Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis

Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) involves surgical premature closure of the pelvic symphysis. This procedure must be performed at a very early age (16 weeks or younger). It results in increased coverage of the femoral heads so they seat deeper into the acetabulum when growth is complete in adulthood. JPS is a relatively minor procedure, but very early recognition of clinical signs is required. Performing JPS on dogs older than 20 weeks of age is unlikely to consistently provide desirable results. A major problem with this approach is that the hip joints may appear normal radiographically in adulthood, but the dogs’ genetic code is, of course, unaltered. Surgeons recommend spay or neuter if JPS is performed in order to prevent unethical practices for breeding purposes later in life.