What Is Dysplasia?
Dysplasia means abnormal development or growth of a tissue or organ. In companion animal medicine, the term most commonly refers to hip dysplasia — malformation of the hip joint — and elbow dysplasia, though it also applies to retinal dysplasia (abnormal retinal development) and dental dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in dogs.
Understanding Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia results from a mismatch between the development of the femoral head (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket) of the hip joint. Instead of fitting snugly, the joint is loose or poorly shaped, causing abnormal movement, cartilage damage, and progressive osteoarthritis. The condition has both genetic and environmental components — rapid growth, high-calorie diets in puppies, and excessive exercise on developing joints all contribute.
Signs of hip dysplasia vary significantly with age and severity. Young dogs may show a swaying gait, reluctance to climb stairs, and difficulty rising. Older dogs typically show the signs of secondary arthritis: stiffness after rest, reduced exercise tolerance, and muscle loss over the hindquarters. Diagnosis is confirmed through radiographs (X-rays) under sedation, which reveal the degree of joint laxity and arthritic change.
Management options range from conservative (weight management, controlled exercise, joint supplements, pain medication, physiotherapy) to surgical intervention. Surgical options include triple or double pelvic osteotomy (TPO/DPO) in young dogs to correct joint orientation before arthritis sets in, and total hip replacement for dogs with advanced disease — highly effective but expensive.