Fix, Replace, or Manage? Making the right call in hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis are the leading causes of chronic hip pain in dogs seen in first opinion practice. This session provides a practical, stepwise framework to recognise, investigate, and manage canine hip pain, from juvenile patients with laxity related discomfort to adults with end stage osteoarthritis. We will review pathophysiology, clinical recognition, imaging strategies, and the relative roles of conservative and surgical options, including when to refer for total hip replacement. Emphasis is placed on client communication, realistic expectation setting, and avoiding common pitfalls such as over reliance on subjective outcome measures in the face of a substantial caregiver placebo effect.

• Explain the pathophysiology and natural history of canine hip dysplasia.
• Recognise and localise hip pain in juvenile and adult dogs
• Select and interpret appropriate imaging modalities for suspected hip dysplasia.
• Design evidence based conservative management plans, integrating weight optimisation, exercise modification, pharmacological analgesia physical rehabilitation and nutraceuticals.
• 5.Critically appraise surgical options for hip dysplasia, including indications, timing, and expected outcomes
• 6.Communicate prognosis and treatment choices effectively to owners, including the potential quality of life gains with different interventions.