Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)
What is Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)?
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) is a surgical procedure that reduces the severity and progression of hip dysplasia in young, growing dogs. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint is too loose or unstable. Over time, this instability can damage the hip joint and lead to arthritis, pain and reduced mobility. JPS aims to improve the stability and coverage of the hip joints while a puppy is still growing, before significant arthritis develops.
How does it work?
JPS takes advantage of the normal growth of a young puppy’s pelvis to change the orientation of the hip sockets (Figure 1). Understanding the name helps to understand what the procedure involves.
It is a surgery that can be performed on young (juvenile) dogs, where part of their growing pelvis (the pubic symphysis) is fused (symphesiodesis) to prevent further growth in that one region. Once this is fused, as the rest of the pelvis grows the shape of their hip joints are altered, and extra stability of the joint is achieved.
As a result of this stability, the severity of hip dysplasia that could eventually develop will be reduced.
Figure 1: Schematic portraying how JPS works
Does my new puppy really need surgery?
While it seems extreme to consider surgery for a problem that has not even started having much of an effect, performing JPS can save dogs from many years of pain, poor mobility, medications and supplements, and potentially even the need for more invasive and expensive surgeries such as total hip replacement.
What’s more, it is a short, minimally invasive surgery with a simple recovery that could be well worth its while in the long run.
Does it work in all dogs?
Research has shown dogs that have had a JPS before 24 weeks of age go on to develop more congruent (tighter) hip joints and less arthritis, than dogs that started with similar hips but did not have JPS surgery.
Importantly, more benefit is seen the earlier surgery is done, meaning dogs that have surgery at 16 weeks are better off than if they have surgery at 24 weeks. Another important caveat is that a benefit is only seen in dogs with moderate hip dysplasia.
In other words, dogs with severe hip dysplasia may be too severely affected to see improvement, and dogs with mild hip dysplasia (or no hip dysplasia) may not need it. The severity of hip dysplasia can be quantified in order to determine if a JPS is right for your dog using specially positioned radiographs (x-rays) called PennHIP radiographs, which we perform at all of our QVS clinics.
Should you consider JPS in your dog?
Due to the early age at which the surgery is needed to be effective, many dogs present with very mild, or even no signs of hip dysplasia.
Subtle signs include:
- A “hip sway” – swaying their back end from side to side so that each hip doesn’t need to move as far when they walk
- Stiffness, especially after resting
- Difficulty getting up, jumping, or climbing stairs
- A “bunny hopping” run (hopping on both back legs at the same time instead of striding out with one at a time)
- Little interest in exercise
Other reasons to consider screening your dog for hip dysplasia in order to consider JPS include:
- Having a known history of hip dysplasia in your dog’s genetics – hip dysplasia has a genetic component, so having a parent or sibling with hip dysplasia increases the risk of your dog being affected by it
- Having an at-risk breed – many breeds, particularly large and giant breeds, are more commonly affected by hip dysplasia, and may warrant screening as they start off a higher risk
- Being recommended by your primary care vet based on their examination during puppy vaccination visits
Next steps
If you think your puppy may have hip dysplasia, or are considering JPS surgery, please contact your regular veterinarian or one of our hospitals as soon as possible.
Because JPS is most effective in very young puppies, early assessment is essential to determine whether your puppy is still within the appropriate age window for surgery. Generally, we will arrange a consultation with one of our surgeons to assess your dog and discuss what is involved. From there, they will be booked in for specialised radiographs and surgery at an appropriate age.
Dr Ryan Swepson
Specialist - Surgery
BVSc GradDipEd MVetClinStud MVetSurg DipECVS
If you have concerns for your pet in connection to this condition we recommend discussing it with your primary care vet in the first instance, or get in touch with our team for more information.
If you need urgent medical help, contact our 24 hour Pet Emergency team at Stafford, North Lakes, or Sunshine Coast on 1300 QLD VET (1300 753 838)