Dislocation in a dog: types, symptoms, treatment, recovery

Surgical treatment of dislocations. Performing the most complex traumatological operations at the clinic. Daily intake of animals with orthopedic pathologies.

Dislocation in a dog is a fairly common phenomenon that almost every owner of a four-legged friend can encounter. Such an injury can occur as a result of falls or a blow from an unsuccessful jump, or on a slippery surface, as well as during active games with other pets.

In order to understand how to act when a dog sprains, read the following information about the types, symptoms and treatment options for this injury.

First of all, what is a dislocated joint in a dog? A dislocated joint in a dog is an anatomical displacement of bone structures, accompanied by damage to the integrity of tissues and destruction of cartilage, tendons and ligaments of the joints, as well as blood vessels.

How to determine a dislocation in a dog?

In order to diagnose a dislocated joint in a dog, you should examine your pet for a number of symptoms. If they are present, then you should definitely take your pet to the nearest trusted veterinary clinic to confirm the diagnosis using x-rays or other visual diagnostic methods. Our veterinary clinic is located in Moscow, and we are always ready to help you and your pet.

The symptoms of a dislocation will be noticeable immediately, as the pet will have difficulty moving. The owner may notice the following symptoms of a dislocation in a dog:

the dog stops using the sore paw and does not step on it,
when a front paw is dislocated, the animal will tuck it under itself so as not to strain it,
with a hip dislocation, the animal has difficulty standing up, does not use the damaged paw, edema or swelling in the pelvic area may also be noticeable,
the animal does not allow you to touch the sore spot, swelling or does not allow you to straighten your tucked paw, does not make contact. In case of severe pain, the animal may behave aggressively and not even allow you to approach it,
sometimes the dislocation can even be heard, as there may be a grinding or clicking sound when trying to move the damaged paw, or a slight sound of bone rubbing against the joint,
dislocation can lead to inflammatory processes, when the temperature may rise, and this, in turn, leads to apathy and loss of appetite,

Recovery and rehabilitation

During the postoperative period, the dog must remain motionless, which leads to muscle dystrophy and deterioration of the joints and ligaments. To prevent these complications, as well as relieve pain, speed up recovery and improve the quality of rehabilitation, physical therapy is recommended. Physiotherapy methods used in recovery from sprains:

laser therapy - to accelerate regeneration and relieve pain;
hydrotherapy – to maintain the muscle corset;
kinesiotherapy and passive mobilization - to maintain ligaments and joints in good condition and prevent atrophy.

(c) Veterinary center for the treatment and rehabilitation of animals “Zoostatus”. Varshavskoe highway, 125 building 1. tel. 8 (499) 372-27-37

What to do if your dog has a sprain?

As soon as you have discovered the above symptoms, you yourself have seen the process of injury, for example, from a blow, or you have noticed how the animal has difficulty moving and is clearly experiencing severe pain, then you are faced with the question of providing first aid.

After detecting obvious symptoms of a dislocation, you should contact a professional veterinary clinic, where you will undergo an X-ray examination of the joint, which will be performed in the lateral and direct projections.

Only after an x-ray will the doctor be able to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the type of dislocation, as well as prescribe subsequent treatment.

Attention! Under no circumstances should you try to straighten the paw yourself, as you can only harm the animal and increase ruptures and damage. Try not to let your pet lean on the affected limb, as putting pressure on the damaged joint will only worsen the condition.

Treatment will depend on the type of dislocation. Let us further consider the main ones - a dislocation of the paw: front or rear, hip dislocation in a dog, dislocation of the patella, dislocation of the femur and dislocation of the shoulder joint. Each of them has its own characteristics and this must be taken into account.

Memo to the dog owner if TBS is suspected

If you suspect a dislocated hip joint in an animal, you must remember the following:

Do not try to correct the dislocation yourself; this is very painful for the animal and can aggravate the damage to the surrounding and intra-articular structures.
To examine the animal and reposition the dislocation, relaxation and anesthesia will be necessary, so the animal should not be fed for 10-12 hours before visiting the doctor.
When transporting, it is better to lay the animal on a flat surface on the side opposite to the injured limb.
Do not delay your visit to the clinic; if treatment is not carried out in the first 2-3 days, irreversible changes in the joint may occur.

