In a recent study evaluating the reliability of the hip distraction index, the DI at 4 months of age was correlated with the DI at 12 months of age. Each 0.1 increase in the DI at 4 months of age is associated with a 2.6-fold increase in the risk of developing DJD by 3 years of age. The DI can be useful in diagnosing laxity in very young dogs, prior to the development of degenerative changes in the hip joints. Treatment Both conservative and surgical options exist. Behavior modification entails a schedule of controlled activity that is appropriate for the individual with an emphasis on lower-impact exercise such as swimming and walking.
Weight control is essential.
Medical therapy may consist of chondroprotective agents and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as buffered aspirin, carprofen, or erodolac. Success with a TPO surgery is predicated on early detection. In one study, TPO surgery at 12 months of age was seven times more likely to result in postoperative DJD than surgery performed at 6 months. The cause of hip dysplasia is multifactorial and still under investigation. A dog diagnosed with hip dysplasia may be virtually asymptomatic with insignificant pain, depending on a variety of factors.