Dysplasia

Hip

The Alaskan Malamute, like most large breeds can suffer from canine hip dysplasia. In its simplest terms, HD is an imperfect formation of the ball and socket assembly in the pelvis. The degree of imperfection can vary from very slight, which often does not visibly affect a dog, to severe, in which the animal is so badly affected that often euthanasia is the only humane course.

Hip Dysplasia is a genetic disease and deformity of the hip joints. Various degrees of arthritis (also called degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, osteoarthrosis) are and it can produce, leading to pain and debilitation.

The mode of inheritance of HD is not fully understood and even the most experienced researchers, veterinarians and breeders are divided in their opinions as to the exact cause.

In a hip suffering from dysplasia, two things are commonly abnormal. First, the caput is not deeply and tightly held by the acetabulum. Instead of being a snug fit, it is a loose fit, or a partial fit. Secondly, the caput or acetabulum are not smooth and round, but are misshapen, causing abnormal wear and tear or friction within the joint as it moves.

The body reacts to this in several ways. First, the joint itself is continually repairing itself and laying down new cartilage. However cartilage repair is a relatively slow process, the tissue being avascular.

So the joint may suffer degradation due to the abnormal wear and tear, or may not support the body weight as intended. The joint becomes inflamed and a cycle of cartilage damage, inflammation and pain commences. This is a self-fueling process, in that the more the joint becomes damaged, the less able it is to resist further damage. The inflammation causes further damage. The bones of the joint may also develop osteoarthritis, visible on an X-ray as small outcrops of bone, which further degrade the joint.[2]

The underlying deformity of the joint may get worse over time, or may remain static. A dog may have good X-rays and yet be in pain, or may have very poor X-rays and apparently almost no problems. The hip condition is only one factor to determine the extent to which dysplasia is causing pain or affecting the quality of life. In mild to moderate dysplasia it is often the secondary effects of abnormal wear and tear or arthritis, rather than dysplasia itself, which is the direct causes of visible problems. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_dysplasia_(canine)#Dysplastic_hip_anatomy

It has, however, been conclusively demonstrated that breeding dogs with dysplastic hips substantially increases the incidence of hip dysplasia in puppies. While a dysplastic puppy can occur from mating clear parents, the chances are minimized or much less if both parents are clear.

Presently, the conclusive method of detection of hip dysplasia is a pelvic x-ray. The x-ray should be done by a trained professional and evaluated for certification by a recognized institute. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) in Missouri is perhaps the best known institute and has established a hip control registry for all breeds. Alternative registries have been established by the PennHIP foundation of Pennsylvania and the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in Guelph, Ontario. While some certificates are issued at a younger age, OFA certification is provided following two years of age and is valid for the life of the dog.

If you are buying a "pet" puppy, chances are you will never have its hips x-rayed. But, just because a breeder is selling "pet" puppies is no reason not to be breeding clear, healthy stock. The hips on your "pet" puppy should be just as good as those of his "showing/breeding" littermate.

Hip dysplasia (canine)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_dysplasia_(canine)

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1569&aid=444

Canine Hip Dysplasia

http://www.petsurgery.com/caninehipdysplasia.html

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

http://www.offa.org/hipinfo.html

Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program

http://research.vet.upenn.edu/Default.aspx?alias=research.vet.upenn.edu/pennhip

Medline Literature Search

http://www.working-retriever.com/library/chd6696.html

Elbow

Elbow dysplasia can cause lameness in young large-breed dogs and is can be found in one or both of the elbows. The term is generic and concerns the presence of arthritis.

Dynamic Ulna Osteotomies in Canine Elbow Displasia

http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2002&PID=2668

Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs

http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/elbow_dysplasia.htm

Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Resources

http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0090.htm