Hip Dysplasia.

Question.
I would value your opinion on hip dysplasia treatment advised regarding our six-month-old male Golden Retriever, Aston, whose parents' combined hip scores are 12 (sire) and 18 (dam). Aston developed a limp on his left back leg which worsened so we took him to the vet who prescribed Metacam. The limp got worse so X-rays were taken and the vet said that Aston's hips were the worst he'd ever seen  no sockets! He said we'd got two options: euthanasia or hip replacement at 12 months. The breeder has offered to have Aston back, but we want to keep him as he's such an adorable, lovable little chap. He's now on Metacam long-term and seems quite happy, but we wonder if he's in any pain? We would be very interested to hear your views on hip replacement in dogs. The cost is going to be £1,000 - £2,000 per hip.

Answer.
Hip dysplasia (abnormal hip development) is a hereditary disease that's linked to a number of genes, and is also affected by a variety of other factors including feeding and exercise. This means that although only dogs with low hip scores should be bred from, some of their pups may still have poor hips. Those that do have poor hips generally have problems as puppies when their hips are developing but they may improve as they mature, although arthritis is a common secondary problem due to the affected joints being subjected to more wear and tear stresses than normal hips. Treatment includes limiting food and exercise and using anti-inflammatory painkillers like Metacam. In some cases food supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate may be helpful, and measures to improve muscle development so that the muscles can provide some support around affected joints can be useful.

Acupuncture may also be helpful in some cases to assist pain relief. It's always hard to know whether a dog is in pain, particularly when they have a problem that affects both back legs as it's difficult to tell if they are lame. However, pain normally makes dogs withdrawn and miserable and inclined to be very protective of themselves in that they don't like the affected area being examined. Even those dogs with terrible hips radiographically may be quite comfortable and may have a reasonable degree of hip function, so a decision as to whether a hip replacement is necessary can only really be made on examination of the affected dog and his X-rays.

I would therefore recommend that you take Aston to see an orthopaedic specialist as advised by your vet, so that you can discuss whether such a procedure is indicated in his case. The hip replacement operation itself involves removing the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) and acetabulum (socket in the pelvis) that form the hip joint and replacing them with a synthetic ball and socket. Normally the worst side only is replaced initially and then the other hip may be replaced later on if necessary. This procedure can be very successful and can improve a dog's quality of life enormously.For the time being I would advise that you continue to let Aston take things easy, follow your vet's advice, and discuss things further with an orthopaedic specialist in due course.

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