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The symptoms of canine hip dysplasia can be diagnosed through the improper growth of the coxofemoral joint, or better known as the hip joint. This improper growth causes the joint to loosen so much so that it can be dislocated. The end result of hip dysplasia is arthritis.
The hip joint is much like a ball and socket. If the fittings are not correct, the joint becomes unstable enough to actually come out of proper alignment. Two factors can produce a dislocation. The first factor has to do with a socket that is too shallow for the ball to fit in. On the hand, the ball can also affect the proper alignment if it isn't rounded enough to fit into the socket.
Dog breeds that commonly exhibit hip dysplasia are St. Bernards, Boxers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Bull Mastiffs and Great Danes. This compilation of data does not reflect a correct ratio of percentage incidents to the breed since popular breeds are more numerous than ones that are not. For instance, a rare breed like the Komondor may visit the veterinarian only once in two years while thousands of German Shepherds would have already been treated for hip dysplasia.
Since the discovery of this disease in the 1930's, a lot of questions about hip dysplasia have not yet been answered. The causes of hip dysplasia have not been clearly established with the exception of genetic inheritance. It has been proven that selective breeding successfully eliminates hip dysplasia.
While it is understood that genetics plays a role in hip dysplasia, it is unclear as to how many genes cause the disease. Most other causes that have been put forth remain as theories up to this day. These theories are nutrition, rapid growth, hormones and anatomic variations. So far, only selective breeding has proven itself to be the best course of action for eradicating hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia varies in intensity. Most dogs will be affected with the disease without any outward manifestation of its existence. In some cases, the dysplasia will be so severe that the dog can only walk a few steps before collapsing. The onset of a visible dysplasia starts with lameness. Often, affected dogs will exhibit signs of this disease through their gait. Dogs that slink or waddle are candidates for possible hip dysplasia.
To properly see if a diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia is correct, a radiograph of the pelvic region must be performed. Since dogs generally won't stay still if they are forced to lie down, it is best to administer anaesthesia to keep the dog from moving while the radiograph is functioning. A good diagnostic evaluation can only be made if the subject is lying still.
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