Mechanical osteoarthritis of the hip in a one medicine concept: a narrative review.

Human and veterinary medicine have historically presented many medical areas of potential synergy and convergence. Mechanical osteoarthritis (MOA) is characterized by a gradual complex imbalance between cartilage production, loss, and derangement. Any joint instability that results in an abnormal overload of the joint surface can trigger MOA. As MOA has a prevailing mechanical aetiology, treatment effectiveness can only be accomplished if altered joint mechanics and mechanosensitive pathways are normalized and restored. Otherwise, the inflammatory cascade of osteoarthritis will be initiated, and the changes may become irreversible. The management of the disease using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, physical therapy, diet changes, or nutraceuticals is conservative and less effective. MOA is a determinant factor for the development of hip dysplasia in both humans and dogs. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease with a high incidence and, therefore, of great clinical importance due to the associated discomfort and significant functional limitations. Furthermore, on account of analogous human and canine hip dysplasia disease and under the One Medicine concept, unifying veterinary and human research could improve the well-being and health of both species, increasing the acknowledgement of shared diseases. Great success has been accomplished in humans regarding preventive conservative management of hip dysplasia and following One Medicine concept, similar measures would benefit dogs. Moreover, animal models have long been used to better understand the different diseases' mechanisms. Current research in animal models was addressed and the role of rabbit models in pathophysiologic studies and of the dog as a spontaneous animal model were highlighted, denoting the inexistence of rabbit functional models to investigate therapeutic approaches in hip MOA.

Haste intramedular bloqueada em comparação com placa de compressão dinâmica na estabilização de osteotomia intertrocantérica varizante em cães: estudo ex vivo / Interlocking nail system in comparison with dynamic compression plate in the stabilization of intertrochanteric varus osteotomy in dogs: study in cadavers

Tendo em vista as vantagens das hastes intramedulares bloqueadas (HIB) em relação às placas ósseas na estabilização femoral, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar a exequibilidade e eficácia da aplicação da HIB pós osteotomia intertrocantérica varizante (OIV). Submeteu-se 10 cadáveres caninos à OIV. Nos antímeros esquerdos obteve-se a estabilização por meio de HIB (grupo HIB) e, nos direitos, com placas de compressão dinâmica (grupo placa). Foram comparados os ângulos de Norberg e de inclinação da cabeça e colo femoral (ICF) antes (T0) e após (T1) a OIV. O tempo dispendido para a colocação dos implantes e resultados de resistência biomecânica à compressão e torção também foram confrontados entre os grupos. Houve aumento do ângulo de Norberg entre T0 (106,84®5,55o) e T1 (111,22o®3,89), apenas no grupo HIB (p<0,05). No entanto, redução do ângulo de ICF após OIV (T1) foi observada tanto no grupo placa (T0=127,6®4,70o e T1=110,06®10,61o, p<0,05) quanto no grupo HIB (T0=126,43®5,87o e T1=116,87®8,62o, p<0,05). Os tempos de colocação dos implantes não diferiram estatisticamente e apenas o teste biomecânico de compressão revelou diferença entre os grupos, com maior resistência (P=0,033) do grupo placa (863,3®74,46N/mm) em relação ao grupo HIB (586,7®44,10N/mm). Deste modo, a estabilização por meio de HIB foi factível e eficaz. Embora o resultado biomecânico de compressão tenha demonstrado maior fragilidade da HIB em relação à placa de compressão, seus valores estão acima das forças atuantes, reportadas na literatura, na deambulação normal de cão.(AU)

