Dog Dysplasia: Everything You Need to Know About Causes and Treatments

Dysplasia in dogs is the abnormal development of joints, often affecting the elbows and hips, leading to lameness and arthritis. Discover the key differences between elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), chondrodystrophy, and hip dysplasia. Learn about their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatment options. Always consult a veterinarian for professional advice before proceeding with any treatment.
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Overview of Dysplasia in Dogs

Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is the most prevalent cause of front leg lameness in young, large breed dogs. It results from improper development of the elbow joint, where the humerus, ulna, and radius meet. This condition can manifest as loose pieces of bone or cartilage within the joint, acting as irritants and leading to arthritis.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): OCD is a developmental disease affecting the cartilage in joints, forming a painful flap that can detach and float within the joint. This condition is prevalent in rapidly growing puppies of large breeds, typically between 4 to 9 months old.

Chondrodystrophy: Chondrodystrophy is characterised by abnormal cartilage development, leading to shortened legs and angular limb deformities. It is common in breeds like Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Beagles, and Corgis.

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common genetic condition in large breed dogs, causing abnormal growth of the hip joint. It affects the ball and socket joint, leading to joint instability, pain, and arthritis.

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Understanding the Difference Between Dysplasia and Arthritis

Dysplasia and arthritis are often interconnected, but they refer to different issues. Dysplasia is a developmental disorder where a joint does not form properly, leading to instability and abnormal joint structure. This instability often causes irregular movement and wear and tear on the joint, leading to the development of arthritis.

Arthritis, on the other hand, is the inflammation of a joint, which can occur due to various reasons, including dysplasia, injury, or age-related wear. Arthritis is characterised by the degradation of cartilage, the formation of bone spurs, and inflammation of the joint capsule. Dysplasia is typically a precursor to arthritis, especially in young dogs whose joints have not developed correctly.

In summary, dysplasia refers to the abnormal formation and development of a joint, while arthritis is the inflammation and degeneration of a joint often resulting from dysplasia.

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Causes of Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is primarily caused by genetic factors, although traumatic incidents can also impact elbow development. The causes of OCD include hereditary factors, excessive calcium or vitamin D in the diet, rapid growth due to overfeeding, and possible injury, lack of blood flow, or hormonal issues. Chondrodystrophy is caused by genetic predisposition and specific breeding practices aiming for short-legged traits. Hip dysplasia results from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as diet, exercise, and hormonal influences.

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Symptoms of Dysplasia

The symptoms of elbow dysplasia include mild to moderate front leg lameness in dogs aged 4 to 10 months, pain, thickening, or swelling of the elbow, and restricted movement. OCD manifests as stiffness and soreness after rising or play, limping in the affected leg(s), and warm, swollen joints. Chondrodystrophy is characterised by a bow-legged appearance, joint instability, and lameness, with the potential for arthritis in affected joints. In younger dogs, hip dysplasia symptoms include difficulty rising, reluctance to play or exercise, a wiggling gait, and trouble with stairs. In older dogs, symptoms include limping, reluctance to move, sensitivity to handling, and behavioral changes due to pain.

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Diagnosis of Dysplasia

Diagnosis of elbow dysplasia involves a clinical history and physical examination, radiographs (X-rays), advanced imaging such as CT scans, and arthroscopy for a detailed joint examination. Diagnosing OCD requires an orthopedic examination, radiographs, and possibly a CT scan or arthroscopy for detailed examination. Chondrodystrophy is diagnosed through regular veterinary check-ups to monitor deformities and imaging studies if lameness or instability is observed. Hip dysplasia diagnosis includes the Ortolani test for joint laxity, radiographs for hip evaluation, and certification by OFA or PennHip for breeding assessments.

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Treatment of Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia treatment typically involves arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bone or cartilage, which helps minimise arthritis. Severe cases may require open joint surgery. Anti-inflammatory medications can be used to manage pain and inflammation, and diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for older dogs to provide relief.

For OCD, conservative management, including pain medications, exercise restriction, dietary changes, and formal rehabilitation therapy, is recommended for puppies under six months with minimal clinical signs. For dogs older than six months, or when conservative management is ineffective, arthroscopic surgery to remove the cartilage flap and stimulate healing is indicated. Post-surgery, a structured rehabilitation program is essential for recovery.

Chondrodystrophy management focuses on regular monitoring and weight management. Many limb deformities in chondrodystrophic dogs do not require treatment and are considered normal for the breed. However, severe deformities that cause pain or lameness may necessitate medical management, exercise restriction, and possibly surgical intervention.

Hip dysplasia treatment varies based on the severity and age of the dog. Non-surgical options include nutritional supplements to support joint health, pain management through medications, and physical therapy to improve mobility. Surgical treatments range from femoral head ostectomy, which removes the femoral head to allow the formation of a false joint, to triple pelvic osteotomy, which repositions the acetabulum for a better fit. Total hip replacement is another option for dogs with severe degenerative changes, providing significant pain relief and improved function. Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis is a preventive surgical procedure performed on young puppies to improve hip conformation as they grow.

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Prognosis of Dysplasia

Early surgical management provides the best chance for minimising arthritic changes in dogs with elbow dysplasia. Older dogs may still benefit from surgery, but the outcomes are less predictable, and long-term management includes anti-inflammatory medications and dietary supplements. For OCD, early intervention ensures a better prognosis, and full recovery depends on the joint affected and the severity of the condition. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive exercise during growth are crucial. Many chondrodystrophy deformities do not need treatment and are considered normal for the breed. However, severe deformities require medical or surgical intervention, with regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight being essential. Early detection and intervention improve outcomes for hip dysplasia. Maintaining a healthy weight, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care are essential for managing the condition, and surgical options can significantly improve the quality of life for affected dogs.

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Dysplasia in dogs can significantly impact their quality of life, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and management, many dogs can lead happy, active lives. Singaporean dog owners should stay vigilant for signs of joint issues and consult with veterinarians to ensure their pets receive the best care possible. Always discuss any treatment options with a veterinary professional before proceeding.

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Genevieve Tan

June 13, 2024