Treatment at the veterinary center of Dr. Vorontsov

If you suspect your dog has a dislocation, please contact our center. Our orthopedists and surgeons will conduct a thorough examination and offer treatment options.

We are located in Moscow, Southern Administrative District, near the intersection of the Moscow Ring Road and Kashirskoye Highway, the exact address is State Farm named after Lenin, building 3a. Road map. Metro stations Domodedovskaya, Orekhovo, Zyablikovo, Krasnogvardeyskaya.

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Dislocation of a paw in a dog: types and consequences

This is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of injury in active pets.

It is a displacement of bones or joints without compromising their integrity. In this case, soft joint tissues are damaged - these are ligaments, tendons, adjacent muscles and blood vessels, which entails dysfunction of the entire limb.

Dislocation of the paw can be classified according to one or another nature of the phenomenon. So there are several varieties

Congenital type - established during the development of the puppy before its birth, the baby will be viable, but it is quite difficult to completely cure a dislocation in adulthood
Traumatic - this is one of the most common types of paw dislocation in dogs, as it subsequently appears due to injuries from a fall, pinching of the limbs by some heavy object or a collision with a heavy object at high speed, and also often in car injuries
The pathological appearance occurs as a reaction to the occurrence of various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, when the cartilaginous bone tissue is greatly thinned
The paralytic type of dislocation appears as a result of atrophy of the muscle group that supports the joint
Non-reducible and habitual ones appear with repeated dislocations, when once-stretched ligaments or muscles weakly support the joint. This leads to constantly occurring repeated dislocations, that is, the usual type or an unreducible old one, when new tissues form between the articular heads, which interfere with the restoration of the joint.

It is also necessary to distinguish between types and the timing of the appearance of the first symptoms, that is, how much time has passed from the onset of injury to the detection of symptoms and diagnosis. So there are three varieties - fresh, stale and old blow.

A fresh dislocation is detected if you notice it within three days of receiving the injury.
A stale appearance is a period of three to fourteen days when, over a sufficiently long period, the dog does not immediately show symptoms
And an old dislocation is from two weeks or more, usually the dog begins to limp heavily and the symptoms will be clearly visible.

Of course, the sooner a dislocation is detected, the easier it will be to treat it and the easier it will be for the pet itself. Failure to provide assistance may result in dire consequences.

It is important to immediately visit a specialist for an x-ray after detecting symptoms in order to receive a diagnosis and the necessary treatment, since the consequences of an untreated dislocation will cause severe pain in the animal. The dog will have difficulty moving, which means it will be more difficult for it to move around for food or other natural needs. Severe pain initially leads to apathy and a reluctance to get up for a walk or food, and over a long period it leads to severe aggression and the fact that the pet does not obey the owner. A long period of failure to provide assistance for a dislocation most often leads to lameness, since the articular bones do not fuse properly. The pet begins to limp and his gait is greatly distorted.

Another option for late treatment is swelling and inflammation that can occur in areas of joint damage, which leads to horrific consequences for inflammation. This can go so far that the pet may lose a leg due to the necessary amputation due to gangrene.

Also, if the paw is not used for a long time, the muscles begin to atrophy and paralysis occurs.

All these horrific consequences can be avoided if treatment is started on time.

Care during recovery

The complexity and duration of post-traumatic or postoperative treatment directly depends on the degree of complexity of the pathology and the specific technique that was used to restore the configuration and functions of the hip joint. However, in almost all cases, the animal is shown limited mobility (more or less strict), as well as fixation of the damaged part of the skeleton.

Important! Timely and reliable stabilization of the joint after its return to its original position is the main condition for ensuring a high treatment result and reducing the likelihood of re-dislocation.

Typically, the immediate rehabilitation period can last from 2 to 4 weeks. If the surgical intervention was accompanied by the use of metal knitting needles, pins and other temporary fixing structures, they are removed after the time stipulated for each specific treatment method.

