G. Diethelm, J. Harari and R. L. Tucker. What is your diagnosis? Bilateral hip dysplasia associated with medial luxation of the left patella in a dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1995;1163-4.

M. Fluckiger, J. Lang, H. Binder, et al. [The control of hip dysplasia in Switzerland. A retrospect of the past 24 years]. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd, 1995;243-50.

Examination of over 3700 dogs has proven that 42% of all purebred dogs in Switzerland are affected by CHD despite control programs for the last 30 years. Breeding with dysplastic dogs and lack of progeny control are responsible for this slow progress.

C. L. Fries and A. M. Remedios. The pathogenesis and diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia: a review. Can Vet J, 1995;494-502.

Hip dysplasia is a common developmental problem affecting the canine population. Despite extensive research into the condition, many questions remain unanswered and numerous misconceptions are present among the general public. The purpose of this paper is to review the current knowledge on the development of hip dysplasia, factors modifying its development, and current diagnostic techniques. A computerized literature search was conducted for the period of January 1983 to April 1985 using the MEDLINE and CAB databases, and the keywords hip dysplasia, hip, dog, and canine. Other articles, wherever possible original research articles, published before 1983 were also reviewed. Animals affected by hip dysplasia are born with normal hips, but quickly develop subluxation of the femoral head. Degenerative joint disease follows. Hip dysplasia is a complex, inherited, polygenic trait. Selective breeding of only normal dogs with normal littermates, parents, and grandparents is the recommended method of reducing the incidence in the general population. Gene expression in affected individuals may be modified by a number of environmental factors. These factors do not cause hip dysplasia, but they alter manifestations of the trait and its severity. Nutrition is a major environmental factor. Excess energy consumption increases the frequency and severity of hip dysplasia in genetically predisposed dogs. Food intake should be regulated to maintain a slender figure with the ribs and dorsal vertebral spines easily palpable, but not visible. Excess dietary calcium and vitamin D contribute to hip dysplasia in genetically predisposed individuals and should be avoided. High dose vitamin C supplementation in growing puppies does not prevent hip dysplasia, and this practice should be discontinued.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

K. L. Kero and S. A. Bilbrey. What is your diagnosis? Bilateral femoral capital physeal fractures with remodeling of the femoral heads and necks. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1995;441-2.

J. S. Madsen and E. Svalastoga. Serum concentrations of procollagen type III aminoterminal peptide in growing dogs with hip dysplasia. Acta Vet Scand, 1995;157-60.

M. L. Olmstead. Canine cemented total hip replacements: state of the art. J Small Anim Pract, 1995;395-9.

Total hip replacements in the dog have become well established over the past 20 years as an effective method for treating disabling hip conditions. A fixed head prosthesis has been the mainstay during most of this period. Return to normal function with this prosthesis has been reported at 95 per cent. Although patient selection, pre- and post surgical care, the surgical technique and the treatment or prevention of complications has been continually improved, it was not until recently that the prosthesis and its instrumentation were improved. Now a modular prosthesis with improved instrumentation gives the veterinary surgeon state of the art' implants and instruments. The prosthesis is easier to implant, the surgeon has greater flexibility in surgery and improved results are expected. Total hip replacement continues to be an effective way to give dogs a pain-free, mechanically sound hip joint.

C. A. Popovitch, G. K. Smith, T. P. Gregor, et al. Comparison of susceptibility for hip dysplasia between Rottweilers and German shepherd dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1995;648-50.

Passive laxity of the coxofemoral joints, as measured quantitatively by radiographing the joints under stress, has been shown to be an accurate measure of the risk for developing degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the coxofemoral joints. Seventy-four Rottweilers between 12 and 40 months old were evaluated subjectively for radiographic evidence of DJD, using the ventrodorsal view of the pelvis with the coxofemoral joints fully extended and the knees internally rotated (standard hip-extended view). Effect of age, sex, weight, and distraction index on the risk of developing DJD was evaluated by use of a logistic regression model. Results were compared with those from a group of German Shepherd Dogs. Results indicated that in Rottweilers the distraction index was the only statistically significant predictor of the risk of developing DJD of the coxofemoral joint. When German Shepherd Dogs were included in the model, they had a significantly greater risk of developing DJD than did Rottweilers. This finding provides further support for the theory that there are differences in disease susceptibility among breeds and emphasizes the need to develop disease susceptibility curves for all breeds affected by hip dysplasia to facilitate accurate, scientifically based recommendations for breeding or treatment.

A. M. Remedios and C. L. Fries. Treatment of canine hip dysplasia: a review. Can Vet J, 1995;503-9.

This article discusses the treatment approaches and recommendations for canine hip dysplasia. A search of the literature database MEDLINE (1969-1994) was conducted and relevant journal articles regarding the medical and surgical treatment of hip dysplasia were selected and reviewed. Dysplastic dogs can be divided, for treatment purposes, into those with no or minimal osteoarthrosis, and those with moderate to severe osteoarthrosis. In young animals with joint laxity and pain, but with no or minimal radiographic evidence of osteoarthrosis, the treatment approach is controversial. Conservative management may be effective in the short term, but progressive development of osteoarthrosis occurs and clinical signs may manifest at an older age. Options for surgical treatments in these young dogs include pectineal myectomy, lengthening of the femoral neck, and corrective osteotomies. Corrective osteotomies are advocated to reestablish joint congruency and prevent development of osteoarthrosis. In the mature osteoarthritic dog, effective conservative management depends on the severity of the degenerative joint disease. Proposed surgical treatments for clinically debilitating hip dysplasia include biocompatible osteoconductive/shelf arthroplasty; femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty, with or without muscle sling interposition; and total hip replacement. Although research directly comparing the salvage procedures has not been reported, studies suggest that total hip replacement is more effective in returning large dogs to full functional weight bearing.

G. K. Smith, C. A. Popovitch, T. P. Gregor, et al. Evaluation of risk factors for degenerative joint disease associated with hip dysplasia in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1995;642-7.

Passive coxofemoral joint laxity of dogs, as quantitated by a distraction-stress radiographic method, may have important prognostic value in determining susceptibility to hip dysplasia. Data from 151 dogs, representing 13 breeds, were included in a logistic regression model to evaluate the contribution of factors such as age, breed, weight, sex, distraction index, and Norberg angle to the risk of developing degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the coxofemoral joint. Of the factors studied, the amount of passive hip laxity, as quantitated by the distraction index, was the most significant (P < 0.0001) determinant of the risk to develop DJD of the coxofemoral joint. In the longitudinal and cross-sectional components of the study, distraction index was a significant (P < 0.001) risk factor for DJD, irrespective of age at evaluation (4, 12, or 24 months). The strength of the hip laxity:DJD correlation increased with the age of dog. In contrast, the Norberg angle, a measure of hip laxity on the standard hip-extended radiograph, was not found to be a significant risk factor for DJD, either in the longitudinal or cross-sectional analyses. Breed-specific probability curves of DJD susceptibility indicated that German Shepherd Dogs had a significantly (P < 0.05) greater risk of developing DJD than did the pool of non-German Shepherd Dogs. The information derived from this statistical model will help to scientifically characterize the role of passive hip laxity as a component in the pathogenesis of DJD of the coxofemoral joint.

D. G. Clayton Jones. Hip dysplasia scheme [letter]. Vet Rec, 1994;560.

J. E. Craige. Canine hip dysplasia [letter]. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1994;1323.

J. J. de Haan, R. L. Goring and B. S. Beale. Evaluation of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan for the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs. Vet Surg, 1994;177-81.

A double-blinded, controlled clinical study was performed to compare the response of adult dogs affected with hip dysplasia to a placebo and three different dosages of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG): 2.2 mg/kg, 4.4 mg/kg, and 8.8 mg/kg. Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment groups. The drug was administered intramuscularly every 3 to 5 days for a total of eight injections. Response to treatment was analyzed based on changes in lameness, range of motion (ROM), and pain on manipulation of the hip joints. Evaluation for adverse reactions included complete blood cell (CBC) count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and physical examination. Data were collected on a total of 111 dogs. Eighty-four met all criteria for inclusion in the study. Dogs that were given 4.4 mg/kg of PSGAG showed the greatest improvement in orthopedic scores, whereas dogs in the placebo group showed the smallest improvement; however, the differences in clinical improvement between the four treatment groups were not statistically significant. No local or systemic adverse reactions related to the drug were observed.

