What is happening?


-Loosely fitting hip joints cause stretching of the joint capsule and abnormal cartilage wear
-Inflammation and pain result from the altered joint mechanics and cartilage destruction
-Arthritis and reformation of the hip bones progress over time

Clinical signs you might notice in your pet


-Stiffness of the hind legs upon rising, particularly after long periods of rest
-Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
-Tiring easily with play
-Resting more than other dogs of similar age and breed
-"Clunking" noise when walking
-"Bunny hopping" to gain speed when trotting or running

Diagnosis


-Careful orthopedic examination to determine which joint(s) are affected
-Sedated examination to determine the degree of hip looseness and severity of cartilage damage (degenerative joint disease/arthritis)
-Precisely positioned x-rays are taken to document the degree of hip looseness and severity of bone reformation related to cartilage wear

Surgical treatment


-Depending on patient age and diagnostic findings, recommended surgical options may include:
-Rearrangement of the angle at which the components of the hip meet (triple pelvic osteotomy/TPO)-most commonly used for young dogs without significant cartilage wear (arthritis) or bony reformation
-Replacement of the components of the hip (total hip replacement)-most commonly used for older dogs or those with significant arthritis or bony reformation
-Alteration of the hip joint to prevent painful bone contact (femoral head and neck ostectomy/FHO)-most commonly used for smaller dogs

Special postoperative care


-If a triple pelvic osteotomy or total hip replacement was performed: 
-Patient activity is strictly limited until adequate healing occurs, usually 6-12 weeks
-X-rays will be taken at specific intervals to evaluate healing at the surgery site
-If femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, physical therapy will be initiated within several days of surgery, and is usually continued 4-8 weeks

Expected results after surgery


-If a triple pelvic osteotomy was performed, pain is generally relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and the patient does not develop significant hip arthritis
-If a total hip replacement was performed, pain is relieved, limb use becomes more normal, and arthritis is permanently relieved
-If a femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed, a mild limp will likely remain, but pain and arthritis are relieved

Hip Dysplasia

What does the grading all mean and the equilivant in different countries?

OFA (USA) 
FCI (European) BVA (UK/ Australia) 
SV (Germany)
E (Excellent) A-1 0-4 (no > 3/hip)  Normal 
G (Good) A-2  5-10 (no > 6/hip)  Normal
F (Fair) B-1 11-18  Normal 
B (Borderline) B-2  19-25  Fast Normal
M (Mild) 26-35  Noch Zugelassen
Mod (Moderate) 36-50  Mittlere 
S (Severe) E 51-106  Schwere
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