Physiology

• The hip is the joint between the pelvis and the top of the thigh bone (femur). It is normally a stable ball-and-socket-joint, with the smooth, round femur fitting securely into a cup-shaped cavity in the pelvis. According to the American Medical Association, "Tough ligaments attach the femur to the pelvis, further stabilizing the joint and providing it with the necessary strength to support the weight of the upper body and to take the strain of running, jumping and other vigorous leg movements."
  
  

Hip Dysplasia

• HD is the abnormal formation of this hip joint, which occurs in many mammals, including humans. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the "ball on top of the thighbone (femur) is not held firmly in the socket" and, in some instances, "the hip joint may be loose and stretched." The degree of joint instability, or hip looseness, varies with the degree of hip dysplasia. The condition can occur in 50 percent or more of certain large breed dogs and is not detectable at birth.
  
  

Symptoms

• Hind limb lameness varies from barely detectable to non-weight-bearing abnormalities, with signs often beginning as early as 4 months to 1 year of age. Young dogs can have a swaying and unsteady gait, often drawing their hind legs forward in a "bunny hop." As your dog ages, you may hear a clicking sound when he walks or runs. In addition, difficulty rising, climbing stairs and exercising for long periods of time are also common HD signs.
  
  

Diagnosis

• According to Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, "The diagnoses of hip dysplasia is suspected based on findings of hip laxity in young animals and pain on hip palpation in older animals, and confirmed by radiographs of the hip." Cornell's Baker Institute for Animal Health states that timing is important because hip joint structures do not fully mature until eight months of age." Thus, a reliable diagnosis based on radiography cannot be made on younger puppies."
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment begins with the selective breeding of parents who do not have hip dysplasia. In addition, normal to lean weight is extremely important, as is proper nutrition, especially for large breeds. Kansas State University maintains that "dietary calcium should be maintained in the range of 0.9 to 1.6 percent dry matter." Mild exercise, such as walking and swimming, is beneficial, but avoid excessive exercise, particularly jumping and prolonged running. Also, make your veterinarian a partner in your Elkhound's health program.