C. P. DeVile. Submissions to the BVA/KC hip dysplasia scheme [letter]. Vet Rec, 1994;316.

L. T. Goldsmith, G. Lust and B. G. Steinetz. Transmission of relaxin from lactating bitches to their offspring via suckling. Biol Reprod, 1994;258-65.

The 6-kDa polypeptide hormone relaxin (Rlx) has been identified in human and bovine milk, and we recently reported its presence in canine milk. We postulated that Rlx might be transferred via suckling to the newborn pups, where, by virtue of its known effects to increase the distensibility of the pelvic connective tissues, it could play a role in causing the excessive laxity of the capsule and ligaments of the coxofemoral joint that precedes the development of hip dysplasia in genetically predisposed animals. Rlx was found in the serum of dysplastic (HD+) bitches for up to 6 wk of lactation, whereas it was detected in the serum of nondysplastic (HD-) bitches for only 1-2 wk of lactation. Rlx concentrations in milk were up to 60-fold greater than in serum. Milk Rlx levels varied markedly, but were highest during the first week of lactation and decreased thereafter. There were no significant differences in milk Rlx concentrations between HD+ and HD- bitches. Although the source of Rlx in milk is unknown, it cannot be the ovary or uterus, since hystero-ovariectomy performed at the time of cesarean section did not eliminate Rlx from milk during subsequent lactation. In serum samples taken from newborn pups before suckling, there were significant quantities of Rlx, demonstrating that the hormone enters the fetus in utero. However, Rlx rapidly disappears from serum of pups prevented from suckling for five hours.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

W. Henninger and E. Koppel. [The significance of the craniolateral acetabular margin for hip dysplasia evaluation]. Tierarztl Prax, 1994;278-85.

The weight-bearing part of the canine hip is its dorsocraniolateral portion. On the radiograph the configuration of the craniolateral acetabular rim is important for evaluation of hip dysplasia. Changes in formation of this area should be differentiated from artefacts due to malpositioning. When the pelvis is tilted dorsally, the cranial acetabular rim is superimposed on the cranioventral acetabular contour and the acetabular roof. The craniolateral contour then seems to be missing. The contours of a ventrally tilted pelvis do not overlap, but it is difficult to discern the craniolateral rim. The reference points for Norberg-Olsson's measurements are difficult to choose in both cases and the angles may vary up to 10 degrees. A symmetrically positioned pelvis shows one point of reference for Norberg-Olsson's measurement where the cranial acetabular contour, the cranioventral margin and the acetabular roof intersect. Therefore poor positioning of the pelvis for radiographic evaluation of hip dysplasia should be avoided when using Norberg-Olsson's measurements.

B. Lussier, T. Lanthier and B. Martineau-Doize. Evaluation of biocompatible osteoconductive polymer shelf arthroplasty for the surgical correction of hip dysplasia in normal dogs. Can J Vet Res, 1994;173-80.

Biocompatible osteoconductive polymer (BOP) shelf arthroplasty was performed on ten nondysplastic dogs, divided into five groups. Each group was evaluated at 6, 13, 17, 26 or 39 weeks postsurgery. Evaluation consisted of clinical, radiological and histological studies. The dogs were injected with three fluorochrome markers, 28 days, 14 days and 6 hours before euthanasia. Transverse sections of undecalcified arthroplasty site were examined by microradiography and fluorescence microscopy; surface-stained sections were evaluated by light microscopy. The BOP shelf arthroplasty was not technically difficult. Minimal mineralization of the shelf was noted by radiography, 26 and 39 weeks postop. A moderate to large amount of fibrous mature connective tissue was observed around the BOP fibers throughout the study. Bone ingrowth occurred around the BOP fibers, but was minimal within them. This osseous proliferation of the arthroplasty was very slow to take place; it was first noted microscopically 17 weeks postsurgery and was still minimal 39 weeks after surgery. These findings suggest that there may be interference to the osteoconductive properties of BOP by fibrous tissue. Ossification of the shelf arthroplasty was too unsatisfactory to recommend its use for the treatment of canine hip dysplasia.

J. S. Madsen and E. Svalastoga. Inclination and anteversion of collum femoris in hip dysplasia and coxarthritis. Acta Vet Scand, 1994;115-9.

Femoral neck angles were measured radiographically in 41 dogs examined for hip dysplasia. Steep femoral neck inclination was found to be a phenomenon of hip dysplasia and coxofemoral joint laxity. The altered biomechanics of a steep femoral neck inclination may be a factor in the pathogenesis of hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis.

A. Davidson, W. Hornof, K. Lavrischeff, et al. What is your diagnosis? Bilateral hip dysplasia and possible osteolytic lesion in the left ischium. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1993;1129-30.

R. D. Kealy, D. F. Lawler, K. L. Monti, et al. Effects of dietary electrolyte balance on subluxation of the femoral head in growing dogs. Am J Vet Res, 1993;555-62.

Effects of increased dietary chloride and reduced sodium and potassium ion concentrations on coxofemoral joint conformation, as assessed by radiography, were examined in growing dogs. Dietary electrolyte balance was quantified by dietary anion gap (DAG), defined as Na+ + K+ - Cl- in milli-equivalents per 100 g of food. Diets had anion gap ranging from 8 to 41 mEq/100 g of food. One hundred sixty-seven pups from 27 litters representing 5 breeds were studied during the period of rapid growth. The extent of subluxation of the femoral head was measured on radiographs, using the method of Norberg. On average, less subluxation of the femoral head (P < 0.05) was observed when diets with lower DAG were fed. Differences in DAG balance did not result in different rates of weight gain; therefore, the reduction in coxofemoral joint subluxation attributable to low DAG was unrelated to weight gain. Norberg angles measured at 30 weeks of age were highly correlated with coxofemoral joint status at 2 years of age, as measured by the Swedish diagnostic system and the scoring system of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (lrl > or = 0.70, P < 0.0002, n = 24). This diet-related improvement in coxofemoral joint subluxation would be expected, on average, to delay or mitigate the characteristic clinical and radiographic signs of hip dysplasia in growing dogs.

G. Lust, A. J. Williams, N. Burton-Wurster, et al. Joint laxity and its association with hip dysplasia in Labrador retrievers. Am J Vet Res, 1993;1990-9.

A study was done to determine whether radiographic-distraction measurement of coxofemoral joint (hip) laxity at 4 and 8 months of age can serve as a predictor of hip dysplasia in older Labrador Retrievers. The method of Smith, Biery, and Gregor was used for radiologic examination of hips and for evaluation of radiographs. Mean (+/- SEM) distraction laxity (ie, distraction index) for 10 adult disease-free dogs was 0.29 +/- 0.05, whereas a group of 8 dogs with dysplastic hips had mean distraction index of 0.60 +/- 0.10 (P < 0.05). Mean distraction index at 4 months of age for 11 pups of 4 litters from matings between dogs with normal hips was 0.39 +/- 0.07, and was 0.54 +/- 0.04 for 31 pups of 7 litters from matings between dogs with hip dysplasia. The distraction index and, thus, joint laxity at that age was significantly (P = 0.0351) different for the 2 groups. The distraction index at 4 months correlated positively with the distraction index at a later age at necropsy (r = 0.43; P = 0.0289). Distraction index < 0.4 at 4 months of age predicted normal hips in 88% of cases and distraction index > or = 0.4 predicted hip dysplasia in 57% of the dogs. Logistic regression modeling indicated that the odds of a hip being normal decreased with increasing distraction index, and thus, with increasing joint laxity. The logistic regression models provided a reasonable mathematical description of the data. Based on the logistic model of the data, distraction indexes between 0.4 and 0.7 at either 4 or 8 months of age were not associated strongly enough with evidence of disease to be clinically reliable in predicting, on an individual basis, the outcome for dysplastic hip conformation when dogs were older. Index > 0.7 was associated with high probability for developing dysplastic joints and distraction index < 0.4 predicted normal hips with high probability.

