Does my dog ​​suffer from hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a fairly common problem in dogs, especially in larger or more muscular breeds such as German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Old English Sheepdogs, and Bulldogs. The problem begins as early as 4 months of age when the femur and hip socket do not grow at the same rate, causing the joint to loosen and lead to degenerative joints or osteoarthritis. If you are not fully familiar with the term “dysplasia,” you can read more about the condition in our previous article from the following link.

Although hip dysplasia is a genetic condition, several factors can influence its severity, such as:

• Diet
• Environment
• Physical activity level
• Growth rate
• Muscle mass
• Hormones

Some dogs show symptoms of hip dysplasia early in life, while others may not show any signs of the condition, despite X-rays showing the condition developing. It is very important for dogs to be fed a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise throughout their lives to reduce the problematic effects of hip dysplasia.

Signs that your dog has hip dysplasia

Because hip dysplasia is quite common, it is crucial to be able to recognize the signs early to provide the best interventions and pain management for your dog.

Some common signs that your dog may be developing canine hip dysplasia include:

1. Decreased activity

If your dog has become noticeably less active, spends more time resting, or is not particularly enthusiastic about regular walks, this may be his way of coping with pain. While many people attribute their dog's sedentary nature to aging, it is possible that he is suffering from dysplasia.

2. Inability to jump or climb stairs

Your dog's hind legs play an important role in his ability to climb stairs and jump.

When hip dysplasia occurs, inflammation develops, causing your dog to suffer from a reduced range of motion than they would otherwise have. In addition, inflammation and pain in the hip joint can make using stairs a challenge for a dog with hip dysplasia.

3. Difficulty standing up

If you notice your dog getting up more slowly than usual, having great difficulty getting up from a lying position, this may be due to pain. Providing a comfortable bed or carpeted resting area will make getting up easier and reduce pain more than harder floors such as tile, linoleum or wood.

4. Changes in gait

This is sometimes called “bunny hopping” and refers to an unusual change in the way your dog walks. It is called this because dogs will lift both of their hind legs at once, as if hopping like a rabbit. This is thought to reduce the pain they experience in their hind legs and the amount of weight they carry.

5. Numbness in the extremities

If your dog's hip dysplasia is severe, you may notice lameness in the hind legs. This may be intermittent or continuous as wear and tear on your dog's hip joints increases. The resulting inflammation and pain may make it impossible for your dog to walk on his hind legs at all.

6. Hip pain and tenderness

If your dog shows signs of discomfort when you touch his hips, it may be related to hip dysplasia. As the cushioning cartilage around the hip joint and socket wears down, the skin around the area becomes tender to the touch.

While these are some common symptoms of hip dysplasia, an X-ray from your veterinarian can determine the true cause. The disease is clearly visible on X-rays as you can see how the femur and hip socket deteriorate over time.

If your furry friend has any of the above symptoms, we advise you to immediately book an appointment for dysplasia diagnosis. You can purchase a voucher through HAPPY PET NET for Early Diagnosis of Hip and Elbow Dysplasia with Dr. Kiril Georgiev and save 20% on the price of the service!

What to do for a dog showing signs of hip dysplasia?

When caring for your furry best friend, it's never too early to take action to prevent painful hip dysplasia. There are three important steps you can take to reduce the chances of your dog suffering from this debilitating condition:

• Avoid overeating.: Extra weight will put extra pressure on your hips and joints, so overeating is a bad idea.

• Don't overdo it with exercise.: While exercise is great for a growing dog, excessive physical activity will reduce the chances of hip dysplasia developing. Additionally, do not allow your puppy to play on slippery surfaces or jump from excessive heights, as this can cause permanent damage to the hips.

• Give your dog joint supplements: There are a number of high-quality supplements that will help reduce your dog's risk of developing hip dysplasia, with the most common ingredients being glucosamine and chondroitin. These will promote healthy joints in your pup and reduce the chances of him developing canine hip dysplasia. If you're not sure which supplements are right for your dog, you can make your own quick online consultation with a veterinarian via HAPPY PET NET!