Considering the advantages of the interlocking intramedullary nail (IN) in relation to bone plates in the femoral stabilization, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of IN application post intertrochanteric varus osteotomy (IVO). For this purpose, 10 canines cadavers were used. On the left femurs, the fixation was obtained with IN (IN group) and rights fixed with dynamic compression plates and screws (plate group). Was compared the angles of Norberg and inclination of the head and femoral neck (IHF) before (T0) and after (T1) IVO. The results of time spent for placement of implants and biomechanical resistance to compression and torsion were also confronted between groups. There was an increase of the Norberg angle between T0 (106.84®5.55o) and T1 (111.22o®3.89), only in IN group (p<0.05). However, reduction of IHF angle after IVO (T1) was observed in both, the plate group (T0=127.6®4.70o e T1=110.06®10.61o, p<0.05) and IN group (T0=126.43®5.87o e T1=116.87® 8.62 o, p<0.05). The placement times of the implants did not differ statistically and only the compression biomechanical test revealed differences between groups, with greater resistance (P=0.033) of the plate group (863.3®74.46N/mm) compared to IN group (586.7®44.10N/mm). Thus, stabilization through IN was feasible and effective. Although the compression biomechanical results has demonstrated a higher fragility of IN in relation to the compression plate, their values are above the forces, reported in literature, acting in normal dog gait.(AU)

Conservative Management of Hip Dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a common orthopedic condition seen in small animal patients that leads to osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joint. The disease can be managed conservatively or surgically. The goals of surgical treatment in the immature patient are to either prevent the clinical signs of HD or to prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis. In mature patients surgery is used as a salvage procedure to treat debilitating osteoarthritis. Conservative management can be used in dogs with mild or intermittent clinical signs and includes nutritional management and weight control, exercise modification, physical rehabilitation, pain management and disease-modifying agents.

Physical Rehabilitation for the Management of Canine Hip Dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is among the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs. Joint laxity is responsible for abnormal development of the femoral head and acetabulum, leading to excessive wear of the articular cartilage. Wear leads to secondary osteoarthritis. Rehabilitation is either conservative or after surgical management. Conservative rehabilitation therapies are directed at decreasing pain, improving hip range of motion (ROM), and building or maintaining muscle mass. Postoperatively, rehabilitation focuses on decreasing postoperative pain and inflammation, improving comfort and limb use, and protecting the surgical site. Once the patient has healed, rehabilitation is directed at improving ROM and promoting muscle mass.

Owner assessment of chronic pain intensity and results of gait analysis of dogs with hip dysplasia treated with acupuncture.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate pain intensity and kinetic variables in dogs with hip dysplasia (HD) treated with acupuncture, carprofen, or a placebo. DESIGN Randomized, controlled clinical study. ANIMALS 54 HD-affected dogs and 16 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES Seven HD-affected dogs were removed from the study. Dogs with HD were treated in a blinded manner for 30 days with acupuncture (once weekly for 5 sessions; n = 15), carprofen (4.4 mg/kg [2.0 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h; n = 16), or placebo capsules containing lactose (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h; n = 16). Dogs were evaluated 2 weeks and immediately before (baseline) and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the onset of treatment. Owners evaluated the dogs' pain intensity with 2 validated questionnaires and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and evaluated degree of lameness with a VAS for locomotion. Kinetics of the hind limbs were also evaluated. Sixteen HD-free dogs were used to assess the evaluation protocol. RESULTS Owners' assessments revealed that outcomes of the 3 treatments did not differ significantly. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory and VAS pain intensity assessments were decreased from baseline at weeks 4 and 6, respectively, but only in acupuncture-treated dogs. The locomotion VAS values were decreased at week 4 in acupuncture-treated and carprofen-treated dogs. Kinetic evaluation findings did not differ among the groups or over time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Neither acupuncture nor carprofen was significantly different from placebo. Acupuncture and carprofen reduced the degree of subjectively evaluated lameness, and acupuncture was associated with a decrease in validated chronic pain scores.

[Use of gold implants as a treatment of pain related to canine hip dysplasia--a review. Part 1: Background and current state of research regarding the effects of implanting gold in tissue]. / Anwendung von Goldimplantaten zur Schmerztherapie bei kaniner Hüftgelenkdysplasie--eine Literaturübersicht. Teil 1: Hintergründe und Stand der Forschung zu Effekten nach Implantation von Gold in Gewebe.

