and minimizes pain during movement;
• removal of the head of the bone and subsequent fastening of the limb to a special ligament;
• dissection of both the bone itself and the articular cavity, then unfolding so that the bone is in closer contact with the joint;
• removal of a wedge-shaped piece of bone for better fit into the articular cavity, while fixing the bone with a special plate;
• joint replacement, when the patient is completely removed and replaced with a prosthesis.

Important! Operations are performed only on young dogs whose weight does not exceed 15 kg.

Drug therapy

Treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs is by taking special medications and performing procedures in the clinic.

Medicines prescribed:

• droppers and injections that help restore joints and cartilage;
• antispasmodics to relieve pain from movement;
• anti-inflammatory;
• dietary supplements that strengthen bones.

We must remember that you will have to monitor the animal’s weight, follow a special diet, and pay special attention to physical activity - A dog cannot run, but it can swim.

Prevention

The pet requires close attention during the entire growth period; in large breeds it lasts from a year to 2.5 years. At this time, you should not overdo it with stress, but you should not allow an overly passive lifestyle.

It is necessary to take seriously that the food is of high quality and balanced in terms of vitamins and minerals.

There should not be excess weight, which means that the dog should not be given any growth stimulants; overfeeding with cereals and meat is also contraindicated. And your pet doesn’t need to run long distances.

Important! A large breed puppy should be shown to the doctor periodically, even if everything is fine with the baby.

With careful attention to the choice of pet (careful selection) and on the part of the owner, the risk of dysplasia is minimized. However, even if it develops, the dog can be helped, the main thing is not to delay a visit to the veterinarian.

Additionally, watch the video about the manifestation and treatment of dysplasia in dogs:

Experienced breeders are familiar with the genetic disease hip dysplasia, which affects some large breeds of dogs. The disease is diagnosed at an early age and, if not properly treated, can lead to complete immobilization of the animal.

Large breed dogs are most susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia was first isolated from dogs and described in the United States 60 years ago, although the disease has been diagnosed and treated in humans for a long time. Subsequently, Swedish veterinarians proved that the disease is caused by hereditary factors and is most often found in large dogs. Although the size of the animal is not a determining factor in the development of the disease, since even small breeds, for example, chow chows, also suffer from hip dysplasia (HD).

Veterinarian observations have shown that puppies are born with normally developed joints, which are then susceptible to disease due to hereditary predisposition. At the same time, in large breeds the disease progresses at a high speed, as they rapidly gain body weight, which is a strain on fragile joints. The disease is especially dangerous for short-legged breeds.

Hip dysplasia (DHD) most often affects German Shepherds., Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Boxers, etc. Greyhounds are free from the disease. In 89% of cases, dysplasia affects two hip joints at once, 3.3% are unilateral lesions of the left joint, 7.7% - the right.

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a defect in the development of the joint in the socket area. At first, the disease was called subluxation of the articular head, since it increases the gap between the head of the bone and the articular socket. The bone does not fit tightly to the joint, resulting in friction and wear of the head. The joint begins to deform and flatten.

Currently, the concept of dysplasia includes all deviations from the normal formation of the hip joint in dogs.

Pronounced symptoms of the disease appear at 1-1.5 years, after the end of the dog’s intensive growth. But genetic predisposition cannot completely become the impetus for the development of the disease. Doctors have found that the development of the disease is influenced by a combination of hereditary predisposition and the influence of environmental factors.

Important. It is advisable to exclude the presence of a predisposition to dysplasia already at the stage of purchasing a puppy. Before purchasing, you need to study the parents' documents. However, it is worth remembering that even two puppies from the same litter that are predisposed to the disease, if placed in different living conditions, may have different development of the disease.

There are reasons that provoke the disease and contribute to its development:

• Nutritional imbalance. Excessive amounts of meat in the absence of vegetables, cereals and fruits in the diet quickly leads to joint pain.
• Excess of phosphorus and calcium in the body. Their excess in food negatively affects the development of bone tissue.
• Obesity. Excess weight leads to increased stress on the joints and increases their deformation.
• Heavy physical activity.
• Inactivity.
• Limb injuries.

An attentive owner will immediately determine that something wrong is happening to his pet. A change in gait and a disturbance in the dog’s appearance indicates the development of pathology.

The following signs may indicate defects:

• Limping, swaying while walking.
• Incorrect paw placement when running (pushing off the surface with both legs at once).
• Stiffness of movements.
• Incorrect posture when lying down - the hind legs are turned in different directions.
• Body asymmetry. The dog transfers the bulk of its body weight to the front part of the body, while the pelvis becomes narrow as the muscles of the hind legs atrophy.
• Swelling of the joints.
• Pain when touching the paws.

Any of these signs should be a reason to contact your veterinarian. Timely help for your dog will help slow down or completely stop the development of the disease. Dysplasia detected at an early age, when bones are still developing, is cured much faster.

