Hip dysplasia is a painful hereditary condition that causes malformation of the dog's hips. Hip dysplasia causes crippling and painful arthritis to settle in the dog's hips. Although it can be mitigated to a certain extent with nonsurgical means (medications, supplements and exercise), many dogs require surgery to correct the problem.
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Significance
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Hip dysplasia surgery is often necessary to correct or alleviate pain from dogs with hip dysplasia. If the dog is given a hip replacement or if the surgery is done before arthritis sets in, there is a very good chance that the dog will lead a normal and active life.
Types
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There are two types of hip dysplasia surgery. One is for before arthritis starts and is to prevent arthritis called a triple pelvic osteotomy; the other type or surgery is for after the arthritis starts and is meant to stop the arthritis. There are at least two surgeries that try to mitigate the arthritis called total hip replacement and femoral head ostectomy; there are other investigational and experimental surgeries but are not proven at this time.
Function
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In the triple pelvic osteotomy, the dog's hip is cut in three places and rotated to provide complete fit. With a total hip replacement the hips are replaced with artificial hips and eliminate the dysplasia; with the femoral head ostectomy, the head of the femoral leg bone is removed and muscle eventually makes a false head.
Identification
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Hip dysplasia can only be identified through an X-ray by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can recommend what surgery is best for your dog.
Misconceptions
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Many people are under the impression that hip dysplasia can be prevented by environmental factors and diet, but this is incorrect. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease and no amount of nutrition will prevent it. Furthermore, hip dysplasia can strike dogs of all breeds, including small breeds. Bulldogs and Pugs are the top two dysplastic breeds, according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
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