The coxofemoral joint in this dog has developmental abnormalities leading to repeated 
trauma, inflammation, and pain. The dog, a 9 month old Rottweiler, is being fed an 
appropriate large breed dog food but is allowed to eat free choice.  The extra nutrients 
consumed allow for an accelerated growth rate.  The muscles cannot develop and mature 
fast enough for the rapidly growing bones and thus cannot hold the femur into the 
acetabulum.  Without the head of the femur juxtaposed to it, the acetabulum cannot mold 
itself correctly to the femoral head.  This results in a poorly conformed coxofemoral joint.  
This is supported by the positive Ortalani sign reflecting increased laxity because of poor 
articulation of the joint.  This poor articulation can cause trauma to the dorsal acetabulum 
or the articular cartilages.  The trauma induces an inflammatory response causing the 
release of cytokines resulting in pain. The pain is worse after initial movement of the 
joint and after periods of prolonged usage.