hip dysplasia

What is Hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip that occurs during growth. It is the most common orthopaedic condition that is seen in dogs. During growth the head of the femur (the ball), and the acetabulum (the socket) need to grow and develop at the same rate. During puppyhood, if the uniform growth does not occur, then hip dysplasia may occur, leading to osteoarthritis. Hip dysplasia can both be unilateral or bilateral. There are some breeds that have a predisposition to hip dysplasia, mainly it would be larger breeds. The breeds where hip dysplasia is most common are German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Old English Sheepdogs .

Hip dysplasia can have a negative affect on the muscles around the hip joint, they include the rump muscles (Tensor Fasciae Latae, Gluteus Superficialis, Gluteus Medius, Piriformas, Gluteus Profundus), the inner pelvic muscles (Obturator Internus, Gemelli, Quadratus Femoris), some of the caudal muscles of the thigh (Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus), some of the medial muscles of the thigh (Sartorius, Gracilis and the Adductor Magnus et Brevis). 

how does it progress?

The initial signs of hip dysplasia will be laxity (looseness) in the hip joint that will lead to instability. The dog may also exhibit lameness or gait abnormalities as young as 3 months of age. Hip dysplasia can then progress further to include causing pain, lameness, irregular gait, and stiffness when moving. In more severe cases of hip dysplasia there will be severe degeneration of the joint and this can lead to osteoarthritis. Further symptoms that may be evident as the condition progresses are muscle wastage in the hind limbs, a reluctance to be touched in the hip area due to pain or discomfort your dog is already in, and in turn this could also lead to aggressive behaviour. 

Image from PetMD. Please note that BelMar Canine Massage Therapy is not affiliated with PetMD.

what ARE THE causes OF HIP DYSPLASIA?

The most common cause for hip dysplasia is a genetic predisposition to the condition, however there are some environmental factors that can contribute to this condition. These are:

  • Activities of daily living when the bones are forming during puppyhood ie. slippy floors, over exercise

  • Jumping on and off of things before the bones have fully developed

  • Osteoarthritis in later life.

  • Injury ie. as injury from a fall or an injury from a collision with another dog

  • Sports injuries

  • Inappropriate exercise routine when the dog is young and developing (however this is contested between studies). This can cause unolateral hip dysplasia.

what are the symptoms and signs?

There are two classifications of hip dysplasia that are distinguished by the age of the dog when the clinical signs of hip dysplasia present themselves. The first is juvenile onset hip dysplasia, which is for dogs under 18 months. The second is mature onset hip dysplasia, which is for dogs older than 8 months. There is some overlapping of symptoms in them however there are differences

Juvenile:

  • Bunny hopping gait

  • Rear leg lameness (can be in both legs)

  • Difficulty rising

  • Clicking sounds from the hips

  • Weight shifting to the front limbs

  • Inability to exercise for long periods of time

  • Laxity in the joint

Mature:

  • History of progressive rear limb lameness

  • Lameness after exercise

  • Loss of muscle mass in one or both rear legs

  • Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs

General symptoms:

  • Difficulty rising from the laying to sitting

  • Sitting in a ‘frog’ position (on hip splaying out)

  • Reluctance to jump or climb stairs

  • Swaying gait

  • Pain in the hip joint

  • Narrow stance when standing

  • Decreased range of motion

  • Enlargement of shoulder muscles due to overcompensation as the dog tries to shift its weight to its front legs.

Video by Tudor Canine Hydrotherapy Centre. Please note that BelMar Canine Massage Therapy is not affiliated with Tudor Canine Hyfrotherapy Centre.

how can massage help with hip dysplasia?

Clinical canine massage therapy can help with secondary sources of pain in the body, such as myofascial pain, trigger points, sacroiliac and/or lower back pain or pinched nerves. Treating these is as important as treating the hip joint itself. Other ways in which massage can help are:

  • Helps to improve flexibility and mobility

  • Helps to relieve the effects of stiffness and joint discomfort

  • Helps to develop and maintain muscle tone

  • Helps to reduce inflammation

  • Helps to relieve soreness and stiffness

  • Helps to correct muscle balance and posture

  • Helps to relieve tension

  • Assists in pain relief

  • Helps to improve the quality of life

  • Helps strengthen muscle

  • Helps the compensating limb tension

  • Improves the dogs mood and disposition

  • Allows the dog to enjoy normal exercise

  • Helps to reduce inflammation around the coxofemoral joint due to the lymphatic drainage achieved during the massage

Contraindications (reasons to not massage or to alter the massage) to be aware of - if your dog is showing any signs of the following then please let me know and then we can discuss a treatment schedule to work around or outside of the particular issue.

Specific to hip dysplasia:

  • Inflammation

  • Damaged tendons in the area

  • A recent contusion to the area

  • Open wounds

  • Muscle ruptures

  • Sprains and strains

  • Broken bones

  • Arthritis

  • Infections in the area

General contraindications:

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Cardio-vascular conditions

  • Bruises

  • Pregnancy

  • Epilepsy

  • The severity of the condition

  • The level of inflammation in the area (heat therapy should be avoided if inflammation present)

  • Skin irritations such as eczema