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  ost dysplastic dogs are born with normal hips, but due to genetics, growth rate, stress on the joints, and possibly other factors, the soft tissues that surround the joint develop abnormally as the puppy grows. This causes less support of the joint and joint instability, allowing the bones of the joint to move apart. Changes then occur in the surfaces of the bones, which lead to painful arthritis.
 oris' new owner, Sue, knew that regular moderate exercise (no jumping) would help build up the muscles around his diseased joints and that a premium, healthy diet and eliminating table snacks would keep his weight down and put less stress on his joints. When Boris was still a pup, an over-the-counter product combining glucosamine, chondroitin, and Vitamin C became available. Highly recommended by veterinarians because of its role in cellular support of cartilage, a main component of joints, Boris' veterinarian suggested the owner give a product such as Joint Care Advanced 2 combined with Omega-3 fatty acids a try.
 t three years of age Boris was still going strong and keeping slim at 105 lbs. Although he didn’t play quite as hard as his canine housemates, he was certainly no couch potato. He was regularly weighed at the veterinarian’s office and was doing well.
 ater on in Boris' life, Sue became lax about giving him over-the-counter glucosamine products and watching his food intake. She couldn’t see the changes in Boris, but friends noticed that he was having real trouble going up the stairs and expressed their concern to Sue, who took him in to the veterinarian right away. Surprisingly, Boris had gained over 20 lbs! The veterinarian prescribed a non-steroidal antiinflammatory (NSAID), Rimadyl (carprofen), and put him on a strict diet. Within two months he was nearer to his 105-lb weight and showed some improvement in his ability to move around and climb stairs.
 ome dogs are not as lucky as Boris. Even Boris may not be so fortunate in the future if the changes in his hips become so severe he has difficulty in getting up and walking. Then, surgery may be the only option. He may require total hip replacement if the prophylactic measures are not successful.
Surgical Options for Hip Dysplasia
Several different surgical options for dogs with hip dysplasia exist, depending on the age and weight of the dog, and the severity of the joint degeneration.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
This procedure is used in young dogs, usually less than 18 months of age, whose x-rays show loose hip joints, and who have not developed severe damage to the joints. The procedure involves a surgical breaking of the pelvic bones and a realignment of the head of the femur in the socket, correcting the loose joint. This is a major surgery and is very expensive, but the surgery has been very successful on animals that meet the requirements.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
The most radical of the surgeries, THR involves removing the existing joint and replacing it with a prosthesis. A candidate for THR must be skeletally mature and usually must weigh over 20 pounds. If both hips need replacing, usually 3 months must pass between the surgeries. This procedure is very expensive ($3K+ per hip) but produces a functionally normal joint, eliminates degenerative changes, and alleviates joint pain. This is a surgery that Boris may require later on in life if the prophylactic measures don’t work.
Femoral Head and Neck Excision
This procedure may be recommended for
smaller dogs, usually less than 45 lbs, but
it may be successfully performed on larger
dogs. In this procedure, the head of the
femur is surgically removed and a fibrous
pseudo-joint forms. This procedure is
used in cases where severe degenerative
joint disease has occurred that cannot
be managed medically and total hip
replacement is not feasible. Although this
will ease the pet’s pain, the range of motion
and stability of the joint are decreased.
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis
This relatively new, less invasive surgery
for treating hip dysplasia is currently
being evaluated. This surgery prematurely
fuses two pelvic bones together, allowing
the other pelvic bones to develop
normally. This changes the angle of
the hips, lessening the likelihood of
arthritis. Early diagnosis is critical, since
the procedure must be done before 20
weeks of age, preferably at 16 weeks.
Pectineal Myectomy
Seldom performed anymore, this is a
somewhat controversial treatment for
patients with chronic hip dysplasia. The
pectineus, one of the muscles attaching
the femur to the pelvis, is removed and the
tension on the joint is reduced. This offers
some pain relief for some patients, but does
not slow the progression of the disease.
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