The diagnosis for the 6-year-old German Shepherd dog with a severe limp in her back left hip, along with an ill-fitting femur in the hip socket, is likely canine hip dysplasia (CHD). Let’s delve into the details:
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD):
Cause: CHD occurs due to malformation of the ball (head of the femur) and the hip socket (coxofemoral joint). Instead of fitting perfectly together, the loose hip rubs against the socket, leading to painful bone spurs and discomfort.
Symptoms:
“Bunny hop” gait: The dog may move both hind legs simultaneously.
Limping and lameness in the hind legs.
Decreased range of motion in the hip joint.
Pain during movement.
Diagnosis: Veterinarians confirm CHD through X-rays of the hips and pelvis, which reveal the misalignment between the femur and the hip socket.
Treatment Options:
Monitoring: Although CHD is irreversible, it can be monitored to reduce chronic pain.
Surgery (for severe cases):
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy: Repositions the hip joint.
Femoral Head Osteotomy: Removes the femoral head.
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis: Alters pelvic growth.
Surgery costs can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per hip1