Distinct clinical manifestations of DTS occur at different ages of dogs and depend on the individual characteristics of the dog. In mild cases, the disease manifests itself only in some weakness of the animal’s hind limbs, which does not affect its working condition. Lameness begins to progress as physical activity increases. The dog refuses to follow some commands and gets tired quickly.

Dysplasia is diagnosed by a veterinarian after a thorough examination of the dog and an x-ray examination. The doctor palpates the dog’s joints, evaluates their mobility, and listens for creaks or friction when bending and straightening the paws. In most cases, an experienced specialist can make a primary diagnosis based on these signs.

The dog is prescribed an x-ray examination. The picture can be taken only after the administration of anesthesia, since it is impossible to ensure the animal’s immobility without this. An x-ray will allow the doctor to examine the location of the articular socket and femoral neck and determine the presence of deformities.

To obtain high-quality images, you must follow the following rules:

• Small dogs are examined only after 1 year, large dogs - after 1.5 years.
• Each animal is filmed twice.
• The picture is taken in a supine position, with legs extended parallel.

Arthroscopy is an examination aimed at objectively assessing the condition of the joint and recognizing dysplasia. The procedure is endoscopic. By inserting a miniature camera into the joint area through a small puncture, the doctor can examine the structure of the cartilage. This examination is expensive and is not carried out in all clinics.

After the examination, the doctor determines the category of dysplasia:

• A – joint without significant pathology.
• B – predisposition to disease.
• C – initial stage of the disease.
• D – moderate dysplasia.
• E – severe form of dysplasia.

To treat dysplasia, depending on the condition of the articular tissue and the individual condition of the animal’s body, conservative and surgical treatment is used.

Conservative methods

Pathology of the hip joint can be treated with medication in the early stages of development. This technique is aimed at restoring cartilage tissue, relieving swelling and pain.

Conservative treatment is based on the use of:

• Chondoprotectors - drugs aimed at restoring cartilage and joint tissues (Adequan, Glucosamine, Artra, Teraflex, Chionate, Chondrolone, Mucosat, Pentosan). The drugs are prescribed in the form of intravenous drips, intramuscular injections, and injections into the joint. Medicines are prescribed in combination or separately.
• Antispasmodics that relieve pain - No-shpa, Baralgin, Analgin.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs - Nimesulide, Rimadyl.
• Mineral complexes based on chondroitins and glucosamine - Omega-3, Omega-6 complexes.
• Along with medications, the dog is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures.

The most effective are:

• Paraffin therapy.
• Ozokerite.
• Magnetic therapy.
• Laser therapy.
• Massage.

Operative technique

Conservative treatment may not always give the desired result in the treatment of hip dysplasia (HJD). When the disease has reached its final stages, surgical intervention is necessary. The duration and complexity of the operation depends on the condition of the joint. Sometimes it is enough to just remove a small cartilage growth inside the joint.

If the joint is severely deformed, the following types of operations are used:

• Excision of the femoral neck and head. The operation is quite traumatic, and the recovery period after it can be long. After excision, the joint is completely restored, and the animal can move freely without the use of any prostheses.
• Osteotomy– dissection of the bone and adjustment of the location of the articular fossa. The joint is in the correct position. Surgery is possible in uncomplicated forms of the disease.
• Myectomy– excision of the pectineus muscle during the puppy’s growth period. Practice shows that this technique does not provide a complete cure, but it can significantly reduce lameness and restore the motor function of the joint. The indication for this type of surgical intervention is the ineffectiveness of conservative treatment with drugs. Myectomy has the greatest effect when the dog is between 6 and 12 months old.
• Resection arthroplasty– joint resection to reduce pain. This operation reduces the contact of the joint head with the glenoid cavity. After the operation, when moving, the friction of the head against the socket stops, and the dog stops experiencing pain. This type of surgical intervention is used for small breeds of dogs weighing up to 20 kilograms. Resection arthroplasty is performed at any age of the animal.
• Endoprosthetics. Used at the last stage of dysplasia. The dog's joint is replaced with an artificial one made of titanium alloy. Prosthetics are used when other surgical methods have failed or do not make sense. After completing the rehabilitation course, the dog continues to move without pain and lead a normal lifestyle. Muscle atrophy is a contraindication for endoprosthetics, so if there are indications for installing a prosthesis, it should be done as soon as possible. From an economic and functional point of view, installation of a prosthesis is recommended for dogs weighing more than 30 kilograms.

Prevention of dysplasia

A guarantee of the absence of hip dysplasia (HD) in dogs is selection and genetic prevention. To obtain healthy offspring, it is necessary to breed healthy parents. Dog trainers and breeders should be especially interested in addressing the problem to maintain the health of the breeds being bred.

However, parents can be carriers of the disease at the genetic level, so it is not always possible to exclude the possibility of its manifestation in the offspring.

