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Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis
(JPS) In The Dog
A Preventative Surgery
For Hip Dysplasia
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The procedure, known as Juvenile
Pubic Symphysiodesis, or JPS, is a procedure which can be performed on dogs
from 16-20 weeks of age. After puppies reach 20 weeks of age, the
surgery offers little, if any, benefit. It is a technique of correcting
the anatomy of the pelvis in a dog that is still growing. JPS is a relatively
minor procedure, but does require general anesthesia. Juvenile Pubic
Symphysidesis (JPS), is less invasive than other treatments and shows great
promise as a permanent preventive measure. An electro-scalpel is used to
close the growth plate on the floor of the pelvis. With normal growth occurring
in the rest of the pelvis, the hip sockets then rotate outward. This procedure
must be performed on dogs between 12 and 20 weeks of age, before significant
pelvic growth has occurred.A small incision is made over the pubic bone,
and the pubic growth plate is destroyed with electrocautery. This causes
a change in the growth pattern of the pelvis, so that the top of the pelvic
socket (acetabulum) grows over the head of the femur, effectively trapping
the femoral head in the socket of the hip joint. The end result is
a much more stable hip, and greatly decreased arthritis as the puppy ages.
This procedure has been shown to be safe, rapid, and effective in dogs
less than 20 weeks of age. The procedure is useful in very young puppies
who already have measureable laxity of the hip joints. Puppies are
screened for hip laxity when they are presented for vaccinations by palpating
and manipulating the hip joints. If a puppy's hips appear to be loose
on physical examination, the degree of laxity can be measured by the Penn
Hip X-ray method. If a puppy has significant laxity of the hip joints
as determined by Penn Hip radiographs, JPS is recommended.
The best time to perform a JPS, is when the dog is being spayed
or neutered. The animal only needs to be anesthesized once, and both surgical
procedures are in the same area of the body. The incision for the JPS is
about 3-4 inches long.
The above information is simply informational. It's intent
is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making
a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for
confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
