Negative Ortolani test in an adult dog with hip dysplasia
14-month-old Labrador Retriever. At 5 months, under sedation, he had a bilateral positive Ortolani sign. He now shows stiffness on rising and reduced exercise tolerance, and under sedation the Ortolani test is negative in both hips, with crepitus and reduced abduction.
How do you interpret the negative Ortolani test?
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A. The hips have stabilised with growth and the dysplasia has resolved
The clinical signs have worsened and there is crepitus and reduced abduction: the sign has not disappeared through healing but through remodelling.
B. It reflects capsular fibrosis and osteoarthritic remodelling of the acetabulum, not an improvement
Correct. With osteoarthritis the capsule thickens, the acetabulum fills in and its dorsal rim wears down, so the reduction "clunk" no longer occurs. The Ortolani test loses sensitivity in adults with advanced dysplasia.
C. The test is falsely negative because of sedation; it must be done with the dog awake
Sedation improves the sensitivity of the Ortolani test by removing muscle tension. Awake, the dog usually contracts its muscles and masks the laxity.
D. At this age it should be replaced by the Barden test, which is more reliable in adults
The Barden test (lateral lifting of the femur in lateral recumbency) was described for very young puppies and has poor repeatability; it is not useful in adults with osteoarthritis either.
lightbulb Key takeaway
The Ortolani test is most useful in puppies and young dogs with laxity, ideally under sedation: an early positive allows preventive options to be considered at the right time. In adults, a negative Ortolani does not rule out dysplasia; confirmation and severity are established radiographically.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.