Owners of dog breeds predisposed to hip dysplasia (HJD) should especially carefully monitor the normalization of the animal’s diet in order to prevent obesity. Excess weight in a dog is an increased load on the joints, therefore, a provoking factor in the development of dysplasia.

Attention. Reducing caloric intake by reducing the amount of meat consumed and replacing it with carbohydrates is the wrong way. This approach will lead to new problems with the pet’s health. The dog's diet must be designed in such a way that it receives all the substances, vitamins and minerals necessary for growth and development.

The development of hip dysplasia (HJD) is influenced by the organization of physical activity. Insufficient and excessive physical activity is harmful to the musculoskeletal system. You should not give increased stress during the puppy’s growth period. Continuous running over too long distances is harmful at any age.

If dysplasia has already begun to develop, you should immediately limit physical activity, reduce the time of exercise and play with the animal. A sign of excess stress on the body is a dog limping after a walk. Experts recommend walking dogs with dysplasia on the lawn, excluding walking on asphalt. Swimming is beneficial for dogs, as in water the load on the joints is reduced, while other muscle groups receive the necessary load.

Cold and humidity are contraindicated for sick dogs, as they lead to exacerbation of joint problems. Dogs with dysplasia must be kept in a warm, dry room, otherwise they will suffer from joint aches and night pain.

Hip dysplasia in dogs, which is genetic, affects the animal sooner or later, despite the preventive measures taken. The owner’s task is to provide assistance to a sick animal and reduce pain in order to maintain the pet’s motor activity.

Definition of DTBS

Causes of DTBS

Diagnosis of DTBS

Classification of DTBS

Treatment methods for DTBS

The problem of elbow dysplasia. 22

Definition of DTBS

Since the times of the Roman Empire, cases of hip dysplasia (HJD) have been known, not only in dogs, but also in humans, horses, cats and cattle. Cases of THD in wolves have been recorded and documented.

Hip dysplasia in dogs was first identified in the United States almost 50 years ago. J.B. Schnell first described this disease in 1952, after observing and studying a large population of German shepherd dogs in the United States. It was soon described in Germany, but only after the Second World War did information about DTS become more widespread, and Scandinavian veterinarians, along with American and English veterinarians, also made a special contribution to its research.

And lately the problem of DTHD has been talked about much more often than before. Unlike dysplasia in humans, hip dysplasia in dogs is not congenital, since puppies, unlike human children, are born without signs of the disease and its first manifestations can be observed only after reaching a certain age.

The term "dysplasia" comes from the Greek words dys (deviation from the norm) and plasia (development, formation), and Dysplasia is a developmental disorder.

Hip dysplasia was initially defined as “congenital subluxation” or “congenital displacement” of the hip joint. In 1954, J.B. Schnell proposed to abolish the term “dysplasia”, replacing it with the selective concept of “hip dysplasia”, because the disease reflects the problem only of the hip joint.

The following definitions are most often used in the literature: “Hip dysplasia is an anatomical defect of underdevelopment of the articular cavity, which carries the potential danger of disrupting the musculoskeletal function of the pelvic limbs.” This means that not every animal with hip dysplasia will have clinical symptoms.

Another definition is “hip dysplasia - hereditarily caused, abnormal formation of the hip joint, in which the acetabulum and the head of the femur do not correspond to each other in shape.” Incorrect formation of the hip joint is expressed in the abnormal structure of the head of the femur or the glenoid cavity, or both.

Today, the concept of hip dysplasia is considered as a general concept, which includes almost all “diseases” and “deviations from the form” in the hip joint.

The disease begins with disturbances in the osteochondral apparatus of the hip joints, in particular with underdevelopment of the upper edge of the socket, which leads to its gradual compaction. The congruence (mechanical correspondence) of the shape of the socket and the femoral head is disrupted. The force effects in the diseased joint are redistributed, the loads on the upper and anterior surfaces of the acetabulum increase. There is an increase in friction and pressure forces on local areas of both components of the joint, while in a healthy joint these forces are distributed evenly. Looseness occurs in the joint under the influence of the weight of the body and the movements of the animal. Overloaded areas of the femoral head are subject to increased wear and do not have time to regenerate. Bone growths (exostoses) form on the edges of the acetabulum and on the femoral neck. Degenerative changes increase in cartilage. The wearing head of the femur becomes deformed, changing from spherical to conical or mushroom-shaped.

Changes occur in the ligamentous apparatus of the joint and surrounding tissues. To hold the joint, its capsule is compacted. The deposition of calcium salts begins in it. Flabby muscles no longer support the joint. Wear and tear of joint tissue and degenerative processes in it cause inflammatory phenomena - arthritis, which occurs acutely or chronically, with periodic exacerbations, pain and lameness.

The range of motion in the joint becomes increasingly limited, and the animal spares the affected limb. Gradually, all elements of the joint are involved in the process. The blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted. The ligaments become loose, the joint capsule is stretched, and the nerves are injured, increasing the pain. Subluxations and complete dislocations develop, and the configuration of the joint is disrupted. The femoral head always moves upward and outward, and the calcified capsule loses its elasticity. Over time, there may be complete degeneration of the joint structures (arthrosis), rupture of the joint capsule, stiffness or immobility (ankylosis) of the joint, as well as systemic damage and osteodystrophy.

