Diagnosis Ð Hip Dysplasia

	The pathophysiology of hip dysplasia is relatively simple; however, determining the 
cause is not. Hereditary and environmental factors are both important. The dog in case 1 is 
allowed free choice access to food and this is likely a contributing factor to her development 
of the disease. Rapid growth causes abnormal development of soft tissue to bone 
relationships and this in turn allows for hip joint laxity. As subluxation occurs the fibrous 
joint capsule stretches, causing pain, and repeated stress on the joint causes bone 
remodeling Ð mild at first then progressing to severe changes and clinical signs. The 
surface area of articulation decreses as subluxation continues and progresses, and this can 
result in fractures of the acetabulum. Cancellous bone proliferates as a result of stress, and 
osteophytes will be seen on radiographs. Eventually hip dysplasia will progress to 
osteoarthritis (of which there is no evidence in this case).This particular case does not 
appear to have progressed past the early stages as the dog has been symptomatic for only a 
few weeks.