What You Need to Know About Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia in dogs is more common than you think. This health condition can afflict some puppies as young as 6–12 months old. Others do not show signs until they are in their adult or senior years.

Read on to learn the causes, prevention, symptoms, treatment, and management of hip dysplasia in dogs.

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

In 1935, hip dysplasia in dogs was recognised. Experts determined that it is caused by joint laxity that results in abnormal development of the femoral and the acetabulum. In healthy dogs, the femur and the acetabulum socket should be perfectly and securely fit together within the socket.

However, affected dogs begin to have a subluxation, which means the separation of the 2 bones. Such looseness results in abnormality and joint erosion. Hip dysplasia in older dogs and younger pooches may cause pain and the development of arthritis.

Photo Credit: vcahospitals

Is hip dysplasia in dogs hereditary?

Canine hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that is often found in large breed dogs. Large mixed dog breeds are also susceptible to this health issue.

The following breeds are highly prone to developing hip dysplasia:

Aside from larger dogs, small breeds are also at risk of having hip dysplasia. French Bulldogs and Pugs are predisposed to loose hip joints. Any dog can develop hip dysplasia regardless of his size or pedigree. Therefore, all dogs must undergo hip dysplasia testing.

What causes hip dysplasia in dogs?

It is mandated by the Kennel Club to prevent breeding dogs that are diagnosed with hip medical problems. However, a puppy born from healthy breeding is not completely immune to this disease.

Dr. Jaqueline Davidson, a clinical professor, explained that hip dysplasia in dogs is multifactorial. It means many factors can cause hip dysplasia, and a genetic factor is only one. Below are the common reasons why dogs develop this health condition:

Excessive weight gain
Studies have proven that overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from hip dysplasia. The same goes for puppies that gained too much weight. Thus, sufficient exercise and a healthy and balanced diet must be incorporated into your dog care routine.
Improper diet and nutrition
Overfeeding and free-feeding your dog must be avoided as they can lead to weight gain. Obesity increases the risk of developing hip dysplasia in dogs. Food being served to dogs, especially large breeds, should be carefully measured.
Excessive exercise
Too much exercise, especially during puppyhood, can lead to hip dysplasia. The hip joint development and growth in dogs happen from birth until they reach 8 weeks old. Puppies must not be subjected to strenuous activities around this age.

Is hip dysplasia in dogs painful?

Sadly, yes, most especially in severe cases. As such, identifying such a disease in the early stage may give your dog a boost in his battle with hip dysplasia.

What are the first signs of hip dysplasia in dogs?

The symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include:

Changes in a dog’s gait
Resistance or reluctance in movements that involve flexing and extending rear legs
Runs in a “bunny hopping” gait
Difficulty in moving, jumping and running
Shows stiffness when in motion and during exercise
Limping
A decline in his level of activity
Feebleness of hind legs
Decrease of thigh muscle mass
Pain when touched on the leg or pelvis area

In extreme cases, the signs of hip dysplasia include:

Loss of significant muscle tone
Needs assistance when getting up

How is hip dysplasia in dogs diagnosed?

If your dog is exhibiting the clinical signs mentioned above, bring him to the vet immediately for diagnosis. The vet may perform a physical exam and a hip radiograph or X-ray on your dog.

They will also ask for his health history to know the factors that may have contributed to the condition’s development. The result of the radiograph will determine how severe your dog’s hip dysplasia is. This will aid the vet in finding the best treatment options for your dog.

If you want your dog’s hip dysplasia to be assessed and scored by experts, you can check out the British Veterinary Association and Kennel Club’s hip dysplasia scheme. You can also search here for health results for a dog listed in the Breed Register of the Kennel Club.

Can hip dysplasia correct itself in dogs?

No, hip dysplasia in dogs won’t correct itself. Mild cases of this condition may not greatly affect dogs. However, this is a lifelong health issue that requires long-term monitoring and management to keep it from exacerbating.

What happens if hip dysplasia is left untreated in dogs?

Without immediate proper medical treatment, it can lead to permanent immobility and lameness.

How long can a dog live with hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a painful and uncomfortable condition, but it is not life-threatening. Dogs with this condition can live long and happy lives, especially when they undergo treatment.

It is essential for dog owners to carefully manage this health problem to ensure that their pooches can live comfortably despite this condition.

Can hip dysplasia in dogs be cured?

Hip dysplasia in dogs has no certain cure. However, several treatment options can help ease this condition.

How Do I Manage Canine Hip Dysplasia?

What is the best treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs?

It depends on several factors—weight, age, the lifestyle of the dog owner, degree of hip laxity, and budget for the treatment must be taken into consideration. Lifestyle modifications, home treatments, and/or surgery may be required to treat canine hip dysplasia.

Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment

There is a variety of options in treating hip dysplasia in dogs. For mild cases, there are non-surgical approaches. The following are some helpful home remedies:

Weight monitoring
Aim to reduce your dog’s weight. This will lessen the stress in his hips or joints. Measure his food portions before feeding him. Check his weight every week to monitor his progress.You will also need to maintain your pooch’s normal body weight after he loses the extra pounds.
Joint prescription diets
Consider switching to a specialised diet that is designed for dogs with hip dysplasia. You may ask the vet about the types of food to give to your dog. Joint prescription diets help reduce inflammation and boost the healing of cartilage.As such, you should follow a healthy diet that is rich in fibre and low in fat. Avoid giving him food scraps. When given free access to any food that he wants, he may become obese. Tip: Do not allow your dog or puppy to overeat to avoid obesity.
Exercise limits
Limited exercise helps in strengthening his muscles and tendons. The exercise should be moderate but regular to help strengthen the joints. Low-impact exercises such as swimming and water treadmill are great exercises for dogs with hip dysplasia.
Can a dog walk with hip dysplasia?
Walking can be a difficult activity for dogs with hip dysplasia. Their condition hinders them from putting weight on their hindquarters. However, walking can be a good exercise for them as it builds up muscles around the joints.
It is best to consult the vet if you plan to include walking in your dog’s exercise regimen. They will assess if this activity is appropriate and safe for his condition.
Always make sure that your dog does warm-ups before the exercise and cool down after the exercise. Stay away from hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete floors when walking your dog. It’s because they add pressure to his joints, which can make his condition worse.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Aspirin is one medicine that can be given to dogs suffering from hip dysplasia. Buffered aspirin is recommended to be given with a meal.A consultation with your vet should be done for proper dosage. He may also prescribe further effective anti-inflammatory drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids.
Massage his limbs
Carefully massage your dog’s joint muscles for at least 10 minutes a day. Gently knead and rub your fingertips on the muscles surrounding his hip joints.You should be sensitive to your dog’s response. When showing any signs of discomfort, be gentle or stop the massage.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy has lots of benefits for dogs with hip dysplasia. It reduces joint pains, promotes weight loss, adds muscle mass, and enhances mobility.Hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and manual therapy are great options that you can explore. Make sure to consult the vet about it before starting.

Dog Hip Dysplasia Treatment

Severe hip dysplasia in dogs often requires surgical treatment. Below are the available surgical procedures for this orthopaedic disorder:

Total Hip Replacement (THR)
THR is said to be the best surgical approach for dogs with hip dysplasia. It can fully eliminate degenerative joints and alleviate pains caused by hip dysplasia by replacing the entire joint with metal and plastic implants.However, this is a difficult procedure that requires an equipped and skilled veterinarian to perform the surgery. In addition, the dog subjected to this kind of surgery should be skeletally mature and should weigh 16 kilos at least.
Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO)
FHO refers to the removal of the femoral head from the hip joint and forming a false joint along with the ligaments and muscles. It may not be a full recovery as having a normal hip, but it will lessen the pain caused by hip dysplasia. This procedure may be initiated on young and mature canines.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
TPO is a procedure of selective cutting of the pelvic bone and realigning the femoral head and acetabulum by merely correcting the joint subluxation.This surgery is usually initiated in young dogs of at least 10 months of age that have yet to develop severely damaged joints.
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)
10-week-old puppies and younger ones that are diagnosed with hip dysplasia can be treated through JPS.This minor surgical procedure involves stopping the development of the pubis, which is a part of the pelvis. Doing so will change the shape and growth of the pelvis and reduce hip laxity.

Dog hip dysplasia surgery costs may vary. Its average cost is £1,200–£4300, depending on the procedure performed and pet insurance cover.

How do I manage hip dysplasia in dogs?

There are many ways to help alleviate the irritation and soreness that your dog feels due to hip dysplasia. Below are simple tips that you can follow to relieve his aches and pains:

Do not expose your dog to humid and cold weather as it can aggravate his joint pains. If you need to take him for a walk during rainy or snowy days, let him wear booties to prevent him from slipping.
Consider giving him an orthopaedic dog bed. It provides proper support for his muscles and joints and evenly distributes his weight. Thus, there is less strain on his joints as he sleeps.
Your dog may find it difficult to walk on slippery surfaces. Place traction such as rugs, carpets, or mats on slippery areas in your home. This will make it easier for him to move around whilst avoiding accidents.
It is a good idea to get your dog a hip brace for joint support. The hip brace will provide him with compression and support to keep your dog mobile and active.

For dogs with hip dysplasia that experience excruciating pain whilst walking or standing, a dog wheelchair can help ease their discomfort and mobility issues.

How to prevent hip dysplasia in dogs?

Preventive measures should start during your dog’s puppyhood. This will greatly help in making him less susceptible to hip dysplasia. Listed below are some ways to prevent your dog from developing this disease:

Do your research.
For those looking for a new dog, make sure to do thorough research related to the breed you want. Remember that some dogs are more prone to hip dysplasia than others.It is also crucial to search for a reputable breeder that provides necessary health tests, including hip dysplasia. Their dog’s lineage should have health certifications to ensure that they have low chances of developing and passing on hip dysplasia.It is also advised that you check 3–4 generations of dogs before deciding which pooch to take home. It lessens the probability of acquiring a dog that’s highly susceptible to hip dysplasia.
Provide your dog with a balanced and healthy diet.
Studies show that maintaining a healthy body weight inhibits the development of hip dysplasia in dogs. Thus, make sure to feed your pooch appropriate amounts of food and avoid overfeeding.Stay away from a high-fat, high-calorie, and high-protein diet. This spurs rapid bone growth, which triggers genetic health issues such as hip dysplasia.Monitor your dog’s weight weekly as it allows you to detect changes quickly. In this way, making adjustments in his diet to help him maintain a healthy body weight will be easier to do.
Give him a suitable exercise regimen.
Studies suggest that puppies less than 3 months old that frequently use the stairs are at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. Thus, jumping should also be minimised as it puts pressure on their hip joints.Restrict your pooch from climbing on stairs, leaping off furniture, and running long distances. Long walks should also be avoided. If possible, do not play high-impact games with your dog like Frisbee and leaping to catch balls.It is important to find an appropriate exercise area for him. It should be a place with soft ground and park-like terrain. It will cushion his joints, preventing them from straining too much. Ask the vet to help you put together a suitable exercise regimen for your puppy.
Provide him with joint supplements.
Administering joint supplements to your dog can lessen the chances of hip dysplasia development. It should contain enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to adequately supplement his health.As finding the right joint supplement can be tricky, consult the vet first. They will help you choose a suitable one for your pooch and provide you with the appropriate dosage.Large dog breeds suffering from arthritis due to hip dysplasia may be prescribed chewable glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.