These processes lead to disability of the dog, and sometimes to euthanasia.

Causes of DTBS

In recent years, having established the influence of environmental factors on the development of hip joint disease, dysplasia is described as a disease caused by heredity and environmental factors and manifests itself in the form of impaired mobility in the hip joint and changes in the shape of the glenoid cavity and head of the femur.

Some scientists believe that hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetically determined disease, i.e. a pathology transmitted hereditarily from parents to offspring.

The most widespread among scientists are two theories about the hereditary nature and mechanism of inheritance of THD.

Most geneticists are inclined to the theory of additive inheritance, i.e. the actions of genes involved in the final formation of the hip joint.

The second theory stems from the premise that the genes responsible for the final formation of the hip joint influence each other, and their mutual actions combine in various ways, which means that the hereditary nature of the defect is much more complex than in the first case.

But there is a third theory, which is a combination of the first two: the action of genes responsible for the formation of joints can, on the one hand, be additive, and on the other hand, individual genetic pairs can influence each other in different ways.

Experts have come to the conclusion that THD is a classic example of a quantitative trait determined by many genes (polygeny), and in this case, many environmental factors influence the final result of the formation and manifestation of the trait. Not all animals with hip dysplasia are clinically affected, but apparently clinically healthy dogs cannot be assumed to be free of hip dysplasia. When selecting valuable genotypes, it is necessary to use pedigree analysis, in which ancestors suffering from THD must be noted.

It is important to remember that this pathology can be transmitted through 14 generations, i.e. Even with healthy parents, a sick puppy can be born, but if at least one of the parents is sick, the risk increases many times over.

In addition to heredity, the predisposition of the breed also matters, and at this point the format of the dog becomes an important factor. According to statistics on the frequency of dysplasia in various dog breeds, dysplasia occurs much more often in stretched dogs (with an elongated body) than in square breeds. The hip joints of stretched dogs experience greater load (according to the laws of biomechanics) than the joints of square dogs. Classic examples of stretched dogs are Dachshunds, Scottish Terriers, Basset Hounds, Retrievers, and German Shepherds.

Factors that contribute to the worsening of dysplasia also play an important role. These include:

• early physical activity - excessive physical activity, especially jumping, injures a fragile joint (but do not forget that movement helps develop the muscles that protect the joint, so the puppy should play with peers, move as much as he wants, without coercion);
• disturbances in feeding the puppy - when the food is not digested and the puppy does not receive enough nutrients for growth;
• excess protein and calories - overfeeding leads to excess body weight, which negatively affects the puppy’s too “soft” joints;
• disturbance of mineral metabolism (lack of vitamin D in the diet, incorrect ratio of calcium to phosphorus) - leads to curvature of the bones of the limbs, thickening of articular cartilage, thinning of bone walls;
• any other diseases that impair the growth and formation of the dog.

Diagnosis of DTBS

As already mentioned, at birth a puppy does not have dysplasia, since there are no joints as such, but information about the presence or absence of pathology is already “recorded” in the dog’s genes. Then, as the puppy grows and develops, the joints begin to take shape and it is at this time that dysplasia becomes noticeable.

Symptoms begin to appear, such as incorrect positioning of the limbs, rapid fatigue of the puppy, difficulty getting up on a slippery floor, preference to lie down or crawl to the goal rather than stand up and walk. “Bunny” running is also often observed, when both pelvic limbs push off the ground at the same time. A swaying and unsteady gait appears. The pectoral limbs develop more intensively, sometimes hypertrophy of the muscles of the forelimbs develops, because the main load is transferred to them, since the puppy spares the pelvic limbs. In the hind limbs, there is stiffness immediately after standing, pain when manipulating the hip, and a sensation of crepitus (friction sounds when rotating) of the hip joint. An alarming symptom should be poor development of the muscles of the pelvic limbs and croup, fear of movements leading to rotation of the femoral head.

The most common symptom of dysplasia that attracts the attention of owners is lameness. Lameness with dysplasia always occurs due to two reasons: pain in the joint (the period of support is shortened), as well as a violation of the biomechanics of the pelvic limb, which can be manifested by difficulty moving the limb forward. In the latter case, mixed type lameness will be clinically observed. It must be taken into account that lameness can increase or decrease as the dog moves. More often, initial lameness is detected (increasing lameness after a period of rest or sleep), and during a walk the lameness may disappear completely. This feature of lameness in dysplasia is associated with the presence of inflammation of the joint membranes, and inflammation, as is known, occurs secondary to osteoarthritis. Thus, we can conclude that the presence of lameness in a puppy or adult dog indicates joint damage and the development of osteoarthritis.

