Comparison of two palpation, four radiographic and three ultrasound methods for early detection of mild to moderate canine hip dysplasia

Hip joint laxity was evaluated in Golden Retriever (n = 60), Labrador Retri ever (n = 23), and Labrador/Golden Retriever mix (n = 24) puppies. Ortolani and Bardens maneuvers, four radiographic measurement indices and three dyn amic ultrasonographic measurements were used. Each puppy was evaluated twic e; at 6.5 to 9 and 43 to 79 weeks of age. These nine methods were compared for accuracy in predicting the development of canine hip dysplasia with or without degenerative joint disease by a median age of 16 months. The Bardens maneuver was a significant predictor of canine hip dysplasia/+/ -degenerative joint disease for Golden Retriever puppies, however, it was n ot a reliable predictor for the other two breeds. Norberg angle measurement s taken with femurs in a neutral position with hips distracted (PennHip pos ition) was a significant predictor of degenerative joint disease in two bre eds, but not in Golden Retriever puppies. Ultrasound measurement was a reli able predictor of hip canine hip dysplasia/+/-degenerative joint disease fo r Labrador/Golden Retriever mix puppies, but was not reliable for the other two breeds. Palpation, radiographic, and ultrasonographic methods of evalu ating hip joint laxity in puppies at 6.5 to 9 weeks of age were not consist ently reliable for ail three breeds in predicting hip dysplasia,vith or wit hout degenerative joint disease at one year of age. A strong association wa s found between Norberg angle and degenerative joint disease occurrence, as well as between distraction index (PennHip) and degenerative joint disease occurrence when measured at 52 to 79 weeks of age, but not when measured a t 6.5 to 9 weeks of age in these breeds, These results emphasize the diffic ulty of early detection of mild hip dysplasia in the dog.