Canine hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;503-750.

J. W. Alexander. The pathogenesis of canine hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;503-11.

Dogs with CHD are born with normal hips that subsequently undergo varying degrees of subluxation of the coxofemoral joint. Although the etiology of CHD is multifactorial, the pathogenesis or stages of change within the affected coxofemoral joint(s) are similar regardless of cause. With the onset of the disease, there are progressive structural changes including joint laxity and femoral head subluxation; swelling, stretching, fraying, and eventual rupture of the teres ligament; a shallow, flattened acetabulum, deformity of the head; erosion of articular cartilage, eburnation of subchondral bone, DJD; and periarticular osteophyte formation.

K. A. Beck, H. N. Erb and K. Tapley. Effect of sagittal plane positioning errors on measurement of the angle of inclination in dogs. Vet Surg, 1992;332-6.

Angles of inclination were calculated from ventrodorsal (VD) and caudocranial horizontal beam (CaCrHB) radiographs of 17 anesthetized dogs, and from radiographs of left femurs of the same dogs positioned 0 degree, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, and 20 degrees from the cassette in the sagittal plane. Angles of inclination also were measured directly from radiographs of the bones rotated to correct for anteversion. Calculated angles of inclination from the bones at 10 degrees, 15 degrees, and 20 degrees from the cassette were significantly different from the 0 degree values obtained by calculation and direct measurement. Inclination angles from live dogs were consistently larger than those from 0 degree bones. Differences between angles of inclination calculated from VD and CaCrHB radiographs of live dogs were not significant.

D. R. Bell and C. J. Brown. BVA/Kennel Club hip dysplasia scheme [letter]. Vet Rec, 1992;148.

T. D. Braden and W. D. Prieur. Three-plane intertrochanteric osteotomy for treatment of early stage hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;623-43.

Indications, preoperative planning, and surgical procedure for the three-plane intertrochanteric osteotomy are described. The goal of this procedure is to decrease the biomechanical stress in the coxofemoral joint, thereby relieving pain associated with early stage canine hip dysplasia. Clinical signs of pain are alleviated for many years.

E. A. Corley. Role of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in the control of canine hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;579-93.

The objectives of the Dysplasia Control Registry, the procedure for submitting radiographs, and the radiographic evaluation process are described. The results from the radiographic evaluation of 321,183 dogs are reported by hip phenotypic ratings and breed frequency of canine hip dysplasia. Breeds at risk are documented. Comparison of dogs born between 1981 and 1988 with those born between 1972 and 1980 demonstrated that the frequency of canine hip dysplasia was reduced in 79% of breeds, and the frequency of excellent hips was increased in 88% of the breeds. Reliability of preliminary hip evaluations of dogs under 24 months of age is reported to vary by breed, and the results of 9,161 preliminary evaluations are documented.

T. E. Durkes. Gold bead implants. Probl Vet Med, 1992;207-11.

Gold bead implantation is an experimental area of study in the acupuncture field dealing with chronic diseases. Special acupuncture techniques are required to implant the gold beads successfully in the proper location. Gold beads are used to treat degenerative joint disease, osteochondritis, osteochondritis dessicans, ventral spondylosis, and seizures.

T. R. Fry and D. M. Clark. Canine hip dysplasia: clinical signs and physical diagnosis. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;551-8.

Clinical signs of hip dysplasia include lameness, gait abnormalities, reluctance to exercise, and pelvic limb muscle atrophy with compensatory shoulder muscle hypertrophy. Because these clinical signs are not pathognomonic for CHD, a thorough orthopedic and neurologic examination is recommended for all patients with suspected CHD. Specific maneuvers, including the Barlow, Ortolani, and Barden's signs are useful to characterize the degree of coxofemoral laxity, both as screening tools in young puppies and as diagnostic aids in clinically lame dogs. None of the signs are definitive diagnostic tests for CHD, but they should be performed as sequential maneuvers in the veterinarian's workup for suspected CHD. Pelvic radiography is mandatory to definitively diagnose CHD but should not be the first step in the workup, because other diagnoses may be missed or concurrent conditions may coexist with dysplasia.

H. A. Hazewinkel. Diagnosis and conservative treatment of hip dysplasia in young dogs. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1992;33S-34S.

G. A. Henry. Radiographic development of canine hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;559-78.

The radiographic changes observed in the development of CHD in the dog are complex and not fully understood despite years of research. Moderate to severe CHD is relatively easy to diagnose using standard radiographic views and evaluation techniques. However, early detection of mild or borderline CHD continues to be difficult to reliably detect radiographically. Efforts continue to be made to develop new views, techniques, and evaluation methods that will improve the radiographic evaluation of CHD. Until better methods are proven, the standard ventrodorsal leg extended view, evaluated by an experienced reviewer, will remain the method of choice for radiographic detection of CHD.

D. J. Jensen and G. O. Sertl. Sertl shelf arthroplasty (BOP procedure) in the treatment of canine hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;683-701.

The BOP/Sertl shelf arthroplasty procedure is not difficult or lengthy. It uses minimal metallic fixation. It is quite physiological with minimal morbidity because there is no change in the bony anatomic pelvis except to create an extension of the lateral rim of the acetabulum. The animal is able to walk the day after surgery. The procedure can be performed bilaterally the same day, thus creating good bony stability and decreasing stretching of the joint capsule, which in turn prevents further subluxation and pain in the hip joint. The aim of this procedure is to return the animal to a satisfactory lifestyle through an effective but less complicated surgical procedure as compared to other available options. This procedure is straightforward and can be done by a surgeon who is familiar with orthopedic surgical techniques and has been trained in this procedure. To date, more than 150 veterinarians have had hands-on training to perform this operation. We are not claiming that this procedure is a cure for CHD; rather, it is a procedure that dramatically slows down the progress of this malady and allows the dog to lead a more normal lifestyle and avoids euthanasia. After 51 months, our study of 200 hips has had a success rate of 99% on the animals available for follow-up as evidenced by returning those animals to a satisfactory lifestyle with stable hips.

S. A. Johnston. Conservative and medical management of hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;595-606.

Hip dysplasia has been managed conservatively and medically since the initial description of this disease in 1935. However, little factual information is known about the benefits of the various forms of conservative and medical management. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been a mainstay of treatment, with the only real debate being which NSAID to use. Only with the recent anecdotal reports of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan has there been any change in medical management of CHD, and this method of treatment warrants further investigation. Conservative and medical management definitely have a role in the treatment of CHD. It must be remembered, however that CHD is primarily a disease of biomechanical alterations and joint laxity, with the cartilage effects being secondary. With a great enough degree of laxity, coxofemoral incongruency, articular damage, or osteoarthritic change, conservative and medical management will not be effective. At that stage, surgical management must be considered.

R. D. Kealy, S. E. Olsson, K. L. Monti, et al. Effects of limited food consumption on the incidence of hip dysplasia in growing dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1992;857-63.

Forty-eight 8-week-old Labrador Retrievers were allotted to 2 groups of 24 dogs each; 1 group was fed ad libitum and the other group was given 25% less of the same feed until the dogs were 2 years old. Radiography of the hip joints was done when the dogs were 30, 42, 54, 78, and 104 weeks old. Subluxation was measured by the Norberg angle on radiographs made with the dog in the standard (extended limb) position. Independent of age at which the radiography was done, there was less subluxation of the femoral heads in the limit-fed dogs. Using the Swedish method of hip joint evaluation on the same radiographs, it was found that fewer dogs on limited food intake had signs of hip dysplasia. Radiographs done when dogs were 2 years old, for all the methods used (Norberg angle in standard and frog-limb position, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals [OFA] score, and the Swedish score), revealed less hip dysplasia (less joint subluxation and less degenerative joint disease) in the limit-fed dogs. Using the OFA method, 7 of the 24 limit-fed dogs and 16 of the 24 ad libitum-fed dogs were diagnosed as having hip dysplasia. Similarly, using the Swedish method, 5 of the 24 limit-fed dogs and 18 of the 24 ad libitum-fed dogs were diagnosed as having hip dysplasia. The food-intake-related differences were significant both for the OFA score and for the Swedish score.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

D. A. Koch, H. A. Hazewinkel, R. C. Nap, et al. Triple pelvic osteotomy: radiological results of 38 cases. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1992;35S.