But at the same time, you need to know that the presence of these symptoms does not at all mean the presence of hip dysplasia, just as an apparently healthy dog ​​can have a severe degree of pathology. Hip dysplasia in dogs can occur at any age. If the pathology does not manifest itself in puppyhood (as a rule, mild and moderate degrees of compensated dysplasia) - this does not mean that it does not exist.

Official diagnosis of dysplasia is carried out from 12 months, and for giant breeds even from 18 months. But if a puppy already has obvious external signs of dysplasia at 4 months, then it is necessary to immediately make a diagnosis in order to take at least some timely measures to improve the puppy’s quality of life and prevent the development of secondary osteoarthritis. It is also considered advisable to carry out early diagnosis if the pathology was detected in puppies of the same litter, or in puppies of other litters, but from the same parents.

But no matter what external signs are observed in a dog, for a reliable diagnosis an X-ray examination is performed, which with a high degree of information content allows one to draw a conclusion about the structural and functional state of the hip joints.

The following requirements apply to x-rays:

1. An X-ray is taken with the animal in the supine position with the pelvic limbs extended parallel to each other.

2. The use of sedatives or relaxants is mandatory.

3. On the x-ray, the pedigree number, breed, date of the x-ray are indicated, and the right and left sides are indicated.

4. During the recording, an identification number (tattoo) must be stamped on the x-ray using a digital x-ray stencil.

5. The size of the images should be such that the shadow of the pelvis and knee joints is completely visible on the radiograph, and the images of the right and left iliac crests should be at the same level, and the shadows of the kneecaps should be opposite the block.

6. The picture should show a clear image of the anatomical bone structures of the hip joints, in particular the articular surfaces and the upper edge of the acetabulum.

An official conclusion based on the images is made by an RKF specialist.

Classification of DTBS

Uniform for member countries of F.C.I. The X-ray testing system for hip dysplasia was developed by the Utrecht Congress dedicated to the fight against dysplasia, where a single form, classification of severity and terminology was established.

When assessing DTHD, the following radiological parameters are taken into account:

1. Norberg angle - formed between a straight line connecting the geometric centers of the heads of both femurs and a tangent drawn from the center of the head along the anterior outer edge of the acetabulum, the angle is measured using a protractor made of transparent x-ray film with concentric circles and axes applied to it , located at an angle of 105 o. To determine the Norberg angle, a protractor is placed on the femoral head so that the contour of one of the angles of the protractor coincides with the contour of the femoral head. Then, through the perforation hole in the center of the protractor, mark the center of the head with a pencil. The center of the head of the other joint is determined in the same way. After this, the protractor is installed so that the perforation hole coincides with the center of the femoral head of the joint under study, and a horizontal line on the protractor connects both centers. Thus, if the oblique drawn on the protractor coincides with the imaginary oblique drawn from the center of the head of the femur to the anterior outer edge of the acetabulum, touching it, then the Norberg angle at the joint is 105o, but if the line on the protractor does not touch the anterior outer edge, then the angle Norberg is less than 105o.

2. The index of penetration of the femoral head into the socket is determined by the ratio of the size of the part of the femoral head covered by the outer edge of the acetabulum to the radius of the femoral head. Normally the ratio is equal to one, i.e. the size of the part of the femoral head covered by the upper edge of the acetabulum is equal to the radius of the femoral head or half of the femoral head is covered by the acetabulum.

3. Tangential angle - located between a horizontal line drawn through the anterior outer edge of the acetabulum and a straight line, which is a continuation of the cranial contour of the joint space. Normally, this straight line runs below the horizontal or coincides with it (negative tangential angle or equal to 0°), while in pathology the straight line is directed above the horizontal, creating a positive tangential angle, and is called “tangent”.

4. The joint gap should be narrow and uniform.

5. Cervical-diaphyseal angle - 145o.

There are several methods for assessing the degree of dysplasia in the world.

1. Classification of lesions in THD in dogs according to Schnell:

Normal hip joint:

• joint angle 105° or more;
• the front edge of the cavity has a uniform convexity to the outer end;
• the femoral neck has no deposits;
• the joint space is cocentrically located in the cavity.

Hip dysplasia grade I:

• joint angle 100-105o;
• compaction in the area of ​​the anterior edge of the cavity;
• gentle stratification on the neck of the femur;

Hip dysplasia degree II:

• the joint angle is less than 100°;
• distinct stratification on the neck of the femur;
• weak fixation of the femoral head.

Hip dysplasia grade III:

• strongly flattened acetabulum;
• phenomenon of osteoarthritis;
• subluxation of the femoral head.

Hip dysplasia grade VI:

• the same changes as with grade III dysplasia.
• complete dislocation of the femoral head.

2. according to Mitin

3. Accepted in many countries, including Russia, the assessment of TPA:

Grade A - no signs of dysplasia;

Grade B - the configuration of the joints is close to normal;

Grade C - mild hip dysplasia;

Grade D - moderate hip dysplasia;

Grade E - severe hip dysplasia.