Subsequently, the dog's motor activity should be restored gradually. Until further notice from the veterinarian, you can only walk with your pet on a leash in order to avoid new injuries and a possible relapse in such cases.

It is advisable that at first the animal undergoes a course of physiotherapy, mechanotherapy, manual therapy and special exercises (physical therapy). Swimming is especially recommended during the rehabilitation period, as well as running on sand or deep snow (depending on the time of year).

Dislocation of the front and rear paws

A dislocation of a dog's front paw can be determined because the dog is pulling it close to its body to make movement as easy as possible and not strain the affected paw. It is impossible to determine the exact cause without contacting a specialist and undergoing a number of tests in addition to x-rays, since the cause could be, for example, arthritis, muscle weakness or another disease as a side effect. How to treat a dislocated paw will depend on the reason that caused the dislocation of the joint.

It is important to accurately determine the specifics of the disease in order to be sure that the treatment received is correct.

All that is needed from the owner is to take the pet to a veterinary clinic for an examination and until this moment do not allow the dog to lean on its paw, I try to use it and overcome the pain. If you called a doctor to your home, then ensure that your pets are at rest and apply something cold to the damaged area, for example, a frozen item from the freezer

Palpation of the knee joint and orthopedic tests

An initial visual examination of the dog shows that there is indeed a problem with the paw. After this, the veterinarian can specify which limb needs to be examined further in order to make an accurate diagnosis. To do this, palpation, special tests, and then additional diagnostics are performed:

palpation of the knee joint;
front drawer test;
compression test;
anti-compression test.

Palpation and flexion of the knee joint

Normally, a healthy patella in the knee joint always feels sharp to the touch. With diseases and injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament, the knee becomes round, the relief is erased - it is difficult for the doctor to feel the patellar ligament and the kneecap itself.

Palpation of the knee joint

After palpation, the doctor tries to bend the knee joint as much as possible. If the dog has no pathologies, then this will be very easy to do. However, with a rupture or disease of the anterior cruciate ligament, as a rule, the heel cannot reach the ischial tuberosity.

Determination of the range of motion of the knee joint

Front drawer test

Using this test, the doctor determines how far the lower leg is moving forward.

If the dog is calm, the test is performed without sedation. But the knee hurts very much or the pet is temperamental and large, then sedation will be required. This is the only way to carry out the “front drawer” test correctly and painlessly.

To determine the relative displacement of the dog’s thigh and lower leg, the doctor will clearly fix the thigh in one hand and the lower leg in the other. After which it will begin to move them. When the anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, there will be a large amplitude in the knee joint and there will be no clear anterior border. In this case, the “front drawer” test is said to be positive.

If the ligament is partially or completely intact, then the doctor will feel that when the tibia is displaced there is a clear anterior border. In this case, the "front drawer" test is said to be negative or equivocal.

A false positive anterior drawer test may be observed:

in some large dogs;
with an increase in the volume of intra-articular fluid;
in puppies due to physiological weakness of the joint.

If the doctor suspects a rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament rather than the anterior cruciate ligament, then during the test the lower leg will move backward rather than forward.

Compression test

The test is performed to determine the forward displacement of the tibia. Sedation is usually used to eliminate muscle resistance. The doctor clasps the knee with one hand and holds the foot with the other. The knee joint is bent at 90°. The doctor lifts the foot up (arrow No. 1 in the figure below). In this case, the heel goes down and pulls the caudal group of muscles of the lower leg, which pulls the thigh onto the lower leg (arrow No. 2 in the figure below). If the anterior cruciate ligament is torn and there is excessive tilt of the tibial plateau, then due to this tilt, the tibia will move forward from under the thigh (arrow No. 3 in the figure below).

Carrying out a compression test

Anti-compression test

When performing a compression test, we apply more force to the dog's foot than would be applied by the animal itself in everyday life. Therefore, the pet is placed on the floor, and the dog presses on the foot with its own weight. In this case, the shin moves forward from under the thigh. The doctor’s task is to use the index finger to return the tibia to its place under the thigh (back).

