The Differences of the Round Ligament in Male & Female Dogs

The round ligament in dogs connects the head of the femur to the hip-joint socket. This ligament is flat and short; its purpose is to help keep the hip joint lubricated. The round ligament is identical in male and female dogs. Canine hip dysplasia is a condition in which the round ligament of the femoral head becomes enlarged due to a poor fit of the head of the femur to the joint socket. CHD is fairly common in many breeds of dogs and while it cannot be cured at this time, there are steps that can be taken to prevent the disease and manage the pain.

  1. Canine Hip Dysplasia: An Overview

    • Canine hip dysplasia affects male and female dogs equally. Dog breeds most susceptible to CHD include bloodhounds, boxers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, rottweilers and standard poodles. Symptoms of CHD include weaving, difficulty rising from a sitting position and unsteady walking, and don't normally occur before four months of age. CHD results in joint inflammation, damage and pain. Cartilage is eventually weakened and the muscles in the area of the hip lose their bulk. After some time, the bones themselves may become damaged.

    Diagnosing CHD

    • While veterinarians can determine through a physical examination the possibility that a dog is suffering from CHD, the only way to definitively diagnose the condition is through x-rays. The dog is sedated and positioned on the x-ray table on its back with the back legs extended parallel to the table top. The x-ray results will determine the severity of the CHD on a 7-point scale, with a 1 being "excellent conformation" and a 7 being "severe hip dysplasia."

    Treating CHD

    • There is no cure for CHD at this writing, although research continues to result in improved treatments. Easy exercise, such as walking, swimming and slow running, can help relieve the symptoms of CHD. Dogs with CHD should not run, jump or climb stairs excessively. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications help relieve pain. Recent research offers promising treatment in the form of carbohydrate polysulfates which, injected or given orally, relieve pain and help improve the contours of the hip joint. The pelvic bones can be rearranged with surgery to improve the fit between the femoral head and joint socket; a more drastic surgery for very severe cases of CHD involves replacing the joint socket and head of the femur using prosthetics.

    Preventing CHD

    • Because CHD is up to 50 percent inherited through genes, there's not a lot that can be done a this time to prevent the condition. However, research shows that slowing the growth of the dog during the early months of life can prevent the malformation of the joint. Puppies should be put on a restrictive diet to promote slower growth. Dogs who eat as often and as much as they want grow much more quickly, and are at higher risk for CHD. Talk to your vet about the nutritional needs and feeding recommendations for your puppy.