Gold-bead implantation as a method of pain treatment in dogs suffering from osteoarthritic disease is receiving increasing attention in veterinary medicine. For the present article, publications from veterinary books and journals were collected and evaluated, together with related articles in human medicine. After providing an overview of the historical use of gold and gold compounds, the technique of implanting this noble metal is introduced. The reasons for establishing the terms gold acupuncture and gold (bead) implantation are described, considering the question whether and what kind of methodological differences exist behind these terms. Next, previous publications concerning the effects of gold implantation in tissue are summarised. In 2002 it was proven that gold ions are released from the surface of gold implants by a process termed dissolucytosis. Subsequent publications further investigated details about the interaction between gold ions and tissue as well as the distribution pattern of bio-released ions. Gold compounds were previously used for chrysotherapy in human medicine until medication with fewer side effects became established. The anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties of gold compounds were used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Current research aims to ascertain whether the anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating effects of gold compounds are imitated by gold ions released from gold implants at a local level. In conclusion, the present review summarises important findings about the effects of gold implanted in tissue. However, further research is necessary to estimate the limitations and benefits of this auromedication.

Canine hip dysplasia: reviewing the evidence for nonsurgical management.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence available for nonsurgical management of hip dysplasia (HD). STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. METHODS: Databases (Pubmed, Veterinary Information Network) were searched for clinical studies on nonsurgical management of HD in dogs. The evidence in each study was reviewed and assigned a score (I-IV) based on previously reported levels of evidence. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria, including 3 Level IV, 4 Level III, and 7 Level II studies. Methods of nonsurgical management reviewed included: activity restrictions, weight management, acupuncture, modulation of joint disease by polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, mesenchymal stem cell therapy, and extra corporeal shock wave therapy. CONCLUSION: Weight management is an effective and important component of managing dogs with HD and associated osteoarthritis. Techniques that modulate the progression of joint disease may also be beneficial for treating dogs with HD. Further studies are needed to investigate other methods of managing HD such as hydrotherapy and physical rehabilitation.

Treatment of hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a common orthopaedic developmental disorder of dogs. This paper reviews the treatment options available for management of the condition in the skeletally immature and adult dog.

Evaluation of the status of canine hydrotherapy in the UK.

To establish the current status of canine hydrotherapy in the UK and to ascertain information regarding the current use of hydrotherapy, a questionnaire was sent to 152 hydrotherapy centres throughout the UK, from which 89 responded. Hydrotherapy was found to be a rapidly growing business. Stand-alone centres were in existence; however, many centres were connected to other businesses, including boarding kennels and general practice veterinary surgeries. The dogs using the facility were mainly pedigree breeds, particularly labrador retrievers (30 per cent), and the most commonly encountered conditions were rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (25 per cent), hip dysplasia (24 per cent) and osteoarthritis (18 per cent). The proportion of qualified versus unqualified staff varied between centres, highlighting a need for improved regulation of this aspect of the industry. However, all the dogs treated by the hydrotherapy centres surveyed were direct veterinary referrals, suggesting a good degree of professionalism in the field and a high regard for the benefits of hydrotherapy.

Inflammatory response to therapeutic gold bead implantation in canine hip joint osteoarthritis.

