References
Canine hip dysplasia: aetiology and treatment
Abstract
With a prevalence of over 70% amongst some breeds, hip dysplasia is one of the most common developmental orthopaedic diseases diagnosed in first opinion practice. With a multimodal approach leading to the best form of management of the condition, this two-part article looks at the causes and treatment of the condition, and the role that the veterinary nurse and rehabilitation can play. Part one below focuses on aetiology and treatment.
Canine hip dysplasia is a developmental rather than a congenital disorder. Pups are born with normal hips, but in individuals with dysplasia, changes in development around the femoral head and acetabulum begin around 3 weeks of age (Kealy et al, 1992). Around this age, subluxation or complete luxation of the femoral head from the acetabular fossa occurs, as a result of joint and soft tissue laxity (Barrett, 2008). This leads to incomplete coverage of the femoral head by the acetabular fossa. Over time, this manifests as painful stretching of the joint capsule, and a reduced area for articulation leading to flattening of the femoral head. Resultant contact between the femoral head and the acetabular fossa causes wear of the protective layer of articular cartilage, which stimulates new bone deposition by the body and so the development of secondary osteoarthritis (King, 2017).
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