F. Lanting. Canine hip dysplasia and the breeder. A layman's point of view. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;739-43.

Many, though certainly not all, breeders are becoming fairly knowledgeable about CHD and other joint problems. The veterinarian should encourage prevention through selective breeding and lead the client to further understanding of the disorders. Breeders need help in separating scientific evidence from insufficiently tested hypotheses based on testimonials. "Quick-and-easy" cures can be exposed and discounted with just a little search of the literature. The veterinarian's job is similar to that of the teacher in the old one-room country school: some client may have to be taught the basics, whereas those in other stages of progress receive different help. Breeders perhaps need more assistance than do pet owners, because they will affect future generations of dogs. The veterinarian who concentrates on building a trust relationship based on shared facts and a sincere desire to contribute to the well-being of his clients (and his patients) will enjoy a most rewarding relationship with them.

C. L. Lippincott. Femoral head and neck excision in the management of canine hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;721-37.

Degenerative joint disease as a sequela to pathology of the coxofemoral joint can cause considerable pain. In dogs weighing less than 20 km, excision of the femoral head and neck is sufficient to control this pain. A pseudoarthrosis functions effectively as a salvage hip joint. In dogs weighing more than 20 km, additional surgery is required to ensure painfree use of the hip. Postoperatively, the weight of these larger animals appears to cause striking of the proximally excised femoral shaft with the pelvis during exercise. This contact causes pain that limits the use of the joint. The inclusion of a biceps femoris muscle sling to prevent this striking and the resultant pain is outlined.

G. Lust, A. J. Williams, N. Burton-Wurster, et al. Effects of intramuscular administration of glycosaminoglycan polysulfates on signs of incipient hip dysplasia in growing pups. Am J Vet Res, 1992;1836-43.

We tested the hypothesis that treatment of growing, susceptible (to hip dysplasia) pups by IM administration of glycosaminoglycan polysulfates would mitigate the signs of incipient hip dysplasia. In 1 experiment, 7 pups, selected at random from 2 litters, were administered glycosaminoglycan polysulfates (2.5 mg/kg of body weight, IM) twice weekly, and 7 control pups from the same litters were given sterile buffered 0.9% saline solution from the age of 6 weeks to 8 months. Hip joints were examined by radiography, with pups in the standard, limbs-extended position. At 8 months of age, all pups in this experiment did not manifest femoral head subluxation radiographically. The Norberg angle, a measure of coxofemoral congruity, improved from a mean +/- SEM value of 102 degrees +/- 1 degrees in controls to 106 degrees +/- 1 degrees in treated pups (P = 0.008). Pups were not subjected to necropsy. In the second experiment, 8 pups were selected at random from 2 litters and were administered 5 mg of glycosaminoglycan polysulfates/kg, IM, twice weekly from 6 weeks to 8 months of age. Similarly, 8 control pups were administered saline solution. At 8 months of age, hip joints were examined by radiography with pups in the standard position; at necropsy, intra-articular tissues were evaluated macroscopically and biochemically. Of 8 treated pups, none had subluxation radiographically, whereas 4 of 8 control dogs had femoral head subluxation. Mean Norberg angle on the radiographs was 109.7 degrees +/- 1.6 degrees for the treated group and was 101.5 degrees +/- 1.6 degrees for controls, representing a mean improvement in coxofemoral congruity of 8.2 degrees in the treated pups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

B. P. Meij. Differential diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1992;35S-37S.

R. D. Montgomery, J. L. Milton, R. Pernell, et al. Total hip arthroplasty for treatment of canine hip dysplasia. Vet ClinNorth Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;703-19.

Cemented THA is an established procedure for treating arthropathies of the hip in large, healthy mature dogs. CHD with secondary osteoarthritis is the most common indication. Although comparative studies between THA and excision arthroplasty have not been reported, our experience with both procedures and studies in the literature support THA as the best available treatment for crippling degenerative joint disease secondary to CHD in large, mature dogs. Negative aspects of the procedure include high cost, the potential of significant complications, and the sophisticated surgical technique required. Improvements in patient selection, design of implants, surgical technique, and postoperative care have decreased the incidence of complications and improved the success rate to over 90%. However, concerns in human applications about cement disease and the desire to increase the functional life of the prosthesis have renewed interest in cementless systems. Advantages of cementless THA are fixation via bony ingrowth and avoidance of problems associated with PMMA. Important technical aspects of cementless THA relate to optimal fit and fill so that the prosthesis is stable, bone ingrowth is promoted, and weight-bearing forces are transferred to the proximal femur physiologically. Problems recognized with cementless systems include fissure fracture, bone resorption, and excessive motion between the implant and bone. Currently, investigations are being conducted to develop prosthetic materials that more closely match the stiffness of bone, stem designs that provide optimal fit and maintain normal strain patterns in the bone, and coating materials that promote permanent fixation by bone ingrowth. Early clinical results in humans and research results in dogs have been encouraging but have not withstood the test of time. Results of cementless techniques must be compared to the standards set by cemented THA over the last 20 years in humans and the last 10 years in dogs.

S. J. Morgan. The pathology of canine hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;541-50.

Although the complete pathogenesis of cartilage damage in canine hip dysplasia has not been completely worked out, it appears that joint laxity with resultant excessive stresses upon articular cartilage is the initiating factor. Grossly, this damage is characterized by cartilage thinning with potential exposure of subchondral bone, osteophyte formation, and pannus formation. Microscopically, there is a marked variation in chondrocyte cellularity, with focal regions of hypocellularity and chondrocyte clusters and synovial lining cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy as well as a decrease in proteoglycan content. This latter change has been substantiated biomechanically. Ultrastructural studies indicate that there is extensive alteration of collagen organization within the cartilage.

R. C. Nap. Surgical therapy for canine hip dysplasia. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1992;34S.

D. C. Richardson. The role of nutrition in canine hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;529-40.

The role of nutrition in canine hip dysplasia is a multifactorial as the disease itself. Large and giant breeds primarily are at risk for the disease. Rate of growth, feeding methods, feed consumption, specific nutrients, and electrolyte balances within the diet have all been shown to influence hip dysplasia. Known nutritional risk factors are rapid weight gain and excessive calcium supplementation. Nutritional factors with less secure roles in their influence on the disease process are vitamin C, protein, and carbohydrates. There exists a need to identify further and control the various nutritional factors in the diet that influence canine hip dysplasia.

G. O. Sertl and D. J. Jensen. Comments on biocompatible osteoconductive polymer [letter; comment]. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1992;1489-90.

B. Slocum and T. D. Slocum. Pelvic osteotomy for axial rotation of the acetabular segment in dogs with hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;645-82.

Pelvic osteotomy has provided normal function and activity to dogs with hip dysplasia. Physical and radiographic examination and palpation under anesthesia permit evaluation of the degenerative process and provide the specific amount of axial rotation of the pelvis necessary for each dog. The technique consists of an osteotomy of the pubis, ischium, and ilium to reestablish acetabular support of the femoral head.

C. Smith. Treatments for hip dysplasia spark controversy [news] [see comments]. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1992;205-9.

L. J. Wallace. Pectineus tendon surgery for the management of canine hip dysplasia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992;607-21.

Pectineus tendonectomy is a useful procedure for relieving pain and rehabilitating the dysplastic dog in select cases. Relief of pain is believed to come from a combination of releasing tension on the hip joint capsule and providing a better loading contact surface on the articular cartilage owing to the increased abduction of the hind legs after surgery. Some pain relief also may come from the release of tension on the pectineus muscle. The modified procedure described in this article results in less seroma formation and less reattachment of the severed ends of the pectineus tendon of origin than the procedure originally described by the author.

O. Distl, W. Grussler, J. Schwarz, et al. [Analysis of environmentally-conditioned and genetic influences on the frequency of hip joint dysplasia in German Shepherd dogs]. Zentralbl Veterinarmed [A], 1991;460-71.

The importance of environmental and genetic influences on the frequency of hip dysplasia was studied in 10,595 German shepherd dogs. Systematic effects were analysed using mixed linear and mixed nonlinear threshold models. Following effects were regarded in the models applied: sire and mother of the dog as random effects, age at x-raying, sex, birth year and season of the x-rayed dogs, litter size, percentage of x-rayed dogs in each litter and sex ratio of the litter as fixed effects. Sire, mother, sex and age at x-raying showed significant influence on the occurrence of hip dysplasia. The heritability estimates in a hierarchical data design (sire, mother within sire) for the polychotomous trait hip dysplasia were for full sibs h2 = 0.30, for maternal half sibs h2 = 0, 48, and for paternal half sibs h2 = 0.11. Only the heritability estimates of the paternal half sibs seem to be reliable because kennel and breeder effects are confounded with the mother effect. Analysing the frequency of hip dysplasia as all-or-none traits, the heritability estimates were usually lowered by 50%. Selection programmes to reduce frequency of hip dysplasia can be improved if the estimation of breeding values with respect to environmental effects and frequency of hip dysplasia in all relatives will be implemented.

K. Fujikawa. Comparative vascular anatomy of the hip of the miniature dog and of the normal-size mongrel. Kurume Med J, 1991;159-65.

In order to investigate the aetiology of Perthes' disease in the dog the author has conducted a comparative anatomical study of the vascular system of the femoral heads in miniature dogs and in normal-size mongrels. The study was made in five three-months old miniature dogs and five age-matched normal-size mongrels, in which the epiphyseal plate of the femoral head was still open. The most distinct difference between the two species was in the channel of the superior retinacular vessels. In miniature dogs, these vessels go through the shallow neck and appear as a "suspended bridge". In normal-size mongrels they go through the deep fossa of the femoral neck and appear to be very rigidly stable. Although foveolar vessels in the round ligament were present in both species, no vessels were found in either species reaching the epiphysis by penetrating the articular cartilage at this stage of development.

I. Hanssen. Hip dysplasia in dogs in relation to their month of birth. Vet Rec, 1991;425-6.

German wirehaired pointers, English, Irish and Gordon setters, and labrador retrievers that were puppies during the spring and summer had a significantly lower incidence of hip dysplasia than those growing up during the autumn and winter. However, golden retrievers and German shepherd dogs did not show the same seasonal pattern of incidence of hip dysplasia.

A. Hedhammar. Breeding healthier dogs in Sweden. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1991;76S-79S.

Preventive measures in small animal veterinary medicine include not only deworming, feeding and vaccination but also selection of breeding stock with reference to health and longevity. Good cooperation between the veterinary profession and the Swedish Kennel Club in the examination of breeding stock is described. Successful eradication programs against Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Arthroses and Hereditary Eye Defects are chosen as examples of what has been achieved so far. Less extensive and newer programs against Hemophilia A and Progressive Nephropathy are described as well as a recently instituted Inventory of Hereditary Defects and the preparation of educational material on risks involved when certain anatomical features are exaggerated in purebred dogs. A cost-benefit analysis has proven the value of screening programs for hereditary defects with both negative as well as positive results on public records

R. M. McLaughlin, Jr., C. W. Miller, C. L. Taves, et al. Force plate analysis of triple pelvic osteotomy for the treatment of canine hip dysplasia. Vet Surg, 1991;291-7.

Triple pelvic osteotomy was performed in 15 dogs with bilateral hip dysplasia. Ten dogs were treated bilaterally and five dogs were treated unilaterally. Ten untreated dogs with normal hips served as controls. Force plate analysis, lameness evaluation, and radiography were performed before surgery and at weeks 5, 10, 15, and 28. Three dogs treated unilaterally were euthanatized and the hips were examined grossly and microscopically. Force plate data indicated that young dysplastic dogs transmitted significantly less vertical force through the hip joints than normal dogs. The force transmitted through treated hips reached or approached control levels by week 28 and was significantly greater than the force transmitted through untreated hips. Clinical lameness resolved in 92% of limbs and progression of radiographically detectable degenerative joint disease was minimal. Gross and microscopic degenerative changes in the articular cartilage were similar in the treated and untreated hips. The synovial membrane was less reactive in treated hips.

T. D. Braden, W. D. Prieur and J. B. Kaneene. Clinical evaluation of intertrochanteric osteotomy for treatment of dogs with early-stage hip dysplasia: 37 cases (1980-1987). J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1990;337-41.

Between May 1980 and May 1987, intertrochanteric osteotomy was performed on 43 hips of 37 dogs (6 bilateral procedures) with early-stage hip dysplasia, with the objectives of improving hip biomechanics and reducing discomfort. Clinical evaluation consisted of: questionnaire, and/or orthopedic examination, and/or report from owner(s) via telephone. At least 1 form of evaluation was conducted for 42 of 43 hips (98%). On the basis of orthopedic examination findings, 27 of 33 hips (84%) were functionally good or normal at postoperative month 15 (on average). On the basis of owner report, 19 of 28 hips (68%) were functionally good or normal at postoperative month 11 (on average). On the basis of questionnaire data, 17 of 24 hips (70%) were functionally good or normal at postoperative year 1. Before surgery, only 11 of 37 hips (30%) had been evaluated as functionally good or normal. Of 36 owners, 33 (91.6%) reported that they would have the procedure performed again if the circumstances were the same. From the good to excellent clinical results, we concluded that intertrochanteric osteotomy is a beneficial treatment for dogs with early-stage hip dysplasia.

J. Kaandorp. [Hip dysplasia: the triple pelvic osteotomy]. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1990;31-3.

J. S. Madsen, L. T. Jensen, H. Strom, et al. Procollagen type-III aminoterminal peptide in serum and synovial fluid of dogs with hip dysplasia and coxarthrosis. Am J Vet Res, 1990;1544-6.

Hip dysplasia is an affection of the coxofemoral joint that progresses until stabilization is caused by fibrosis and osteoarthritic changes. This stabilization process can be examined by clinical and radiographic methods. The capability of evaluating the procollagen concentrations in liquids, such as serum and synovial fluid, has further offered the basis for an objective biochemical evaluation of the stabilization process. Our study was performed to evaluate whether determination of procollagen concentrations was suitable for the use in practice. The procollagen type-III aminoterminal peptide (P-III-NP) concentration was measured in serum and in synovial fluid from coxofemoral joints in 20 dogs. Dogs were grouped on the basis of evidence of dysplasia and osteoarthritic changes of the hip: (1) a control group of 6 dogs without clinical or radiographic signs of hip dysplasia, and (2) dysplastic group of 14 dogs, which was further grouped with respect to the coxofemoral joint laxity, as determined by the Ortolani test. Synovial fluid concentration of P-III-NP was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in fluid from dysplastic joints than in fluid from normal joints. Serum concentrations of P-III-NP were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in dogs in which results of the Ortolani test were positive.

P. H. Poll. [Arthroluxyl, information first! (letter)]. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1990;35.

G. K. Smith, D. N. Biery and T. P. Gregor. New concepts of coxofemoral joint stability and the development of a clinical stress-radiographic method for quantitating hip joint laxity in the dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1990;59-70.

