RESULTS

Sedated Orthopedic Exam:

The first result was a positive Ortalani sign bilaterally.  This confirms joint 
laxity in both 
coxofermoral joints.  The range of motion was 130 degrees in both hips.  This is 
a slight 
decrease in range of motion (normal 140-190 degrees) due to coxofemoral joint 
incongruity.  There was a bilateral negative cranial drawer sign indicating no 
cruciate 
damage or luxating patella.  There was no crepitation, dry, crackling sound or 
sensation, 
or joint instability indicating that the joint is still sturdy.  This indicates 
that it is most 
likely early hip dysplasia. 

Radiographs:

	Standard OFA view:

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals requires an extended ventro-dorsal 
projection of 
the coxofemoral joint showing bilateral symmetry of the pelvis and parallel 
femurs.  The 
x-ray beam centers over the coxofemoral joint but the film must include the 
entire pelvis 
and femur.
		We believe that this is a Grade II/IV hip dysplasia.  We noted 
obvious 
deviation from the normal.  The subluxation was about 50% meaning the femoral 
head 
was halfway displaced from the acetabulum leading to poor joint congruency.  
This could 
account for the pain causing the Grade I/IV lameness.  As bony surfaces 
experience 
continual contact, degradation of articular surfaces occurs.  This leads to 
exposure of 
subchondral bone nerve endings and therefore pain.  The acetablum looked 
slightly 
shallow.  The femoral head was beginning to lose its spheroidal shape and looked 
flattened.  The right coxofemoral joint was notably worse than the left.  
Osteophyte was 
noted along the right acetabular rim.  The right femoral neck was thicker than 
the left.