Hip Dysplasia: Building a Multimodal Pain Plan

Learning Objectives

• 1Explain the pathophysiology of canine hip dysplasia including the role of joint laxity, cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remodeling, and central sensitization in chronic pain
• 2Apply a multimodal pain management framework that integrates NSAIDs, gabapentin, amantadine, physical rehabilitation, and nutraceuticals based on disease stage
• 3Analyze the evidence for nutraceuticals — including EPA/DHA, UC-II collagen, and green-lipped mussel — for articular cartilage support and pain reduction in dysplastic dogs
• 4Evaluate the role of weight management, therapeutic exercise, and underwater treadmill rehabilitation in improving function and reducing pain burden in hip dysplasia
• 5Identify appropriate candidates for surgical referral — including TPO, DARthroplasty, FHO, and total hip replacement — and communicate options to clients effectively

Course Syllabus

1. 1
   Meet Ranger: A German Shepherd at 2 Years OldPreview

   Case introduction — young dysplastic dog with bilateral disease presenting for second opinion on long-term management

   5 min
2. 2
   Pathophysiology: From Laxity to Central Sensitization

   Joint laxity, Ortolani sign, cartilage matrix breakdown, synovitis, subchondral sclerosis, and the development of chronic central sensitization

   10 min
3. 3
   Pharmacologic Toolkit: NSAIDs, Gabapentinoids, and More

   COX-2 selective NSAIDs, gabapentin, amantadine, grapiprant, tramadol caveats, and when to layer drugs for central sensitization

   12 min