With any assessment method, each joint is assessed separately. The aggregate result of an animal's joint condition is taken from its worst joint to assign selection indices.

Treatment methods for DTBS

Hip dysplasia in dogs is considered an incurable disease. All methods of conservative and surgical treatment are aimed at relieving or reducing pain symptoms and slowing the progression of secondary osteoarthritis. The choice of treatment tactics depends on the manifestation of clinical symptoms and radiological parameters of dysplasia, the age and body weight of the animal, the degree of muscle mass atrophy, the purpose of the animal and the presence of concomitant diseases in the patient.

Conservative treatment includes taking medications, physical therapy, and observing a number of restrictions in the regimen.

Physiotherapy includes exposure of the joint to laser, electromagnetic radiation, and heating (paraffin, ozokerite). The use of devices, especially laser ones, requires caution, since in some cases they can have an aggravating effect, as well as lead to destructive processes in the subhodral bone of the joint, and therefore require medical supervision. Physiotherapy can also include therapeutic exercises - swimming.

One of the components of conservative treatment is restriction of movements and compliance with the rules of walking and keeping. Dogs during the growth period with excessive joint instability and adult animals with developed hip dysplasia should avoid prolonged exercise, as this leads to the development and progression of dysplastic osteoarthritis. Animals suffering from hip dysplasia should not experience weakness or lameness of the pelvic limbs after a walk. In dogs with hip dysplasia that were walked on lawns, exacerbation of dysplastic coxarthrosis was observed much less frequently than in dogs walked on asphalt. Owners should avoid moving the animal on smooth and slippery floors, as spreading of the pelvic limbs can lead to increased damage to the joint. Cold and wet weather often leads to exacerbation of dysplastic osteoarthritis, increased lameness, and night pain. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia should be kept in a warm and dry room.

It is also necessary to monitor the dog's body weight. Excess weight leads to a caudal shift of the center of gravity, which increases the load on the pelvic limbs and contributes to the progression of secondary osteoarthritis in the hip joint. For chronic pain caused by secondary osteoarthritis, only with a decrease in body weight can a clear clinical improvement be obtained. After losing weight, many dogs do not need daily anti-inflammatory therapy. But it should be borne in mind that weight loss should be carried out in a controlled manner. You cannot reduce your caloric intake at the expense of proteins. A puppy needs a highly nutritious diet, mainly meat, for proper development, including joints.

Drug treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs includes taking the following medications:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are the main drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The effect of this group of drugs is only symptomatic, i.e. the pain symptom is relieved, but degenerative changes in the joint are not eliminated. Elimination of pain as an important protective mechanism leads to the progression of the disease in the joints of sick animals, since the dog stops feeling pain and uses the joint to its full potential, thereby destroying it even more. Therefore, each medication that has an anti-inflammatory effect and analgesia should be taken only with strict indications and restriction of movements.

2. Corticosteroid hormones

Corticosteroid hormones for dysplastic osteoarthritis are reserve drugs and are used in cases of ineffectiveness or complications after the use of NSAIDs. It should be noted that the opinions of scientists differ on the effectiveness and appropriateness of using these drugs.

3. Slow-acting drugs

The mechanism of action of drugs in this group in the treatment of osteoarthritis has not been fully studied. Today, it consists of several components: inhibition of inflammatory enzymes, especially metalloproteinase and stromelysin, removal of oxygen radicals and stimulation of hyaluron synthesis. Glucosaminoglycans have an anabolic effect for chondrocytes, and also inhibit catabolic processes in cartilage and stimulate the synthesis of hyaluron. Hyaluron increases the viscosity of synovial fluid and “coats” the articular surfaces, creating a barrier to cytokines and metalloproteinases that cause damage to the cartilage matrix. Today, many drugs based on glycosaminoglycan have appeared on the veterinary market for the treatment of osteoarthritis. However, there are no clinical studies that have proven the effectiveness of dietary supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

4. Anabolic steroids

For diseases of large joints, the use of drugs that increase muscle mass can lead to functional improvement. This occurs by increasing joint stability and enriching articular cartilage with mucopolysaccharides. Anabolic steroids are recommended for use in dogs after bone growth has completed, since drugs in this group help to “close” the epiphyseal growth zones and prevent continued bone growth. The use of anabolic drugs is recommended to be combined with dosed training. But drugs of this group are prohibited in veterinary medicine.

5. Antioxidants

Antioxidants include vitamins C, E, and the trace element selenium. The mechanism of action of antioxidants is to reduce the level of free radicals in the joint cavity, which are conductors. Pain reduction occurs due to vitamin C, which is involved in collagen synthesis. It must be borne in mind that the likelihood of obtaining a positive effect during treatment using large doses of vitamin C is bordered by a greater likelihood of obtaining side effects from the gastrointestinal tract.

