10 Dog Breeds Prone to Hip Dysplasia

Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is one of the most common joint problems in dogs. It can be very painful and ultimately causes dogs to be reluctant to participate in their favorite activities or even interact with their owners.

Most affected dogs are born with the condition, and because it can be genetic, some breeds are predisposed to hip dysplasia. There is no way pet owners can prevent the condition. However, there are many steps you can take to reduce its impact on your dog's health, comfort, and longevity. Prevention is one of those steps. You can make an appointment for a Early diagnosis of hip and elbow dysplasia with Dr. Kiril Georgiev and save 50 leva on the price of the service!

Hip dysplasia: what exactly is it?

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The ball that forms the top of a dog's thigh bone sits in a socket formed by part of the pelvic bone to create the hip joint. In some dogs, due to abnormal bone development or trauma, the joint does not fit properly. This condition is known as hip dysplasia.

The socket may not be properly formed or the ball of the femur may not fit properly. Damage to the articular cartilage, osteoarthritis, and possibly pain with movement can result. Despite a common misconception, dogs are usually born with hip dysplasia. What develops over time is the pain of osteoarthritis caused by a poorly developed hip joint.

A severe injury – such as being hit by a car – can also damage the hip joint and cause hip dysplasia.

The severity of the joint abnormalities does not always correlate with the severity of the pain. In some dogs, pain and mobility problems from hip dysplasia take many years to appear, while other affected dogs may show signs even before they are fully grown.

Which dog breeds are prone to developing hip dysplasia?

Various dog breeds are at high risk of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, meaning there is a genetic basis for both the likelihood and severity of the condition. Here are the dog breeds most likely to develop the condition.

German shepherd

German Shepherds are one of the breeds most prone to developing hip dysplasia, as well as developing a genetic problem with the nerves leading to their hind limbs (degenerative myelopathy). This combination of hip problems is all the more reason to keep your German at a normal weight and well-muscled to reduce the impact of these terrible conditions.

Corgi

Corgis are a chondrodysplastic breed, meaning they have an unusual body shape (long body and short legs). This body shape puts extra strain on all weight-bearing joints, so even mild hip dysplasia can lead to severe osteoarthritis and difficulty with normal daily activities.

Labrador and Golden Retriever

Both Labradors and Golden Retrievers have a strong genetic risk of developing hip dysplasia and are prone to weight gain. Studies have shown that being overweight worsens the symptoms of hip dysplasia, including pain, reluctance to exercise, and difficulty moving. Separately, a study on Labradors often cited by veterinarians, finds that "skinny labs live longer" by almost two years! This difference is largely due to life-threatening loss of mobility in the more overweight group."

English and French Bulldog

Brachycephalic or short-faced dogs (such as English bulldogs and French bulldogs) often have poorly fitting joints, including the elbow, knee, and hip. Hip dysplasia can manifest early in life with symptoms such as limping or hopping from foot to foot as the puppy grows.

Giant dog breeds

Giant dog breeds have special needs during their growth and development stages to maintain healthy bones and joints. Although they are known for being lazy as they age, large breed puppies need the right types of exercise at the right times and the right nutritional balance during their growth spurts. Many giant breeds – such as Great Dane, St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog и the mastiffs are more prone to developing hip dysplasia and overall joint problems.

Can hip dysplasia in dogs be prevented?

Hip dysplasia is not preventable. In the majority of cases, affected dogs are born with poorly structured hips. Therefore, if you decide to purchase a puppy, you can reduce your risk by only purchasing puppies from quality breeders who have passed their joint testing. In high-risk breeds, both male and female dogs should be tested for hip conformation before breeding. Reputable breeders will be happy to share this information with you.

Rarely, a hip injury will cause damage to the joint and cause dysplasia. Typically, these types of injuries are accidents, and although pet owners do everything they can to keep their pets safe, accidents do happen.

What can be done in such a case? If your dog is still small, it is imperative to have an early diagnosis for dysplasia to detect the problem in time. Depending on the condition of your puppy, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon can guide you to the appropriate treatment.