Treatment options for canine hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common orthopaedic condition in dogs which is frequently encountered by general practitioners. Multiple management options exist and an understanding of the indications for each is required when advising owners on the treatment of such cases. The majority of cases of canine hip dysplasia will likely be managed conservatively; however, a proportion of cases will not respond and therefore require surgical intervention. This article provides general practitioners with further knowledge of the surgical options available and the indications for such procedures. Immature patients with mild hip dysplasia and a lack of secondary osteoarthritic changes may be candidates for prophylactic surgical procedures, such as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis or pelvic osteotomies. In older patients or those with more severe hip dysplasia, total hip replacement results in the best outcome, with full return to function reported in over 90% of patients when performed by an experienced surgeon.