6. Herbal preparations.

Herbal preparations proposed as potential "cartilage protectants" include plants from the family Agavaceae. Substances derived from these plants have been used for a number of years to treat human ailments. But there are no veterinary studies documenting or refuting their effectiveness in treatment. Many of these plants and herbs have unknown anti-inflammatory effects but do not meet the criteria for symptom relief or articular cartilage repair.

7. Essential fatty acids (EFA)

Dietary foods containing EFAs may help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins in affected joints, and thereby help reduce NSAID dosages and reduce the risk of adverse complications.

8. Viscoelastic drugs

Synovial fluid in a diseased joint loses its lubricating function, and also loses its damping (shock-absorbing) and attracting ability. All these properties are due to the viscoelasticity of the synovial fluid. Preparations designed to replenish viscoelasticity are synthesized on the basis of hyaluron, and the raw materials for their production are rooster scallops. The therapeutic effect of the drugs applies only to the affected joint. It is due solely to their rheological properties and is not associated with pharmacological, immunological or metabolic effects. In terms of the effectiveness of pain relief, drugs in this group compete with NSAIDs. However, they have one significant drawback that limits their widespread use in veterinary medicine - high cost.

Surgical treatment of dysplasia is aimed at reducing pain, improving joint function and slowing down the development of secondary osteoarthritis.

The following types of surgical procedures can be used: resection arthroplasty, total endoprosthetics, triple pelvic osteotomy, as well as pectinectomy and myoplasty of the biceps femoris muscle as palliative measures.

The essence of the operation “resection arthroplasty” is to remove the head and neck of the femur. Thus, hip dysplasia of any severity cannot develop into osteoarthritis, since there is no destructible component of the joint (femoral head). The operation is recommended in cases where grade D or E dysplasia is detected, with subluxation or complete dislocation of the femoral head, as well as in the presence of signs of secondary osteoarthritis. The operation can and even preferably be performed at the age of 4-5 months, since it is in puppyhood that it is better tolerated and rehabilitation occurs faster. In addition, with degrees of dysplasia D and E with subluxation at the age of 4-5 months. at the age of 10-12 months. More severe forms of osteoarthritis will already be observed, which will greatly complicate recovery after surgery. The disadvantages of this operation include a relatively long recovery period. This is due to the fact that after the operation, the pelvic limb is stabilized only by a thickened capsule and muscles stabilizing the joint, and this may take time. But an important advantage of this method is the ability to “forget” about the existence of dysplasia (of course, after rehabilitation of the limb) for the entire life of the dog; moreover, there are practically no restrictions on physical activity for life. It is also important that during this operation no artificial components remain in the body.

In a triple pelvic osteotomy, the acetabular component of the hip joint is surgically given a more correct angle. The operation is actually extra-articular, i.e. The hip joint itself is not affected. Performed on dogs aged 5 months and older. But the optimal age of 9-10 months is recommended, since at this age the growth rate of the bone apparatus sharply decreases, but at the same time the processes of formation and regeneration of the skeletal system are still high. Puppies tolerate this operation better and recover faster. The operation is ineffective in severe forms of dysplasia, especially with secondary osteoarthritis, which significantly reduces its applicability. In general, the presence of osteoarthritis in hip dysplasia reduces the effectiveness of this surgical procedure. The disadvantage of triple pelvic osteotomy is also the narrowing of the pelvic cavity, which can lead to dysfunction of the pelvic cavity organs (rectum, bladder). In addition, after this operation, the amplitude of abduction of the pelvic limb to the side decreases.

Total hip replacement involves complete replacement of both the acetabular and femoral components of the hip joint with a prosthesis (titanium alloy, polymer). The operation is indicated for severe forms of pathology; if performed correctly and with good compatibility of the implant, it gives good results and this is, of course, an important advantage. But even with a high-quality operation, the body’s reaction to the prosthesis is partly unpredictable. There are aspects of the success of an operation that cannot be predicted.

A recommendation for a particular operation is given only when the prognosis after the operation is more favorable than without it, and the operational risk and the risk of complications after the operation should be lower than the predicted improvement.

The impressive size of an animal is not a guarantee of its impeccable health, and sometimes, on the contrary, it is the dimensions that are the culprits of certain problems in large-breed dogs. For example, dysplasia is a pathology of the musculoskeletal system that “loves” massive, heavy animals that are forced to constantly experience heavy loads on certain groups of joints and muscles. The seriousness of this disease cannot be underestimated, because the price to pay is too high - immobility of your beloved pet and a life filled with physical suffering.

What is joint dysplasia?

Dysplasia– this is the destruction (complete or partial) and/or modification of the articular tissue in a dog caused by improper fit of the head of the bone to the glenoid cavity. Normally, this design has a tight contact, which ensures smooth gliding and maintains elasticity. In pathology, a gap (gap) forms between the bone head and its “niche” in the joint; in the process of movement, the tissues rub against each other, this leads to their separation, flattening, articular cartilage is subjected to strong pressure and is gradually deformed.