An anti-compression test will definitely show that there is an imbalance in the knee. When the anterior cruciate ligament is injured, incongruity develops, i.e. the thigh is pressing on the wrong place in the shin. This causes the femur to push against the medial meniscus, thereby destroying the joint.

It is impossible to perform complex orthopedic tests on your own. If your pet is limping, then consult a veterinarian orthopedic traumatologist as soon as possible. The doctor will carefully examine the dog, conduct a diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR PET WITH A DOCTOR

In order to voice the real prognosis, the veterinarian needs an x-ray. Sometimes he clearly explains why the dog will continue to limp even after treatment for a torn ligament. You can read more about this in the article “Treatment for cruciate ligament rupture in dogs.”

Hip dislocation in a dog

Hip dislocations are quite common due to the complex multi-axial structure of the hip joint itself.

In most cases (more than 95%), complete traumatic dislocation of the head of the hip joint occurs in dogs, and incomplete dislocation - that is, subluxation - is less common in dogs with joint dysplasia.

Traumatic dislocation of the hip joint leads to a complete inability to lean on the damaged limb, and the pelvic part becomes swollen and asymmetry.

A definitive diagnosis of hip dislocation can only be made after an X-ray examination.

Treatment of a dislocated hip joint should be done as quickly as possible after discovery of the disease by repositioning the dislocated joint or surgery. The most optimal period is the first hours after the injury; if you urgently consult a doctor during the first 24 hours after the injury, the specialist will be able to help you and correct the dislocation without surgery.

However, at a later stage, reduction of hip dislocation using the closed reduction method is not always successful, and relapse may occur when the femur comes out of the acetabulum again.

Therefore, the surgical method of treating this injury is most often used. The doctor will determine the method of recovery based on: the age of the animal, its weight, the characteristics of the breed, the severity of the dislocation and the appearance of associated injuries, and so on.

Medical practice recommends the use of four types of intervention and treatment for hip dislocation.

The first method of suturing the joint capsule is the so-called capsulorrhaphy. This option is necessary when there is a tear in the joint capsule, which stabilizes the hip joint. The method results in open reduction by tightly suturing the joint capsule, after which the animal requires strict rest for a period of two weeks.

The following methods are the round ligament replacement method and the transarticular stabilization method, in which the damaged hip joint is fixed in the correct anatomical position using a metal pin, which fixes the composition to the floor of the acetabulum. After this, the animal requires strict rest for a period of up to three weeks, and the metal pin is removed when this period is reached.

When replacing the round ligament, instead of a wire, a graft is inserted into the position of the round ligament, and the remnants of the round ligament are removed, along with which the joint capsule is sutured. The method also requires restricting the animal's movement for a period of two weeks.

The last surgical method for treating hip dislocation is removal of the femoral head, that is, the method of resection arthroplasty.

Recovery in the post-rehabilitation period requires first strict rest for up to 2-3 weeks, and then rehabilitation procedures such as physiotherapy and swimming. A small amount of exercise will help to gradually restore the animal's mobility.

Diagnostics

At the appointment, the doctor conducts a thorough examination of the patient and interviews the owner about what happened.

To establish the extent and nature of damage, an x-ray examination of the joints is performed. Most often, patient sedation is required.

In addition, the doctor evaluates the function of other vital organs. In case of injury, the chest, lungs, abdominal organs, and spine may be damaged. If necessary, a chest X-ray is taken to rule out rib fractures and the presence of free air in the chest. Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity can exclude internal bleeding, injuries to the liver, and spleen.

Patella luxation

This type of dislocation most often occurs in small and dwarf breeds of dogs, such as terriers and Spitz, poodles, as they have a genetic predisposition to such a dislocation.

Dislocation of the calyx as a result of injury occurs in larger breeds of dogs. Also, the displacement of the kneecap is often associated with age-related changes, since closer to old age the muscles of the body weaken and this type of injury is possible.

