The following section provides an overview of dysplasia and definitions of the key terms related to the disease. The sections tests and background sections go into greater detail.
(Note that in our attempt to simplify the topic we may have interpreted certain information certain elements deemed essential by the experts on the subject. We therefore recommend that you check the links we've provided for more detailed information.) The St-Hyacinthe Veterinary school web site offers an indepht presentation of this subject.
Dysplasia is a genetic disease that is brought about by excessive laxity of the muscles, connective tissue and ligaments that support the joint, hold together the femur to the hip. The greater the laxity, the more severe the dyplasis.
A dog without dysplasia (Figure 1)
An x-ray of the hip of a dog without dysplasia will show a femur that fits perfectly into the hip socket. The space between the femur and the socket is very narrow. Also, where they join together, the femur head and socket have the same shape.
Dysplasic dog with no degeneration (Figure 2)
When a dog has dyplasia, the space between the femur and the socket is greater but they are still shaped the same. By measuring this space, the degree of dysplasia can be determined, either light, moderate or severe. Dogs with this type of dysplasia can lead normal lives.
Dysplasic dog with degeneration (Figure 2)
As in Figure 2, in addition to laxity between the femur and the socket, they are also shaped differently. This is the result of abnormal rubbing caused by the laxity. As a protective mechanism, the body grows bone, or spurs, to protect the irritated area, which deforms the cartiledge. This is what is commonly called arthritis which will eventuall push the femur out of the socket. Current studies have not been able to establish why some dogs develop arthritis while others don't. The following illustration, however, shows how the disease progresses:
Dysplasia is caused by excessive laxity, which in turn leads to progressive degeneration. In such cases, surgery may be the only way to alleviate the animal's paid. The cost of such a procedure per leg is $1,500.
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