The Katzke Dog Diary

Hip Dysplasia is a degenerative joint disorder that is common in older dogs, but sometimes becomes obvious while the dog is still a puppy. Classifying hip dysplasia as “degenerative” means that it will only get worse as time goes on, and will never heal on it’s own. Most veterinarians consider hip dysplasia to be a genetic condition, but there’s some evidence that dogs without the genes for hip dysplasia can acquire it via inadequate care or nutrition in the first few weeks of life.

To officially diagnose hip dysplasia, a veterinarian will sedate the dog and take X-rays of the dogs hips. X-Rays / Radiographs are the only way to definitively diagnose hip dysplasia. There are some things you can look at in the dog’s movements, the way they sit, or the way they act to determine if your dog needs to be examined for hip dysplasia.

Motion Studies: A dog with hip dysplasia has a very particular ’sway’ to their movement. This tutorial video uses motion capture to demonstrate the difference between a dog with good hips, a dog with hip dysplasia, and a dog with a Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture. Eowyn in particular has a ‘hunched’ back and a strange, waddling and bouncing gait to her walk and run.

Sit Test: When your dog sits do they sit straight, with weight on the rear limbs? When they lay down, do they lay in sphinx position? If your dog sits with it’s hips tossed to one side, only putting weight on one rear limb, or if they sit with all of their weight on their front paws using the rear only for balance, then you may need to get your dog checked for hip dysplsia. In addition, dogs with hip dysplasia rarely lay in sphinx position, and typically take some time laying down by first tilting their hips sideways and then slowly using their front paws to let themselves down to the ground.

I’ll make a post about pre-operative treatment tomorrow. Hopefully this helps others decide whether or not to see a vet about their dogs hips.