Dislocated hip in dogs is a painful condition that occurs when the ball of the joint comes out of the socket. Symptoms include extreme pain, inability to bear weight, swelling, and warmth to the touch.
Trauma, degenerative joint diseases, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and hip dysplasia are common causes of this condition.
Treatment options such as closed reduction and open reduction, as well as post-operative care, physical therapy, and weight management, can help dogs recover.
This article provides an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment of dislocated hip in dogs.
Definition and Overview of Dislocated Hip in Dogs
Dislocated hip in dogs, or coxofemoral luxation, is a condition where the ball part of the hip joint becomes displaced from the socket, resulting in damage to the joint capsule, ligaments, muscles, and bones of the hip. This can cause instability and pain, as well as the inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
The joint capsule is a tough fibrous tissue that helps to stabilize the hip joint, and tears from the dislocation may require surgical trimming of bone chips. X-rays are used to confirm the positioning of the hips and diagnose the luxation, as well as reveal conditions like hip dysplasia or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease that may require specialized treatment.
Trauma is the most common cause of a dislocated hip in dogs, but degenerative joint diseases, hip dysplasia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease can also increase the risk. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary for treatment, with closed reduction being attempted first and open reduction reserved for cases where the first approach fails.
Recovery time varies for each dog, but physical therapy and weight management are important components of the recovery process.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Dislocated Hip in Dogs
Veterinarians may suspect a coxofemoral luxation based on the history of trauma or injury. They use X-rays to confirm the positioning and diagnose the luxation. Symptoms of a dislocated hip in dogs include extreme pain, inability to bear weight on the affected leg, limping, swollen and warm joint, and a shorter leg.
X-rays will also reveal if there are any ligament tears or underlying conditions like hip dysplasia or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. These conditions may require specialized treatment. X-rays are an invaluable tool in diagnosing and treating a dislocated hip in dogs.
Causes and Risk Factors of Dislocated Hip in Dogs
Trauma, such as being hit by a car, is the most common cause of a dislocated hip joint in dogs. Degenerative joint diseases, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and hip dysplasia can increase the risk. These conditions can weaken the joint, making it more susceptible to dislocation.
Degenerative joint diseases, such as arthritis and osteoarthritis, can reduce the stability of the hip joint. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a condition in which disrupted blood flow leads to bone cell death, resulting in instability in the hip joint. Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip socket, can also contribute to the instability of the joint and increase the risk of dislocation.
All of these conditions can make a dog more prone to hip luxation. It is important to seek immediate veterinary care if a dislocated hip is suspected.
Treatment Options for Dislocated Hips in Dogs
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary to determine the best treatment option for a luxated hip in a dog.
Closed reduction is a nonsurgical technique that involves the vet manually putting the hip back in place. This is attempted under general anesthesia and may require the use of an Ehmer sling for support.
Open reduction is a surgical approach used when closed reduction does not produce satisfactory results. It involves repairing the joint and possibly trimming bone chips.
Post-operative care includes crate rest, physical therapy, and weight management to aid in recovery. Total recovery takes two to three months, with additional time for physical therapy.
A customized recovery plan by a veterinarian is necessary for best results.
Closed Reduction for Dislocated Hips in Dogs
Closed reduction is a commonly used technique to manually put a luxated hip back in place. It is performed under general anesthesia and involves a veterinarian applying pressure to the hip until the ball of the joint is back in the socket. An Ehmer sling may be used to keep the hip in place while the dog is recovering.
Closed reduction is most successful if done within 24 hours of the hip luxation. If it is unsuccessful, open reduction, a surgical procedure, is usually recommended.
The recovery time for closed reduction is typically two to three months, depending on the severity of the dislocation and post-operative care. Physical therapy is also recommended to aid in recovery and prevent scar tissue from forming.
In some cases, the dog may not be able to bear weight on the affected leg and will need to use an Ehmer sling to support its body weight.
Open Reduction for Dislocated Hips in Dogs
Open reduction is a surgical approach used when closed reduction fails or is not advisable. In this procedure, the vet makes an incision near the hip. The ball of the hip joint is then removed and the socket is reshaped to fit the ball. The joint is then replaced and the incision is closed.
This procedure is done under general anesthesia and may require the use of an Ehmer sling for support after the operation. Post-operative care is essential for successful recovery and includes crate rest, physical therapy, and weight management.
Total recovery takes two to three months and additional time for physical therapy. A customized recovery plan should be discussed with the veterinarian.
Post-Operative Care for Dislocated Hips in Dogs
After undergoing a hip luxation procedure, it’s important for dogs to receive post-operative care to aid in their recovery. This includes crate rest, physical therapy, and weight management.
In addition, the veterinarian may provide a customized recovery plan that is tailored to the dog’s condition. Crating is essential for limiting activity and allowing the hip to heal properly.
Physical therapy sessions should be supervised by a veterinarian or certified canine rehabilitation therapist to ensure proper form and intensity. Weight management is important to reduce stress on the hip joint. If the dog has been overweight before surgery, it should be placed on a modified diet to prevent further joint damage.
With proper post-operative care, dogs with dislocated hips can make a full recovery in two to three months.
Physical Therapy for Dogs With Dislocated Hips
Physical therapy sessions help strengthen the affected hip joint and improve mobility in dogs with luxated hips. The aim of physical therapy is to improve range of motion, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.
Rehabilitation exercises should be tailored to the specific needs of each dog. This can include walking, swimming, and stretching exercises that improve flexibility. Massage and heat or cold therapy may also be used to reduce stiffness and pain.
It is important to progress slowly and avoid over-exertion as this can cause further damage to the joint. Physical therapy should be supervised by a veterinarian and performed regularly to ensure the best possible outcome.
Recovery and Rehabilitation for Dogs With Dislocated Hips
Rehabilitation for luxated hips involves creating a customized recovery plan and providing physical therapy to improve mobility and reduce pain. Proper rehabilitation can help the dog regain full functionality and prevent long-term complications.
The recovery period typically lasts two to three months and may be extended to allow for physical therapy. The veterinarian will create a tailored plan based on the severity of the injury and the dog’s needs.
During the recovery period, the dog should be placed in a crate to limit movement and promote healing. Weight management is also important to reduce stress on the hip joint.
Physical therapy sessions should be tailored to the individual dog and may include range-of-motion exercises, stretching, and strengthening exercises. With proper rehabilitation, most dogs will recover fully and be able to walk without pain.
Prognosis for Dogs With Dislocated Hips
The prognosis for dogs with a dislocated hip is generally positive, with full recovery possible with proper care and rehabilitation. Dogs require physical therapy and rest to rebuild strength and prevent reinjury. The length and intensity of physical therapy depends on the extent of damage to the joint and the method of treatment.
Owners should provide strict crate rest and limit activity to prevent further damage. Weight management is also important to reduce the load on the joint and aid in recovery.
Most dogs have a full recovery within two to three months, although it may take longer depending on the extent of the injury. With appropriate care and rehabilitation, most dogs can return to normal activity levels and live without pain.