When a dog's kneecap dislocates, it can move both outward and inward - if the kneecap moves toward the abdomen, then this type is called a lateral dislocation, and in the opposite direction from the abdomen, it is a medial dislocation.

The last type - medial dislocation - is more common, small breeds of dogs are most susceptible to it, and for dwarf breeds it poses the greatest threat, as it can lead to irreversible consequences and the dog will lose mobility.

Classification

In order to diagnose a dislocation and determine treatment, it should be taken into account that doctors distinguish 4 degrees of severity of patella dislocation in dogs:

The first degree is the easiest; after a knee injury, the cup will return to its place without consequences
The second degree is characterized by an unnatural position when bending, and may fall into place in rare cases
The third degree occurs during movement when bending and extending the paw; it requires surgical intervention, as it gets into place for a short time and loses its position again
Fourth degree - with it the kneecap cannot return to its normal state and, accordingly, is always in a state of dislocation

Prolonged lack of treatment can lead to a chronic form of chromatia.

The symptoms of a luxated kneecap are as follows:

The first stage is when the knee does not bend because the cup is not in its natural position, but it can be realigned. this condition rarely worsens and can be treated non-surgically
At the second stage, the cartilage is severely damaged due to the sliding of the cup outside the joint, which leads to severe changes and the possible need for surgical intervention
The third stage is a persistent dislocation, and without surgical intervention it is impossible to return the cup to its natural state, since even with successful reduction a relapse occurs and the cup flies out again
At the fourth stage, the stability of the dislocation is also repeated, and even surgical intervention does not guarantee a 100% result

A luxated kneecap can be identified by the following external signs:

the dog jumps or seems to shake off its paw during walks and exercise, but this does not bring it discomfort
after a long rest, when the dog has not stood up for a long period, difficulty may be noticeable when trying to stand up; it is quite difficult to lean on its paws. After a long period of activity, nothing like this is observed.
the dog moves its paw with less speed and range of motion
the animal tries to constantly hold its paw in a bent state or press it to itself
In the last severe stages, the joint becomes audible, since with any movement it crunches and clicks are heard

Diagnosis of a luxated patella occurs as follows:

It is necessary to take the pet to a veterinary clinic or invite a specialist to your home, after which the doctor will determine the position of the kneecap and determine whether it can be set without surgery.

Next, an x-ray must be taken in two positions: straight and lateral, which show the degree of dislocation and the presence of extraneous damage.

It is important to consider that exclusively medicinal treatment is based on the use of painkillers, and this is not always the right solution, since the dog stops experiencing pain and begins to actively use the damaged paw again. This is strictly contraindicated, as more damage occurs and the animal only harms itself.

Surgery for medial patellar luxation usually occurs in one of two versions:

The first method is plastic surgery, that is, removal of part of the cancellous bone, onto which fibrocartilage subsequently grows again.

The second is three-dimensional chondroplasty. This method is only suitable for pets up to six months old.

Since the first degree is not so dangerous, and when the kneecap is reset, the threat of re-dislocation is much less, you should be careful about the second and third degrees of dislocation.

With surgical intervention at these levels, a higher percentage of success and the absence of re-dislocation can be guaranteed. To do this, you should help your pet and carry out physical therapy with him, carefully monitoring the amount of exercise.

Treatment methods for DTBS

Hip dysplasia in dogs is considered an incurable disease. All methods of conservative and surgical treatment are aimed at relieving or reducing pain symptoms and slowing the progression of secondary osteoarthritis. The choice of treatment tactics depends on the manifestation of clinical symptoms and radiological parameters of dysplasia, the age and body weight of the animal, the degree of muscle mass atrophy, the purpose of the animal and the presence of concomitant diseases in the patient.

Conservative treatment includes taking medications, physical therapy, and observing a number of restrictions in the regimen.

Physiotherapy includes exposure of the joint to laser, electromagnetic radiation, and heating (paraffin, ozokerite). The use of devices, especially laser ones, requires caution, since in some cases they can have an aggravating effect, as well as lead to destructive processes in the subhodral bone of the joint, and therefore require medical supervision. Physiotherapy can also include therapeutic exercises such as swimming.

One of the components of conservative treatment is restriction of movements and compliance with the rules of walking and keeping. Dogs during the growth period with excessive joint instability and adult animals with developed hip dysplasia should avoid prolonged exercise, as this leads to the development and progression of dysplastic osteoarthritis. Animals suffering from hip dysplasia should not experience weakness or lameness of the pelvic limbs after a walk. In dogs with hip dysplasia that were walked on lawns, exacerbation of dysplastic coxarthrosis was observed much less frequently than in dogs walked on asphalt. Owners should avoid moving the animal on smooth and slippery floors, as spreading of the pelvic limbs can lead to increased damage to the joint. Cold and wet weather often leads to exacerbation of dysplastic osteoarthritis, increased lameness, and night pain. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia should be kept in a warm and dry room.

It is also necessary to monitor the dog's body weight. Excess weight leads to a caudal shift of the center of gravity, which increases the load on the pelvic limbs and contributes to the progression of secondary osteoarthritis in the hip joint. For chronic pain caused by secondary osteoarthritis, only with a decrease in body weight can a clear clinical improvement be obtained. After losing weight, many dogs do not need daily anti-inflammatory therapy. But it should be borne in mind that weight loss should be carried out in a controlled manner. You cannot reduce your caloric intake at the expense of proteins. A puppy needs a highly nutritious diet, mainly meat, for proper development, including joints.

Drug treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs includes taking the following medications:

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are the main drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The effect of this group of drugs is only symptomatic, i.e. the pain symptom is relieved, but degenerative changes in the joint are not eliminated. Elimination of pain as an important protective mechanism leads to the progression of the disease in the joints of sick animals, since the dog stops feeling pain and uses the joint to its full potential, thereby destroying it even more. Therefore, each medication that has an anti-inflammatory effect and analgesia should be taken only with strict indications and restriction of movements.

2. Corticosteroid hormones

Corticosteroid hormones for dysplastic osteoarthritis are reserve drugs and are used in cases of ineffectiveness or complications after the use of NSAIDs. It should be noted that the opinions of scientists differ on the effectiveness and appropriateness of using these drugs.

3. Slow-acting drugs

The mechanism of action of drugs in this group in the treatment of osteoarthritis has not been fully studied. Today, it consists of several components: inhibition of inflammatory enzymes, especially metalloproteinase and stromelysin, removal of oxygen radicals and stimulation of hyaluron synthesis. Glucosaminoglycans have an anabolic effect for chondrocytes, and also inhibit catabolic processes in cartilage and stimulate the synthesis of hyaluron. Hyaluron increases the viscosity of synovial fluid and “coats” the articular surfaces, creating a barrier to cytokines and metalloproteinases that cause damage to the cartilage matrix. Today, many drugs based on glycosaminoglycan have appeared on the veterinary market for the treatment of osteoarthritis. However, there are no clinical studies that have proven the effectiveness of dietary supplements in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

4. Anabolic steroids

For diseases of large joints, the use of drugs that increase muscle mass can lead to functional improvement. This occurs by increasing joint stability and enriching articular cartilage with mucopolysaccharides. Anabolic steroids are recommended for use in dogs after bone growth has completed, since drugs in this group help to “close” the epiphyseal growth zones and prevent continued bone growth. The use of anabolic drugs is recommended to be combined with dosed training. But drugs of this group are prohibited in veterinary medicine.

5. Antioxidants

Antioxidants include vitamins C, E, and the trace element selenium. The mechanism of action of antioxidants is to reduce the level of free radicals in the joint cavity, which are conductors. Pain reduction occurs due to vitamin C, which is involved in collagen synthesis. It must be borne in mind that the likelihood of obtaining a positive effect during treatment using large doses of vitamin C is bordered by a greater likelihood of obtaining side effects from the gastrointestinal tract.

