Hip dysplasia is a common. heritable malformation of the 'ball-and-sockets' whereby the joints are too loose. Pups typically develop stiffness after exercise and reluctance to play when they are 6-12 months of age. Your family vet can check the hips at the time of vaccination and suggest x-rays to make the diagnosis.

Unfortunately, loose hips tend to deteriorate and develop arthritis. It is often simple to remember that 'tight hips are good hips'. Normally, all of the weight-bearing forces are transmitted across the joint evenly as the surface of the ball and the concavity of the socket match perfectly (both are the same diameter) and there is a large area that is in contact. Dysplastic pups have the ball sliding out of the socket which results in poor load distribution due to a much smaller surface area that is in contact. The cartilage can wear away leaving the underlying bone exposed. This leads to bone-on-bone contact and causes discomfort and inflammation.

Examination of the hip joint

Loose hips

PennHIP x-ray

Unfortunately many dogs have less active lifestyles due to this commonly bilateral (both hips) condition. They are reluctant to run, jump and eventually standing and walking can be painful. Surgery can provide excellent results as long as the correct procedure is chosen by an experienced vet. Specialists have advanced training in the selection of an appropriate surgical procedure as well as detailed knowledge of the things to avoid.

Younger dogs have more options available. In pups less than 18 weeks, pubic symphysiodesis allows restoration of acceptable hip conformation. Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) involves rotation of the acetabulum (socket) to improve coverage of the femoral head (ball). This procedure can save a loose hip that has not yet developed arthritis.

Diagram of TPO

Model of TPO

Before TPO

After TPO

Older dogs with advanced arthritis require medical management consisting of weight control, exercise moderation, stategic use of anti-inflammatory medications, cartilage-protection drugs and fatty acid therapy (dietary modulation). If the disability cannot be adequately controlled using a combination of these modalities, surgery can be considered.

Hip arthritis - photo

Hip arthritis - x-ray

Cemented THR

Cementless THR

Total hip replacement (THR) is highly successful in dogs (95% of dogs have normal hip function). At Pet Emergency & Specialist Centre we offer both cemented and cementless systems. Dr. Chris Preston is regarded as Australia's leading joint replacement surgeon for dogs having been involved for nearly 15 years in canine hip replacement. Chris currently performs THRs weekly and has published in clinical peer reviewed journals and taught knee replacements in workshops in the USA. Please download a client FAQs PDF for more information.

Smallest implant

Largest implant

Cemented cup

Cementless cup