Laurie's Blogs.

I just saw a 12 week old Viszla with a pelvic rotation (bilateral hypomobile SIJ with the left ileal wing rotated dorsally relative to the right) with RHL lateral circumduction being the gait issue that prompted the owner to make the appointment. Owner bought the dog a month ago with the intention of (a) eventually breeding, and (b) competing in hunting on a national level. The condition is chronic and severe enough that there is atrophy of the biceps femoris muscle and perhaps the gluteals as well. One of the owner`s stated reasons for the appointment is that if the dog`s lameness issue represents a potential permanent disability, he wishes to return the dog.

I`m not concerned about the pelvic rotation, but I am in the camp that believes a certain percentage of unilateral hip dysplasia cases are caused by abnormal asymmetric weight bearing during growth and development, and I raised this concern with the owner. In your experience, in a 3 month old puppy with a history of unilateral hindlimb lameness of at least 4 weeks duration, and severe enough to have secondary disuse atrophy, how worried would you be about the puppy developing hip dysplasia?

Sincerely,

D.L.

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Hey D.,

I think it would still be at a point of being reversible.  I had one puppy recently (about a year ago now when the SIJ kept showing up and WAS creating hip pain as well) that just went for x-rays & testing (preliminary) during her spay.  All looked good.  I've had others with laxity (lateral - not cranio-dorsal) - get them on the right path that x-rayed OFA good at 2 years of age.

So, I totally think it could be done / fixed / reversed / prevented...

That being said, your owner did not get a perfect puppy, and there is still a chance of unilateral hip dysplasia based on the history.

If he wanted a pet or if this owner were also the breeder, then I'd say 'do the therapy and it'll likely be fine' - but that's not the case.

So, is sort of hurts me to say, but I'd support this owner in returning the dog by providing a 'nice' letter stating the concerns for the breeder - and information on the need for continued monitoring / rehab / manual therapy throughout this dogs first year to ensure as normal of development as possible.

Sorta makes me sad to say so!

Laurie

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That' pretty much what I thought. The problem is fixable, but may come with a legacy that for someone with such specific and ambitious needs, this dog is no longer a good fit. Thanks. 

D.L.