{"id":33906,"date":"2024-04-05T18:10:09","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T18:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/?p=33906"},"modified":"2025-12-16T17:07:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T17:07:48","slug":"canine-hip-dysplasia-algorithms-for-when-to-refer-for-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/orthopedics\/canine-hip-dysplasia-algorithms-for-when-to-refer-for-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Canine Hip Dysplasia: Algorithms for When to Refer for Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"

H<\/span><\/a>ip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. Although researchers continue to determine the best methods for predicting its development, it is important that veterinarians know how to evaluate dogs of all ages for the condition. <\/span><\/p>\n

Identifying Hip Laxity<\/h2>\n

Regardless of whether clinical signs are present, all dogs of predisposed breeds should be physically examined between 12 and 20 weeks of age for evidence of hip joint laxity, such as a positive Ortolani sign, which indicates a dog is at risk for development of osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia. <\/span><\/p>\n

An Ortolani test is performed with the dog in lateral recumbency. The examiner places the hip in a neutral position with the upper leg parallel to the table, then applies a proximally directed force against the stifle, driving the femur toward the pelvis. This encourages the femoral head to subluxate out of the acetabulum. The limb is then slowly abducted as the examiner feels and listens for a \u201cclunk,\u201d indicating reduction of the femoral head and confirming hip joint laxity.1<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, a negative Ortolani test does not guarantee a healthy hip later in life. The Ortolani sign may not be present if degenerative changes have occurred, such as acetabular remodeling. In some cases, it may be difficult to elicit an Ortolani sign even if subluxation is present due to limited clinician experience or factors related to the dog, such as a puppy that is difficult to restrain. <\/span><\/p>\n

Standard ventrodorsal radiographs provide valuable information regarding hip conformation, subluxation, and the presence of osteoarthritis. However, a more objective method for evaluating hip joint laxity is a PennHIP radiographic study, in which the hips are distracted during imaging; the resulting radiographs are used to measure a distraction index (DI).2-4<\/sup> A DI of 0.7 or greater is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis development by 2 years of age.5<\/sup> Standard extended limb ventrodorsal radiographs frequently do not show subluxation or secondary arthritic changes at this age, potentially delaying a diagnosis of hip laxity until arthritic changes are present. See <\/span>BOX 1<\/b><\/span> for additional resources on the radiographic evaluation of hip dysplasia.<\/span><\/p>\n

BOX 1 Suggested Resources<\/div>
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