From mechanical principles and postmortem observations of coxofemoral joints of dogs, a hydrostatic mechanism influencing hip joint stability was discovered. This discovery led to the development of a stress-radiographic positioning method to quantitate hip joint laxity in dogs. The method incorporated 2 views with the dog in supine position and hips at neutral flexion/extension angle: a compression view, with the femoral heads fully seated in the acetabula; and a distraction view, with the femoral heads at maximal lateral displacement. An index measurement method was formulated to quantitate the relative degree of joint laxity appearing in either the compression or distraction view. Clinical evaluation of 6 dogs was done to compare the compression/distraction method with the standard hip-extended radiographic method. Also, the stress-radiographic method was performed on 16-week-old Borzoi and German Shepherd Dogs to compare the characteristics of inherent hip joint laxity in these breeds. In all dogs tested, hip joint laxity was masked by the standard hip-extended view as indicated by a 2.5-fold improvement in sensitivity to hip joint laxity of the new method (P less than 0.00001). Moreover, the mean hip joint laxity of 16-week-old German Shepherd Dogs exceeded the mean hip joint laxity of Borzois by 79% (P less than 0.00001). Reports in the literature document the incontrovertible association of hip joint laxity to the development of hip dysplasia in dogs. We believe the ability to accurately quantitate hip joint laxity will provide key diagnostic and prognostic criteria for the selection of pet dogs, and more importantly, breeding stock.

D. C. Sorjonen, J. L. Milton, J. E. Steiss, et al. Hip dysplasia with bilateral ischiatic nerve entrapment in a dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1990;495-7.

Dysfunction of both ischiatic nerves was detected in a 5-year-old spayed Labrador Retriever with radiographic evidence of severe bilateral hip dysplasia. Marked hyperflexion of the hip and stifle was evident when the dog walked. Results of electromyography confirmed the ischiatic nerve involvement. At staged operations, both ischiatic nerves were found to be compressed between the sacrotuberous ligament and proliferative tissue around the hip. One year after surgery, electromyographic and physical findings were essentially normal.

C. G. Abrahams. [Arthroluxyl, new, now use in practice! (letter)]. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1989;1258-9.

E. A. Corley. Chemical restraint for true evaluation of hip status in dogs [letter]. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1989;1385.

C. S. Farrow and R. T. Back. Radiographic evaluation of nonanesthetized and nonsedated dogs for hip dysplasia. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1989;524-6.

The use of chemical or gas restraint was unnecessary in most large breed dogs being evaluated radiographically for hip dysplasia. Of 100 large-breed dogs, 97 were successfully radiographed for hip dysplasia evaluation without the use of sedation or anesthesia.

I. Hanssen, H. Lunde and L. R. Gjessing. Plasma amino acids in dogs with osteochondrosis or hip dysplasia. Acta Vet Scand, 1989;111-2.

H. A. Hazewinkel. [Hip dysplasia: a purchase nullifying defect (letter)]. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1989;1257-8.

C. B. Carrig, D. P. Sponenberg, G. M. Schmidt, et al. Inheritance of associated ocular and skeletal dysplasia in Labrador retrievers. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1988;1269-72.

A breeding colony was established to investigate the inheritance of associated ocular and skeletal dysplasia in Labrador Retrievers; 124 pups were produced. These pups were evaluated for the presence of ocular lesions, including cataracts, vitreous strands, persistent hyaloid remnants, retinal folds, retinal dysplasia, peripapillary hyperreflectivity, and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, and skeletal abnormality, which was recognized by shorter than normal forelimbs and an abnormal morphologic appearance of the radius and ulna. Analysis of the distribution of lesions in pups indicated that the syndrome is caused by one abnormal gene, which has recessive effects on the skeleton and incompletely dominant effects on the eye. This would suggest that suspect carrier dogs could be identified by test matings with a known homozygote.

J. E. Craige. Reflections article stimulates commentary on hip dysplasia [letter]. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1988;1165.

K. Crama. [Practical experience with the triple pelvic osteotomy as treatment of hip instability in young dogs (published erratum appears in Tijdschr Diergeneeskd 1988 Dec 15;113(24):1388)]. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1988;1181-8.

Experience with triple pelvic osteotomy in twenty instable hip joints in thirteen young dogs, is reported in the present paper. A few years' follow-up showed that arthrosis may be reduced or even completely arrested by stabilising the hip joint and increasing the load-bearing articular surface. Indications for this operation can still be improved, as many dogs with coxarthrosis diagnosed by X-ray and caused by chronic subluxation are found to have adequately functioning hip joints. Preventive measures in the developmental stage of the hip joint should precede any decision to operate!

K. Hartung and S. Copes van Hasselt. [Morphometric studies of the dog femur]. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 1988;15-9.

D. J. Thompson. Advising on inherited diseases [letter]. Vet Rec, 1988;400.

D. Bennett. Hip dysplasia and ascorbate therapy: fact or fancy? Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim), 1987;152-7.

E. A. Corley. Hip dysplasia: a report from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim), 1987;141-51.

D. Cullis-Hill and P. Ghosh. The role of hyaluronic acid in joint stability--a hypothesis for hip dysplasia and allied disorders. Med Hypotheses, 1987;171-85.

The concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteins in synovial fluids of hip and shoulder joints of a variety of canine breeds has been investigated. In the Australian Kelpie, a working dog with a low incidence of hip dysplasia, shoulder synovial fluid viscosity and HA concentration were higher than in similar joints of Alsatians in which hip dysplasia is relatively common. Moreover, the HA levels and viscosity in shoulder fluids of animals with clinically defined hip dysplasia were substantially lower than in all other breeds studied. On the basis of these findings, we propose that hip dysplasia and other joint abnormalities may arise as a consequence of a deficiency in the levels of HA in synovial fluids.

M. G. Gloudemans. [A new drug against hip dysplasia?]. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1987;1414-6.

Clinical studies using a new drug for the treatment of hip dysplasia were done in approximately twenty dogs. Caniplasine was administered rather than combined treatment with phenylbutazone and a corticosteroid. The preliminary results show that this agent has a therapeutic effect. The precise mechanism of action is still obscure.

H. Hein. Hip dysplasia--puppy assessment scheme [letter]. Vet Rec, 1987;183.

E. Henschel. [Torsion osteotomy of the acetabulum in hip dysplasia from the applied anatomic viewpoint]. Anat Histol Embryol, 1987;234-7.

Y. H. Kim. Acetabular dysplasia and osteoarthritis developed by an eversion of the acetabular labrum. Clin Orthop, 1987;289-95.

To investigate adverse effects of acetabular labrumectomy on the growth and development of the acetabulum, the author subjected the hip joints of 20 young rapidly growing dogs to eversion of the acetabular labrum. It was found to produce acetabular dysplasia. The acetabulum gradually became shallower and more vertically oriented, and the femoral head gradually subluxed but never dislocated. The radiographic appearance of the hip dysplasia was similar to that seen in humans. Histologically, a substantial degenerative change in articular cartilage was observed in the subluxed hip, without any evidence of degenerative arthritis radiologically. When operating on congenital dislocation of the hip, a complete excision or eversion of the acetabular labrum should be avoided. Radial splitting of the acetabular labrum may safely avoid the risk of violating the acetabular epiphyseal cartilage.

M. L. Olmstead. Total hip replacement. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1987;943-55.

Total hip replacement in the dog has proved to be a highly successful method of restoring normal, pain-free motion to the coxofemoral joint. In a prospective study done at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Berwyn Veterinary Associates Hospital, the indications and contraindications, the most effective surgical technique, the complication rate, and the long-term functional evaluation have been established for canine total hip replacements. This study has established that a 95 per cent success rate for function of the hip joint can be achieved if the established guidelines are followed.

M. L. Olmstead. Total hip replacement in the dog. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim), 1987;131-40.

W. H. Riser. A half century of canine hip dysplasia. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim), 1987;87-91.

B. Slocum and T. Devine. Pelvic osteotomy in the dog as treatment for hip dysplasia. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim), 1987;107-16.

D. D. Smeak, M. L. Olmstead and R. B. Hohn. Brucella canis osteomyelitis in two dogs with total hip replacements. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1987;986-90.

Brucella canis was isolated from the cement or bone surrounding a hip prosthesis after total hip replacement was performed for treatment of hip dysplasia in 2 dogs. Lameness or signs of infection were not evident for 9 and 16 months after surgery. Osteomyelitis surrounding the prostheses was detected radiographically only after the lameness developed. The origin of the B canis infection in the 2 dogs was believed to be hematogenous because of the biologic behavior of this organism and because of the duration of excellent limb function after hip replacement. A slide agglutination test for B canis should be performed as a screening test on any canine total hip candidate when the anamnesis and physical examination indicate that the dog may have been exposed to or infected with B canis.