Inflammatory changes associated with periarticular pure gold bead implants were studied in dogs involved in a clinical trial investigating motor dysfunction and chronic pain owing to hip joint dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Gold beads were percutaneously implanted via a needle into different locations surrounding the greater trochanter of the femur. Nine dogs with implants were necropsied. In all examined animals, characteristic histologic lesions were observed in the tissue surrounding the gold implants--namely, a fibrous capsule composed of concentric fibroblasts intermixed with a variable number of inflammatory cells and a paucicellular innermost layer of collagen with a few fibrocyte-like cells in empty lacunae. Lymphocytes dominated the inflammatory infiltrate, with rarely observed macrophages present in close proximity to the implant site. No giant cells were observed. Immunohistochemistry showed mixed populations of lymphocytes, both CD3 positive (T cells) and CD79a positive (B cells), which in some cases formed lymphoid follicles. Diffuse inflammatory changes were present to a minor extent in the perimysium and surrounding fascia. The inflammation observed in dogs is similar to that observed with gold implants in humans. It is possible that the clinically beneficial effect of gold beads for chronic osteoarthritis depends on sustained localized inflammation with localized release of soluble mediators. The encapsulation of the implant by a paucicellular and poorly vascularized fibrous capsule may help prevent an exaggerated inflammatory reaction by sequestering the gold bead from the surrounding tissue.

Tratamento de displasia coxofemoral com uso de medicamento homeopático / Treatment of hip dysplasia with the use of homeopathic medicament

Os quadros de displasia coxofemoral são cada vez mais comuns nos animais de companhia, acometem principalmente raças de grande porte como Rottweiler, Pastor alemão, Lavrador, etc., mas já existem relatos nos cães de pequeno porte como os Lhasa Apso e em gatos de grande porte como os da raça Main Coon, que têm predisposição a desenvolver essa doença. Os animais acometidos apresentam dor e dificultade ou incapacidade total de locomoção. A ocorrência é maior em animais jovens e tem caráter hereditário. As opções de tratamento incluem cirurgias, tratamentos regeneradores articulares e o uso de analgésicos, todos com o objetivo de minorar a dor do animal. Há também a opção de tratamento com o uso de medicamentos homeopáticos. Este trabalho apresenta a eficãcia dos medicamentos homeopáticos, em dois casos clínicoes de displasia coxofemoral tratados com complexo homeopático Displasia.

Tratamento de displasia coxofemoral com uso de medicamento homeopático / Treatment of hip dysplasia with the use of homeopathic medicament

Os quadros de displasia coxofemoral são cada vez mais comuns nos animais de companhia, acometem principalmente raças de grande porte como Rottweiler, Pastor alemão, Lavrador, etc., mas já existem relatos nos cães de pequeno porte como os Lhasa Apso e em gatos de grande porte como os da raça Main Coon, que têm predisposição a desenvolver essa doença. Os animais acometidos apresentam dor e dificultade ou incapacidade total de locomoção. A ocorrência é maior em animais jovens e tem caráter hereditário. As opções de tratamento incluem cirurgias, tratamentos regeneradores articulares e o uso de analgésicos, todos com o objetivo de minorar a dor do animal. Há também a opção de tratamento com o uso de medicamentos homeopáticos. Este trabalho apresenta a eficãcia dos medicamentos homeopáticos, em dois casos clínicoes de displasia coxofemoral tratados com complexo homeopático Displasia®.(AU)

Descriptive histomorphometric ingrowth analysis of the Zurich cementless canine total hip acetabular component.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) determine bone contact with the outer surface and ingrowth into the perforated outer shell of the Kyon acetabular component at 2, 6, and 12 months after total hip replacement (THR) and (2) determine correlation between radiographic lucency surrounding the cup-bone interface and bone contact and ingrowth. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Large breed dogs (n=11) with and without hip dysplasia. METHODS: Force platform gait analysis was performed preoperatively and 2, 6, and 12 months after THR. Curvilinear length of lucency (CLL) was measured on pelvic radiographs. Tissue contact with the outer cup and ingrowth into the cup were determined histomorphometrically at 2, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Peak vertical force and vertical impulse of the treated and control hind limb were not significantly different at any time. Median bone contact with the outer cup surface was 77%, 48%, and 76% at 2, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Median bone ingrowth into the cup perforations was 50%, 20%, and 44% at 2, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Median bone ingrowth to the inner cup surface was minimal at any time. CLL did not correlate with bone ingrowth. CONCLUSIONS: Bone ingrowth into cup perforations occurred in each dog and was already present 2 months after THR, but most of the inner cup space remained vacant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Radiographic lucency surrounding the cup-bone interface does not allow assessment of bone contact with the outer surface or bone ingrowth into the Kyon cup in dogs without clinical problems.