6. Herbal preparations.

Herbal preparations proposed as potential "cartilage protectants" include plants from the family Agavaceae. Substances derived from these plants have been used for a number of years to treat human ailments. But there are no veterinary studies documenting or refuting their effectiveness in treatment. Many of these plants and herbs have unknown anti-inflammatory effects but do not meet the criteria for symptom relief or articular cartilage repair.

7. Essential fatty acids (EFA)

Dietary foods containing EFAs may help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins in affected joints, and thereby help reduce NSAID dosages and reduce the risk of adverse complications.

8. Viscoelastic drugs

Synovial fluid in a diseased joint loses its lubricating function, and also loses its damping (shock-absorbing) and attracting ability. All these properties are due to the viscoelasticity of the synovial fluid. Preparations designed to replenish viscoelasticity are synthesized on the basis of hyaluron, and the raw materials for their production are rooster scallops. The therapeutic effect of the drugs applies only to the affected joint. It is due solely to their rheological properties and is not associated with pharmacological, immunological or metabolic effects. In terms of the effectiveness of pain relief, drugs in this group compete with NSAIDs. However, they have one significant drawback that limits their widespread use in veterinary medicine - high cost.

Surgical treatment of dysplasia is aimed at reducing pain, improving joint function and slowing down the development of secondary osteoarthritis.

The following types of surgical procedures can be used: resection arthroplasty, total endoprosthetics, triple pelvic osteotomy, as well as pectinectomy and myoplasty of the biceps femoris muscle as palliative measures.

The essence of the operation “resection arthroplasty” is to remove the head and neck of the femur. Thus, hip dysplasia of any severity cannot develop into osteoarthritis, since there is no destructible component of the joint (femoral head). The operation is recommended in cases where grade D or E dysplasia is detected, with subluxation or complete dislocation of the femoral head, as well as in the presence of signs of secondary osteoarthritis. The operation can and even preferably be performed at the age of 4-5 months, since it is in puppyhood that it is better tolerated and rehabilitation occurs faster. In addition, with degrees of dysplasia D and E with subluxation at the age of 4-5 months. at the age of 10-12 months. More severe forms of osteoarthritis will already be observed, which will greatly complicate recovery after surgery. The disadvantages of this operation include a relatively long recovery period. This is due to the fact that after the operation, the pelvic limb is stabilized only by a thickened capsule and muscles stabilizing the joint, and this may take time. But an important advantage of this method is the ability to “forget” about the existence of dysplasia (of course, after rehabilitation of the limb) for the entire life of the dog; moreover, there are practically no restrictions on physical activity for life. It is also important that during this operation no artificial components remain in the body.

In a triple pelvic osteotomy, the acetabular component of the hip joint is surgically given a more correct angle. The operation is actually extra-articular, i.e. The hip joint itself is not affected. Performed on dogs aged 5 months and older. But the optimal age of 9-10 months is recommended, since at this age the growth rate of the bone apparatus sharply decreases, but at the same time the processes of formation and regeneration of the skeletal system are still high. Puppies tolerate this operation better and recover faster. The operation is ineffective in severe forms of dysplasia, especially with secondary osteoarthritis, which significantly reduces its applicability. In general, the presence of osteoarthritis in hip dysplasia reduces the effectiveness of this surgical procedure. The disadvantage of triple pelvic osteotomy is also the narrowing of the pelvic cavity, which can lead to dysfunction of the pelvic cavity organs (rectum, bladder). In addition, after this operation, the amplitude of abduction of the pelvic limb to the side decreases.

Total hip replacement involves complete replacement of both the acetabular and femoral components of the hip joint with a prosthesis (titanium alloy, polymer). The operation is indicated for severe forms of pathology; if performed correctly and with good compatibility of the implant, it gives good results and this is, of course, an important advantage. But even with a high-quality operation, the body’s reaction to the prosthesis is partly unpredictable. There are aspects of the success of an operation that cannot be predicted.

A recommendation for a particular operation is given only when the prognosis after the operation is more favorable than without it, and the operational risk and the risk of complications after the operation should be lower than the predicted improvement.

