Can X-rays confirm if my dog has arthritis or hip dysplasia?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The hips are not fully grown or developed at this age however the subluxation that is seen in both hips is definitely abnormal and is likely to cause problems with walking and jumping. I am afraid the dysplasia looks serious and Normal may need surgery in the future to maintain normal mobility.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Roscoe. These could be signs of hip dysplasia. The first thing to do is have him seen by a vet for x-rays. This will confirm if he has hip dysplasia. If he does, the vet can discuss treatment options for him such as pain medication and joint supplements. I'd take him into the vet this weekend or Monday. I hope this helps!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is severe hip dysplasia present in both hips, I am afraid. The left hip id also subluxated and I suspect it is causing more discomfort than the right hip. Hip dysplasia is a disease that dogs are born with. Arya must have had it sine a puppy but most likely it was not as severe as now. Spondylosis in the lumbar spine is usually a result of infection of intervertebral disc. Typically, it is an accidental finding in dogs that do not cause mobility problems. However, CT scan of the spine would give more detailed information about the severity of spondylosis.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Leo. The pictures came through a little fuzzy, his femoral heads appear to sit well within the pelvis on both sides. This is giving him adequate coverage. Typically x-rays are repeated at 2 years of age to be sure the hips are still good. I hope this information helps!

This X-ray shows she has poor hip conformation or hip dysplasia and hip arthritis. Unfortunately this is a common orthopedic problem in German Shepard dogs and othe large breeds. Most dogs respond well to weight loss if needed and dog arthritis medication prescribed by your veterinarian. By keeping her active and moving she will maintain her muscle mass which will support her hips so there is less bone rubbing, which will result in less pain. Giving joint supplements like Dasuquin or Cosequin can help in addition to Omega 3 or fish oil which will reduce some of the inflammation. Physical therapy with a rehab veterinarian is effective in maintaining her muscles and help reduce the limping. Hip dysplasia can’t be cured but it can be managed so Bella can continue to live an active life. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. So sorry that Baxter has this issue. The right hip has severe dysplasia (the x-ray is not marked so I am assuming it is the right one). The other hip looks OK. The only way to fix this is with surgery - either a FHO procedure or a total hip replacement. You need to speak to your vet about options. There is no medication to reverse, cure or stop the progression of this disease. Surgery will definitely be needed.

Bella can definitely have hip problems with her symptoms. With the X-rays provided it is not the most appropriate way to determine hip dysplasia. The best X-rays are sedated X-rays with the hind legs being extended straight and tilted slightly in. I would recommend when you spay her Bella you have them X-ray her hips at the same time to determine this. Once you have these X-rays if hip dysplasia is found, you can talk to a surgeon to find out what is the next step for Bella. Here is a link to a photo that shows you how the legs should be to evaluate hips. http://www.azpetscan.com/uploads/2/3/8/3/23831955/8701405.jpg?377 Thank you for using PetCoach.