Practical guidance on hip dysplasia diagnosis, treatment, and management from decades of hands-on surgical experience with German Shepherds and herding breeds.
A complete explanation of canine hip dysplasia including anatomy, how the condition develops, signs to watch for, and why shepherd breeds are particularly affected.
Read full articleComparison of hip dysplasia rates across shepherd breeds including German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and other herding varieties.
Read full articleComplete guide to PennHIP hip screening. Understanding distraction index, breed percentile rankings, comparison to OFA, and when to use each evaluation method.
Read full articleBeyond the letter grades. Understanding hip radiograph positioning, what subluxation looks like, the Ortolani test, and why some borderline scores concern me more than others.
Read full articleGuide to early detection of hip dysplasia in puppies. Ortolani testing, screening schedules, warning signs for owners, and why early identification creates treatment options.
Read full articleFHO, TPO, and THR explained by someone who performs them weekly. Patient selection, realistic outcomes, implant considerations, and the complications nobody warns you about.
Read full articleComplete guide to exercise management. Activities to embrace, activities to avoid, swimming benefits, and adapting exercise intensity to disease stage and symptoms.
Read full articleNot every dysplastic hip needs surgery. Weight management protocols, targeted physical therapy exercises, NSAIDs versus joint supplements, and setting realistic expectations.
Read full articleHip dysplasia is not a simple single-gene disease. Understanding heritability estimates, why OFA-excellent parents can produce dysplastic puppies, and what ethical breeding looks like.
Read full articleThe surgery is only half the battle. Detailed rehabilitation protocols for FHO, TPO, and THR patients, common setbacks, when to call your surgeon, and the joy of watching a dog run again.
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