By that age, grave changes have occurred in the joint, which are not or only insufficiently rectifiable. Most breeding associations recommend an x-ray of the hip only after 12 months, which in many cases is too late. Unfortunately, after several decades of breeding using to this method, we have not seen any significant improvements in the gene pool or a reduction of hip dysplasia. 5 degrees of severity from A (normal hip joint) to E (severe hip dysplasia) can be differentiated. In addition, the so-called Norberg angle is measured, which is 105° or more in a dog with normal hips. Veterinarians evaluate the appearance of the femoral head and the hip socket, and their fit. As there still are no genetic tests available for the deliberate pairing of breeding dogs, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recommends conducting an x-ray in the „hip-extended position“ (radiograph with extended extremities) as a basis for the breeding evaluation of the hip joints of dogs. In contrast to other congenital disorders, hip dysplasia is not caused by a single mutated gene but rather by several mutated genes, which have not yet been fully identified. Depending on the severity, therapy measures range from physiotherapy over gold acupuncture to surgical interventions in particularly severe cases. Hip dysplasia is therefore a multifactorial disorder, which cannot be healed. Weight, overburdening, nutrition and age additionally influence the progression of the disease. In older patients, hip dysplasia results in varying degrees of degenerative changes in the joint. The looseness and potential subluxations constantly strain the joint cartilage, leading to pain and lameness. In young patients, a subluxation or full luxation of the femoral head can occur due to the excessive looseness. During movement, this malformation of the hip joint results in a wear of the joint cartilage, and thereby inevitably to painful processes such as osteoarthritis and arthrosis. In hip dysplasia, the fermoral head does not lie sufficiently deep in the hip socket and is loose. Despite breeding selection, hip dysplasia of the dog is still a widespread congenital disorder, especially in large breeds.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |