By DR. FRED SELF / Veterinarian

On a regular basis, owners ask the question, “Does my dog have hip dysplasia?”

This is a trick question. You might ask “How can a simple question like that be difficult to answer.” The difficulty comes from the problem of trying to separate hip dysplasia from all other causes of arthritis.

Hip dysplasia is a condition of the hip or coxofemoral joint. It involves the muscles, bones, cartilage and connective structures that work together to make the joint. Hip dysplasia is a condition with both genetic and environmental components. There are certain genetic traits that must be present for the condition to occur but environmental factors must be there as well.

The most notable environmental factors involved are energy consumption and weight gain. Puppies that are allowed to eat foods too high in energy are more likely to suffer from hip dysplasia.

Adult dogs that carry too much weight are also more likely to develop problems. There are two tests currently used to diagnose hip dysplasia. One is known as OFA testing and the other is called PennHIP. OFA has been around the longest but may not be the best. In one study 55 percent of labrador retrievers that tested OFA normal were dysplastic by the end of their lives.

Arthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease or DJD) is generally considered to be change in the bones associated with a joint. This change can be abnormal growth of bone, similar to bone spurs, or it can be loss of bone. Most arthritic change will show up on radiographs (x-ray film). However, the discomfort associated with arthritis does not always fit with the changes seen on a radiograph. Some patients with severe arthritic pain have no visible bone change. Others with severe bone change show no signs of pain.

Comparing hip dysplasia to arthritis is like comparing apples to apple trees. You cannot compare something to a condition that can cause it. In other words just like an apple tree makes apples, hip dysplasia makes arthritis. So when asked does my dog have hip dysplasia, the best answer is that at this point there is or is not arthritis present. All the necessary steps to improve the dog’s feelings can then be taken.

If you think your dog may be suffering from an arthritic condition talk to your veterinarian. There are several foods, supplements and medications that can greatly improve their quality of life.

Dr. Fred Self is a veterinarian at Shelbiana Animal Clinic, along with
Dr. Charles Thornburg. You can reach him at 669-7717.