Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is a general term used to denote a badly formed hip joint due to development abnormalities. It causes unequal wear and tear of the different components of the hip joint and predisposes to various deformities and arthritis of the joint. The condition has been met with more commonly in the canine and is supposed to be hereditory. Examples of hip dysplasia are Coxa magna in which condition the head and neck of femur are unusually broad. Coxa plana in which the articular surface is flattened in the longitudinal direction due to osteochondrosis of the capsular epiphysis. This condition is called Legg-Perthes' disease. Coxa valga in which the normal angulation of the neck of femur with its shaft is modified in such a way that the neck is in an almost straight line along the shaft. In other words, the angle formed by the axis of the shaft and the axis of the head and neck is increased. Coxa vara in which the angle mentioned above is decreased i.e., the opposite of coxa valga. Symptoms Symptoms are usually noticed when the pup is three to nine months old. Abnormal gait, limping, wincing on pressure over the hips, and sitting in abnormal positions are the usual symptoms. Outward rotation of the stifle, prominent trochanters are other symptoms. Some cases exhibit pain; some others have difficulty in climbing stairs. The hind limbs are used in a "hopping" or "rabbit-like" fashion while running. In chronic cases there is atrophy of the thigh muscles. When viewed from behind the hips are wide and flat. In coxa plana there is symptomatic relief when the dog reaches maturity (ten to twelve months old) possibly due to the compensatory effect of the related muscles. Diagnosis From the symptoms. A ventro-dorsal radiograph with hind limbs extended backwards parallel to midline is helpful for confirmation. Prognosis Guarded. In some cases where the acetabulum is veryflat, prognosis is very poor. Frequent luxations occur in these types. In coxa plana prognosis is fair because the symptoms disappear with age. Using the animal for breeding purpose should be discouraged. Treatment No satisfactory treatment. Use of corticosteroids etc. may be helpful in some cases to relieve inflammation and pain.