G. Tarvin and C. L. Lippincott. Excision arthroplasty for treatment of canine hip dysplasia using the biceps femoris muscle sling: an evaluation of 92 cases. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim), 1987;158-60.

T. L. Walker and W. D. Prieur. Intertrochanteric femoral osteotomy. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim), 1987;117-30.

L. J. Wallace. Canine hip dysplasia: past and present. Semin Vet Med Surg (Small Anim), 1987;92-106.

D. B. Cameron. Interpretation on canine hip dysplasia [letter]. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1986;919-20.

J. E. Craige. Hip dysplasia still a puzzle [letter]. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1986;112-3.

R. B. Hohn, M. L. Olmstead, T. M. Turner, et al. [Replacement of the hip joint in the dog]. Tierarztl Prax, 1986;377-88.

Hundreds of total hip replacements in dogs have been performed at the Ohio State University of Veterinary Medicine since August 1976. Dogs with disabling diseases or conditions of the hip are candidates for the THR. The technique provides the dog with a pain free, mechanically sound ball and socket joint. The most commonly encountered complication is dislocation, while the most disastrous complication is infection. Complications can be minimized through adherence to detail during the procedure. By following strict aseptic principles, surgical technique and postoperative care, successful hip function has been achieved in 94.7% of the cases.

G. D. Judy. Wants more information on method of treatment for canine hip dysplasia [letter]. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1986;916, 918.

J. H. Renwick. Hip dysplasia in greyhounds [letter]. Vet Rec, 1986;536.

S. C. Schrader. Triple osteotomy of the pelvis and trochanteric osteotomy as a treatment for hip dysplasia in the immature dog: the surgical technique and results of 77 consecutive operations. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1986;659-65.

Triple osteotomy of the pelvis with transplantation of the greater trochanter was performed in 41 immature dogs (77 hips) with hip dysplasia. Before surgery, all hips were moderately to severely subluxated and unstable on palpation. The juxta-acetabular location of the ilial, ischial, and pubic osteotomies allowed repositioning of the acetabulum over the femoral head even when subluxation was severe. The acetabular fragment was rotated 70 degrees to 90 degrees in all hips. After surgery, craniodorsal coverage of the femoral head was increased and each hip was stable on palpation. Bilateral procedures were performed 4 to 7 weeks apart. The functional status of the limb was assessed and physical examination and radiography were performed in 71% (55) of the hips 1.0 to 5.5 years (mean, 2.7 years) after surgery. Functional ability was considered satisfactory in 93% (51) of the limbs, though few dogs had a normal gait. On palpation, all hips were stable and all but one were evaluated as nonpainful. In most instances, contact between the femoral neck and the repositioned acetabular rim resulted in a variable amount of crepitus and restriction of motion when the hip was abducted and rotated externally and internally. Eighty-two percent (45) of the hips had little or no evidence of degenerative joint disease. A satisfactory functional, physical, and radiographic result was obtained in 73% (40) of the hips.

M. Stockman. Hip scoring scheme: submit 'bad' as well as 'good'. Vet Rec, 1986;226.

M. B. Willis. Hip scoring: review of 1985-86. Vet Rec, 1986;461-2.

E. A. Corley and P. M. Hogan. Trends in hip dysplasia control: analysis of radiographs submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 1974 to 1984. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1985;805-9.

From 1974 through 1984, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals evaluated 143,218 radiographic submissions representing 151 breeds of dogs. All breeds from which there were 35 or more evaluations had some frequency of dysplasia. Seventy breeds, each with over 100 submissions, were tabulated and ranked according to frequency of hip dysplasia. Frequency of dysplasia varied from 0.6% in the Borzoi to 46.9% in the Saint Bernard. These data were compared with data obtained earlier (1966 to 1973) on evaluations in 38 breeds for changes in frequency. There was significant (P less than 0.05) reduction in frequency of dysplasia in 27 breeds, a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in frequency in only 1 breed (German Shorthaired Pointer), and no significant change in frequency in 10 breeds. The median significant decrease was 22.4%, and the range was from 3.1% in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever to 48.7% in the Keeshond. The reduction in frequency of hip dysplasia demonstrated the value of a control program. There were 5 breeds with a significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in frequency of dysplasia that had over 5,000 evaluations from 1974 to 1984. The decreases in frequency were independent of changes in American Kennel Club registrations for these breeds (a dramatic decline in registrations for the German Shepherd Dog and Old English Sheepdog, and a dramatic increase for the Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever). Frequency regressed linearly in the German Shepherd Dog and Old English Sheepdog, but regressed nonlinearly in the other 3 breeds. The percentage reduction in frequency from the base frequency (1966 to 1973) for these breeds was 17.5% for the German Shepherd Dog, 23.1% for the Old English Sheepdog, 9.1% for the Rottweiler, 10.1% for the Golden Retriever, and 6.8% for the Labrador Retriever.

O. Distl, E. Windisch and H. Krausslich. [Occurrence and heredity of hip dysplasia in Hovawart and boxer dogs in West Germany]. Zentralbl Veterinarmed [A], 1985;551-60.

J. Hauptman, G. H. d. Cardinet, J. P. Morgan, et al. Angles of inclination and anteversion in hip dysplasia in the dog. Am J Vet Res, 1985;2033-6.

The angles of inclination and anteversion of the femoral head and neck were measured on 150 limbs of 75 dogs. These hip angles were compared with pathoanatomic and radiographic scores of hip dysplasia. There was a minimal difference between dysplastic and healthy dogs in the angles of inclination and anteversion. It was concluded that in this series of dogs, hip angles did not have a part in the development of hip dysplasia.

D. G. Jones. Conditions of the canine hip joint. Br Vet J, 1985;554-63.

G. Lust, V. T. Rendano and B. A. Summers. Canine hip dysplasia: concepts and diagnosis. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1985;638-40.

S. A. Mackenzie, E. A. Oltenacu and E. Leighton. Heritability estimate for temperament scores in German shepherd dogs and its genetic correlation with hip dysplasia. Behav Genet, 1985;475-82.

S. Paatsama, M. Karkkainen and B. G. de Gritz. [Dysostoses and postural limb abnormalities in rapidly growing dogs]. Tierarztl Prax Suppl, 1985;179-87.

Congenital and acquired dysostosis was studied on two litters of Great Danes. One litter of puppies were descendants of dogs with normal hips, the other of dysplastic animals. Both litters were fed according to NCR standards, the second however ad libitum. One puppy of parents with normal hips demonstrated already with 6 weeks epi- and metaphyseal dysostosis and severe angular deformities of the thoracic and pelvic limbs. Hip dysplasia was diagnosed in three of five puppies from dysplastic dogs. In addition, one puppy showed Wobbler symptoms. The extent and frequency of the alterations were, in comparison to earlier investigations, unexpectedly high. It can be assumed that the examined dogs were genetically predisposed for dysostosis. Our therapeutic procedures are presented.

P. L. Schoenecker, P. A. Lesker and K. Ogata. A dynamic canine model of experimental hip dysplasia. Gross and histological pathology, and the effect of position of immobilization on capital femoral epiphyseal blood flow. J Bone Joint Surg [Am], 1984;1281-8.

We produced a dynamic model of experimental hip dysplasia in growing puppies by cast immobilization of a single hind leg with the knee in extension. Serial roentgenographic studies demonstrated a progressive acetabular dysplasia with subluxation and eventually dislocation of the femoral head. A consistent finding in the dysplastic hip was significant hypertrophy of the ligamentum capitum femoris, both in length and in cross-sectional area. Quantitative studies of blood flow in the femoral head by the hydrogen-washout technique in normal and dysplastic hips demonstrated a significant decrease in blood flow to the dysplastic femoral heads. The dysplastic hips were then placed in various positions of immobilization and blood-flow determinations were repeated. The position of forced abduction significantly reduced circulation in the femoral head, whereas immobilization in flexion consistently resulted in the highest rate of blood flow in the femoral head. These experimental data indicate the potential ischemic hazards of immobilization in the forced abducted position in the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip. Progressive degenerative changes developed in the articular cartilage of the dislocated joint, with severe reduction of safranin-O staining, fibrocartilaginous metaplasia, and hypocellularity. The degenerative changes in the acetabular cartilage were more severe than those in the femoral head. These findings further emphasize the importance of reducing the dislocated hip at the earliest opportunity in order to prevent irreversible degenerative changes.