Retrospective evaluation of the long-term outcome of non-surgical management of 74 dogs with clinical hip dysplasia.

The long-term outcome for dogs treated non-surgically for clinical signs of canine hip dysplasia were evaluated retrospectively; 74 dogs were evaluated by a postal questionnaire sent to their owners, and 24 of these were also evaluated by a veterinary clinical examination. A total of 11 outcome variables were evaluated. Depending on the variable assessed, between 31 (41.9 per cent) and 49 (66.2 per cent) of the dogs remained clinically affected according to their owner's assessment, and between 17 (70.8 per cent) and 23 (95.8 per cent) of the 24 dogs had abnormalities attributed to hip osteoarthritis according to the veterinary assessment. Orthopaedic abnormalities other than hip dysplasia affected 17 of the 24 dogs. Long-term medications had been prescribed for the treatment of clinical signs associated with hip dysplasia in 41 of the 74 dogs.

Two years follow-up study of the pain-relieving effect of gold bead implantation in dogs with hip-joint arthritis.

Seventy-eight dogs with pain from hip dysplasia participated in a six-month placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial of gold bead implantation. In the present, non-blinded study, 73 of these dogs were followed for an additional 18 months to evaluate the long-term pain-relieving effect of gold bead implantation. The recently-published results of the six month period revealed that 30 of the 36 dogs (83%) in the gold implantation group showed significant improvement (p = 0.02), included improved mobility and reduction in the signs of pain, compared to the placebo group (60% improvement). In the long-term two-year follow-up study, 66 of the 73 dogs had gold implantation and seven dogs continued as a control group. The 32 dogs in the original placebo group had gold beads implanted and were followed for a further 18 months. A certified veterinary acupuncturist used the same procedure to insert the gold beads as in the blinded study, and the owners completed the same type of detailed questionnaires. As in the blinded study, one investigator was responsible for all the assessments of each dog. The present study revealed that the pain-relieving effect of gold bead implantation observed in the blinded study continued throughout the two-year follow-up period.

Hip and sacroiliac disease: selected disorders and their management with physical therapy.

Many problems in the hip area show movement dysfunctions of the hip joint in combination with the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joint, neurodynamic structures, and the muscular systems. Muscle strain injuries pertinent to the canine hip have been reported in the iliopsoas, pectineus, gracilis, sartorius, tensor fasciae latae, rectus femoris, and semitendinosus muscles. Physical diagnoses of this type of injury require palpation skills and the ability to specifically stretch the suspected musculotendinous tissue. Treatments shall incorporate modalities, stretches, specific exercises, and advisement on return to normal activity. Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common finding in many large breed dogs. Physical treatments, preventative therapies, and rehabilitation could have a large role to play in the management of nonsurgical CHD patients with the goal to create the best possible musculoskeletal environment for pain-free hip function and to delay or prevent the onset of degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritic hip joints can benefit from early detection and subsequent treatment. Physical therapists have long utilized manual testing techniques and clinical reasoning to diagnose early-onset joint osteoarthritis and therapeutic treatments consisting of correcting muscle dysfunctions, relieving pain, joint mobilizations, and advisement on lifestyle modifications could be equally beneficial to the canine patient. As well, sacroiliac joint dysfunctions may also afflict the dog. An understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the canine sacroiliac joint and application of clinical assessment and treatment techniques from the human field may be substantially beneficial for dogs suffering from lumbopelvic or hindlimb issues.

Developmental orthopedic disease.

Developmental orthopedic diseases are a common cause of pain and lameness in young dogs. Most occur in large-breed dogs with rapid growth rates. This article reviews the signalment, etiology and pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for many of the common developmental orthopedic diseases, including hypertrophic osteodystrophy, panosteitis, osteochondrosis, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and pes verus.