Shoulder dislocation

This is a pathological displacement of the scapula relative to the shoulder joint. The most common cause of dislocation is injury after jumping, fighting, etc., that is, injury to the shoulder girdle occurs due to the activity of mobility of the forelimbs.

Since the shoulder complex works in several planes at once, that is, it produces flexion-extension of the limb, rotation and adduction-abduction forward-backward, it is not surprising that the risk of damaging the joint increases with the number of movements.

Shoulder dislocation in dogs most often occurs at the site of a strong blow to the shoulder girdle, or due to excess load.

Subluxation of the shoulder joint is also highlighted, this is the moment when the sockets and heads of the bone have already moved away from each other, but are still in contact, thus, the head of the articular bone falls out of the socket, but then returns to its place. Such subluxation can lead to the development of dislocation.

Causes of DTBS

In recent years, having established the influence of environmental factors on the development of hip joint disease, dysplasia is described as a disease caused by heredity and environmental factors and manifests itself in the form of impaired mobility in the hip joint and changes in the shape of the glenoid cavity and head of the femur.

Some scientists believe that hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetically determined disease, i.e. a pathology transmitted hereditarily from parents to offspring.

The most widespread among scientists are two theories about the hereditary nature and mechanism of inheritance of THD.

Most geneticists are inclined to the theory of additive inheritance, i.e. the actions of genes involved in the final formation of the hip joint.

The second theory stems from the premise that the genes responsible for the final formation of the hip joint influence each other, and their mutual actions combine in various ways, which means that the hereditary nature of the defect is much more complex than in the first case.

But there is a third theory, which is a combination of the first two: the action of genes responsible for the formation of joints can, on the one hand, be additive, and on the other hand, individual genetic pairs can influence each other in different ways.

Experts have come to the conclusion that THD is a classic example of a quantitative trait determined by many genes (polygeny), and in this case, many environmental factors influence the final result of the formation and manifestation of the trait. Not all animals with hip dysplasia are clinically affected, but apparently clinically healthy dogs cannot be assumed to be free of hip dysplasia. When selecting valuable genotypes, it is necessary to use pedigree analysis, in which ancestors suffering from THD must be noted.

It is important to remember that this pathology can be transmitted through 14 generations, i.e. Even with healthy parents, a sick puppy can be born, but if at least one of the parents is sick, the risk increases many times over.

In addition to heredity, the predisposition of the breed also matters, and at this point the format of the dog becomes an important factor. According to statistics on the frequency of dysplasia in various dog breeds, dysplasia occurs much more often in dogs of a stretched format (with an elongated body) than in square-format breeds. The hip joints of stretched dogs experience greater load (according to the laws of biomechanics) than the joints of square dogs. Classic examples of stretched dogs are Dachshunds, Scottish Terriers, Basset Hounds, Retrievers, and German Shepherds.

Factors that contribute to the worsening of dysplasia also play an important role. These include:

early physical activity - excessive physical activity, especially jumping, injures a fragile joint (but do not forget that movement helps develop the muscles that protect the joint, so the puppy should play with peers, move as much as he wants, without coercion);
disturbances in feeding the puppy - when the food is not digested and the puppy does not receive enough nutrients for growth;
excess protein and calories - overfeeding leads to excess body weight, which negatively affects the puppy’s too “soft” joints;
disturbance of mineral metabolism (lack of vitamin D in the diet, incorrect ratio of calcium to phosphorus) - leads to curvature of the bones of the limbs, thickening of articular cartilage, thinning of bone walls;
any other diseases that impair the growth and formation of the dog.

Consequences of dysplasia

Without timely treatment, the consequences of dysplasia can even become such a severe symptom as immobility of the animal. Also, without treatment, the dog may permanently limp or have difficulty walking. Any movement will cause severe pain, which means the dog will stop using its hind legs.

As a result, if left untreated in a severe stage, the dog can become aggressive and hostile towards people, as it constantly feels pain.

Timely detection of the disease and quality treatment will help restore your pet’s motor activity, guaranteeing him a long, happy and fulfilling life. Be careful and check your pet's health regularly!