I. Alitalo, E. Heikkinen, S. Paatsama, et al. Venous drainage of the femoral neck in Legg Perthes disease and in hip dysplasia. A clinical and experimental study in the dog and pig. Acta Vet Scand, 1983;247-51.

J. H. Brooymans-Schallenberg. Diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia and selection against this trait. Vet Q, 1983;8-10.

N, the Norberg-Olsson value, when regarded as the single predictor of FS in the total research subpopulation, leads to an unacceptably high proportion of misclassifications. These misclassifications are found to be much reduced in number on elimination of all animals suffering from bone deformities (BD) as perceivable on the radiographs. Discriminant analysis, applied to the findings in 915 Rottweilers, yields the combination of a suitable high N with the absence of perceivable bone deformities as a more acceptable predictor for FS, specially applicable in borderline cases.

J. Campbell and C. Stead. Chronic lameness in dogs. In Pract, 1983;124-33.

G. H. d. Cardinet, M. M. Guffy, L. J. Wallace, et al. Canine hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dog-Greyhound crossbreeds. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1983;393-5.

Nineteen German Shepherd Dog-Greyhound crossbreeds in 7 litters were evaluated by pathoanatomic and/or radiographic examination of their pelves when 12 to 24 months old (mean, 19 months). The prevalence of hip dysplasia in the crossbreeds was 42% (8/19). The prevalence of hip dysplasia in purebred German Shepherd Dog half-siblings in 16 litters produced by parents of the crossbreeds when mated to other German Shepherd Dogs was 35% (16/46). When numerical values were assigned to the pathoanatootmic and radiographic evaluations of the pelves, it was found that the severity of dysplastic changes in the crossbreeds were not significantly different from those changes in their purebred German Shepherd Dog half-siblings. It was concluded that selection for normal hips through mating German Shepherd Dogs with Greyhounds would be no more effective in lowering the prevalence of hip dysplasia than would selection within the German Shepherd Dog breed, which would be more desirable with regard to maintaining the standard of the breed.

E. C. Ihemelandu, G. H. d. Cardinet, M. M. Guffy, et al. Canine hip dysplasia: differences in pectineal muscles of healthy and dysplastic German Shepherd dogs when two months old. Am J Vet Res, 1983;411-6.

M. L. Olmstead, R. B. Hohn and T. M. Turner. A five-year study of 221 total hip replacements in the dog. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1983;191-4.

J. M. Olsewski, G. Lust, V. T. Rendano, et al. Degenerative joint disease: multiple joint involvement in young and mature dogs. Am J Vet Res, 1983;1300-8.

Radiologic, pathologic, and ancillary methods were used to determine the occurrence of degenerative joint disease involving multiple joints of immature and adult dogs. Animals were selected for the development of hip joint dysplasia and chronic degenerative joint disease. Of disease-prone dogs, 82% (45 of 55 dogs) had radiologic changes, indicative of hip dysplasia, by 1 year of age. At necropsy, more abnormal joints were identified than by radiographic examination. Among 92 dogs between 3 to 11 months of age that had joint abnormalities, 71% had hip joint involvement; 38%, shoulder joint involvement; 22%, stifle joint involvement; and 40% had multiple joint involvement. Polyarthritis was asymptomatic and unexpected. Radiographic examination of older dogs also revealed evidence of degenerative joint disease in many joints. Multiple joint involvement was substantiated at necropsy of young and mature dogs. A similar pattern of polyarticular osteoarthritis was revealed in a survey (computer search) of necropsy reports from medical case records of 100 adult and elderly dogs. Usually, the joint disease was an incidental observation, unrelated to the clinical disease or to the cause of death. The frequent occurrence of degenerative changes in several joints of dogs aged 6 months to 17 years indicated that osteoarthritis may be progressive in these joints and raises the possibility that systemic factors are involved in the disease process.

D. M. Stark. Hip dysplasia in a clumber spaniel [letter]. Vet Rec, 1983;207.

N. A. van der Velden. Hip dysplasia in dogs. Vet Q, 1983;3-8.

Inspired by the desire to find an objective selection criterion which might be useful notably in borderline cases of hip dysplasia, 1265 sets of radiographs, taken on 1128 pedigree Rottweilers, have been assessed for 12 particulars of the joints; three subevaluations as well as a final score (FS) have been obtained for each individual involved. The data so obtained from a representative subpopulation have been analysed for their contributions to the 12 assessments leading towards the value of the final score. This article shows that FS, most notably in the borderline cases, is due to a subjective assessment, which disqualifies FS as a selection criterion. In pursuit of this line of thought, it was considered desirable to investigate whether FS could be replaced by some measurable (hence objective) particular assessment, such as the Norberg-Olsson Value (N). In conclusion, we find that N on its own, though objective, fails to meet the requirements.

J. P. Weigel, R. E. Cartee and K. W. Marich. Preliminary study on the use of ultrasonic transmission imaging to evaluate the hip joint in the immature dog. Ultrasound Med Biol, 1983;371-8.

Real-time ultrasonic transmission imaging presents an orthographic image of anatomy similar to that obtained with X-ray fluoroscopy. Transmission imaging allows visualization of the dynamic interaction of muscle, cartilage, bone, tendon and joints during selective palpation and movement. The hip joints of deceased dogs, 7-8 weeks of age, were sonographically evaluated at various levels of dissection and correlated with anatomic features. Wherever possible correlation was made qualitatively with radiographs of the pelvis and coxofemoral joints. Although some features of the hip could be imaged, ultrasonic transmission imaging will require additional research and development before it is proven to be a useful diagnostic adjunct in clinical veterinary medicine.

J. Bouw. Hip dysplasia and dog breeding. Vet Q, 1982;173-81.

Hip dysplasia is considered to be one of the most serious problems in dog breeding. In the past 20 years the studies of, and the attempts to control, this condition have been directed mainly to the overall picture of the abnormality of the hips. The various efforts have resulted in a decrease in the incidence of HD in several breeds of dogs. For other breeds the results have not been very convincing, however. In some instances they are even said to be conflicting with other aims of breeding. Based on these data some separate studies have recently been performed in respect of the details of the disorders in the hip joints and of the heritability of these elements. The present study concerns itself with the roots of the disorders as they are observed in the various breeds. A great variety of data indicates that selection within the canine species for specific morphological traits must be considered as one of the most important roots of the occurrence of HD. The collected data strongly indicate that improvements in the HD status in the various breeds can be reached by selection against specific disorders of the hip joints in these breeds.

M. E. Goddard and T. A. Mason. The genetics and early prediction of hip dysplasia. Aust Vet J, 1982;1-4.

H. A. Greisen, B. A. Summers and G. Lust. Ultrastructure of the articular cartilage and synovium in the early stages of degenerative joint disease in canine hip joints. Am J Vet Res, 1982;1963-71.

A combined light and electron microscopic study recorded the developing degenerative changes in the hip joints of dogs with spontaneous joint disease. Synovium from joints with normal articular cartilage contained 33% type A and 64% type B cells. The 1st evidence of articular cartilage degeneration was loss of the surface amorphous layer and disruption of collagen fibrils. In the face of the earliest focal cartilage defects, the number of type A cells decreased (P less than 0.01) and remained low. Necrotic synoviocytes and synoviocytes of uncertain type increased as articular cartilage lesions progressed. The earliest pathologic changes in the synovium and the articular cartilage surface were evident only on ultrastructural examination.

C. S. Hui-Chou and G. Lust. The type of collagen made by the articular cartilage in joints of dogs with degenerative joint disease. Coll Relat Res, 1982;245-56.