Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Early detection methods for hip dysplasia in puppies compared
By Adams, W M et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·1998·Department of Surgical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Early detection of canine hip dysplasia: comparison of two palpation and five radiographic methods.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 32 puppies from breeds like greyhounds and Labrador retrievers were tested for hip joint looseness to see if they would develop hip dysplasia, a common cause of arthritis. The study found that certain X-ray measurements, especially the distraction index, were the best at predicting which puppies would have hip problems by their first birthday. While some physical tests showed promise, they weren't reliable at younger ages. By using the right X-ray techniques, vets can better identify puppies at risk for hip dysplasia early on, allowing for better management and treatment options.
People also search for: puppy hip dysplasia symptoms · how to prevent hip dysplasia in dogs · distraction index for puppies
Abstract
Hip joint laxity was evaluated in four breeds (i.e., greyhound, Labrador retriever, Irish setter, hound mixed-breed) of puppies (n=32) by Ortolani's and Bardens' maneuvers, by subjective assessment of radiographs (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals [OFA] method), and by four radiographic measurement indices. Puppies were studied at four, six-to-10, 16-to-18, and 52 weeks of age. The purpose of this study was to compare palpation and radiographic methods of hip laxity detection in puppies for predicting the development of degenerative joint disease (DJD) by one year of age. Twenty-seven (42%) hips developed DJD. Ortolani's method was not a reliable predictor of hip dysplasia at six-to-10 weeks; it was significantly predictive at 16-to-18 weeks but had a high incidence of false negatives. Bardens' and subjective (OFA) assessment methods were not reliable at six-to-10 or 16-to-18 weeks. Radiographic measurements taken with femurs in a neutral position and hips distracted (distraction index [DI] and Norberg angle) and measurements taken with femurs extended in OFA position (Norberg angle) of six- to 10-week-old puppies accurately predicted DJD occurrence by one year of age (p less than 0.01). Distraction index measurement (PennHIP method) was the most accurate in predicting the development of DJD (p less than 0.001). Distraction index radiography in puppies six-to-10 and 16-to-18 weeks of age was the most reliable predictor of hip dysplasia. Norberg angle measurement was more reliable during hip distraction than when hips were measured in the OFA position in 16- to 18-week-old puppies, but had similar reliability in six- to 10-week-old puppies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9657168/