Symptoms, classification and degrees of development of dysplasia

The disease affects the joints of the pelvis, hips and limbs of the animal and is divided into types:

1. Hip dysplasia

The most common of all articular deformities of this pathology. This is explained by the fact that the dog’s hind legs push and serve as shock absorbers for the animal when running or jumping. A large build, tall stature, and massive physique create a strong load on the hip joint. At risk are breeds such as St. Bernards, shepherds, Rottweilers, divers, etc.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia:

• Wobbling gait.
• Rest frequently when moving.
• Stiffness (difficulty walking up stairs, getting up from the floor, etc.).
• Unnatural posture when lying down.
• Asymmetrical development of the body (due to the desire to transfer weight to the front legs).
• Pain on palpation of the thighs.

Classification of hip dysplasia by degree:

• A – there are no obvious signs of the disease.
• B – deviations are almost invisible.
• C – mild degree of the disease.
• D – signs of violations within acceptable limits.
• E – severe degree of joint damage.

2. Elbow dysplasia

This is an abnormal growth of bone and cartilage tissue in the area of ​​the pet's elbow or knee. The most common cause of lameness and chronic pain in large dogs.

Symptoms of elbow dysplasia:

Pain when feeling the forelimbs.

Difficulty lifting the paw.

Seals and thickenings in the joint area.

Difficulty walking, incl. On the stairs.

Lameness.

Classification of elbow dysplasia by degree:

0 – no violations.

1 – minimal manifestations (arthrosis formations (osteophytes) not > 2 mm).

2 – moderately acceptable growths (2-5 mm).

3 – deep tissue deformation (> 5 mm).

3. Knee dysplasia

This is a rare pathology, mainly the consequences of injuries or non-compliance with living conditions (slippery floors, heavy loads).

The disease is not congenital (with the exception of very rare isolated cases), but the impetus for development occurs in the puppy’s early childhood - its presence can be assumed as early as 4 months of age.

Reasons for the development of dysplasia

Genetic predisposition to the disease is quite high. If the parents are carriers of a “harmful” gene, then the probability of the puppy becoming ill may not be 100%, but it automatically falls into the risk group from birth. And even if the owners raise and feed him according to all the rules, this does not guarantee that dysplasia will bypass their large-bred pet.

Unfortunately, some owners themselves, without realizing it, “spur” the disease. In an effort to quickly turn their pet into a canine giant and strongman, they begin to intensively feed the puppy with calcium supplements, growth stimulants, and meat porridge. And they are happy that the baby is growing by leaps and bounds, gaining muscle mass before their eyes, while forgetting that the bones simply do not have time to develop and strengthen as quickly. Add to this exorbitant physical training, and the sad result will come very quickly: joint deformities of varying degrees.

In addition to heredity and artificial muscle mass building, there are a number of factors that trigger the destructive mechanism of joint disease:

• Excess protein, calcium, phosphorus.
• Obesity.
• Intense physical activity that is not appropriate for age and skeletal development.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Limb injuries (sprains, dislocations, severe bruises, etc.).

Obvious, acute signs of the disease appear after a year of the dog’s life, when intensive growth stops and the skeletal bones harden.

Diagnosis of dysplasia in dogs

No self-diagnosis is acceptable, only professional medical consultation. The list of diagnostic measures includes:

Visual inspection

1. Mobility test (flexion, extension of joints, listening to sounds during movement (creaking, rubbing, clicking)).

2. X-ray. The picture is taken under anesthesia to ensure complete immobility of the animal. Allows you to indicate the degree of deformation of the femoral neck, joints, and connective tissue.

3. Arthroscopy. Endoscopic examination (mini-camera) of the joint cavity. A very informative event, but expensive and available only to large clinics.

Based on the diagnosis, the veterinarian will determine the extent of the disease and prescribe treatment.

Treatment of joint dysplasia in dogs

There are two methods to combat the disease:

1. Conservative.

Based on medications and physiotherapy:

Injections of chondroprotectors (intramuscular or drip) to restore cartilage and joint tissue.

Antispasmodics for pain relief.

Anti-inflammatory to relieve inflammation.

Supplements with chondroitin and glucosamine to strengthen and regenerate bones.

Swimming.

Magneto-, laser-, paraffin therapy.

Ozokerite.

For obesity, a low-calorie diet and an additional complex of vitamins are prescribed.

2. Operational.

It is used for severe joint damage, when gentle therapy is no longer effective. The head of the hip joint is surgically adjusted to match the shape and size of the glenoid cavity. The type of operation depends on the degree of deformation:

Simple removal of cartilage growth.

Excision of the femoral head and neck.

Osteotomy is a change in the location of the joint fossa.

Endoprosthetics – removal of the hip joint with a prosthesis.

The sooner the symptoms of dysplasia are identified, the greater the chances of successful recovery. A disease diagnosed in adulthood is much more difficult to treat, and the prognosis is not always favorable.