Canine dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic problems, stemming from developmental disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The word itself comes from the Greek term "dysplasia," meaning "abnormal development." The essence of dysplasia is that the components of the joint – the bone ends and the joint socket – do not fit together properly, leading to increased friction, inflammation, and long-term joint wear (arthrosis).
The most well-known form is hip dysplasia (HD), but the problem often affects the elbow (ED – elbow dysplasia), and less commonly the shoulder (OCD) and knee joints.
The development of dysplasia
Dysplasia is multifactorial in origin: both genetic predisposition and environmental factors play a role.
According to scientific research, the heritability of dysplasia is moderate (between 0.2 and 0.4 heritability), so genetic selection can reduce its frequency, but cannot completely eliminate it.
Environmental risk factors:
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excessive calorie and calcium intake in puppyhood, rapid growth,
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inappropriate nutrition lacking nutrients
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over-exertive movement (e.g., climbing stairs, jumping at a young age), slippery floors
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obesity, which places extra burden on the joints
All of these can contribute to the joint surfaces not developing in sync, thus worsening the fit at a young age.
Hip dysplasia (HD)
In hip dysplasia, the femoral head and the acetabulum do not fit together properly. The joint is unstable, leading to pain and inflammation over time.
Symptoms:
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stiff, prolonged, slow movement at the start,
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difficulty getting up,
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unsteady gait or "wobbly" back,
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reduced mobility, especially after a long walk or rest.
Diagnosis is made by X-ray examination performed under anesthesia, according to FCI or OFA protocol. Special methods can also be used for early detection of laxity.
Treatment:
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Conservative therapy: weight control, muscle strengthening, physiotherapy, collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, laser therapy.
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Surgical solutions: pelvic osteotomy (e.g., TPO) in young dogs, total hip replacement (THR) in older dogs.
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
Elbow dysplasia is a collective term that covers several developmental disorders:
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UAP (ununited anconeal process): one of the ulna's processes fails to unite;
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FCP (fragmented coronoid process): a small piece of bone breaks off from the ulna;
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OCD (osteochondritis dissecans): a piece of cartilage breaks off from the surface of the humerus.
These changes lead to joint instability, inflammation, and later degradation.
Symptoms include lameness, mainly in the front leg, which worsens after movement.
Diagnosis is made by X-ray and CT scans; treatment is mostly surgical – removal of the detached pieces and stabilization of the joint.
Shoulder joint dysplasia (OCD)
Shoulder joint dysplasia, or osteochondrosis dissecans, is a developmental disorder of the cartilage surface. It primarily affects large, fast-growing puppies (e.g., Labrador, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland).
During the disease, a part of the shoulder joint cartilage separates from the bone, causing pain and lameness.
Treatment:
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in milder cases, rest and diet correction, special food supplements
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in more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery to remove the detached cartilage piece.
Knee joint and other rarer dysplasias
Patellar luxation can occur in the knee joint, which, although not often classified among classic dysplasias, is considered a developmental instability.
Symptoms: intermittent "lifted" hind leg, brief lameness. It often occurs in smaller dog breeds (e.g., Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian Dwarf Spitz).
Rarer forms: shoulder-scapular joint dysplasia, and rare genetic bone developmental disorders that cause deformities of the elbow or knee joint.
Diagnosis and screening – the key to prevention
Many dogs carry the predisposition from puppyhood, but the disease only manifests later, under stress.
Regular screening is essential for responsible breeding:
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FCI or OFA certification for hips and elbows,
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genetic screenings for certain breeds,
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clinical examinations at a young age (movement, pain reaction).
It is important for breeders to consider screening results and estimated breeding values (EBV) when mating to reduce the proportion of dysplastic offspring.
Treatment and improvement of quality of life
Dysplasia cannot be completely cured, but it can be effectively managed. The goal is to reduce pain, maintain mobility, and slow down joint degeneration.
The treatment plan is optimally developed jointly by a veterinarian and a physiotherapist, adapted to the dog's age, condition, and activity level.
Basic elements:
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weight optimization,
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controlled exercise (hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, walking – especially on even ground)
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muscle strengthening,
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dietary supplements (e.g. glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, collagen, hyaluronic acid, silicon),
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laser or TENS treatment.
In advanced cases, surgical intervention (e.g. osteotomy, prosthesis) may also be considered.
