It is very important to understand that the only way to accurately diagnose HD is through x-rays, since the above symptoms may also be seen in dogs with normal hips; furthermore, affected dogs may display none of these symptoms at all.

The X-ray photographs below illustrate various degrees of severity of the dysplastic condition. The normal hips on the left are free of dysplasia, as shown by the tight and full fit of the ball in the socket, and by the U-shaped notch in the neck; the hips on the right exhibit mild dysplasia in the right hip, as evidenced by the slight flattening of the head of the femur and by the socket not being as round as it could be.

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The x-ray photographs below both show a severe degree of dysplasia, accompanied by degenerative joint disease, and the effects of the wearing away of both the ball and the socket (acetabulum) can be clearly seen. In both of these cases the dog in question would have experienced difficulty in movement and probably a very great deal of pain and discomfort. In the picture on the left, the arrows point to the thickened femoral neck on each side, as well as the secondary arthritis occurring on the left hip. Note the flat sockets and the non-rounded appearance of the femoral head. The extreme case on the right is nearly as bad as it gets, causing crippling lameness and severe pain.

canine dysplasia canine dysplasia
Severe Dysplasia Extreme Dysplasia

CAUSES

* HD is a complex inherited disease whereby the degree of severity of dysplasia in the parents directly influences the frequency and severity in the pups. Even mild dysplasia in one parent will affect the risk of dysplasia developing in their offspring.
* A high energy diet leading to rapid growing or overweight pups has a greater chance of producing dysplasia, especially if the growth spurt occurs at a sensitive time in skeletal and muscular development.
* Excessive activity in the young animal, especially if overweight or in the presence of exaggerated joint laxity, can aggravate dysplasia.
* Calcium intake may be an important factor with both excessive or insufficient calcium being detrimental to joint development.