Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Owners of large breed dogs may be familiar with the words "hip dysplasia," but it can happen to dogs of any size.

But what exactly is hip dysplasia and why is it such a problem for pet owners? In today's article, you'll find everything you need to know about hip dysplasia in dogs - from signs and symptoms to treatment and care.

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia is a condition that occurs during the growth stage in dogs. It results in hip joints that do not fit properly and are “loose” than normal.

In its early stages, hip dysplasia may or may not be painful. But as the condition progresses, the cartilage in the hip begins to wear away. This leads to painful arthritis, bone spurs and other joint changes, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility.

Hip dysplasia most often affects stocky, large breed dogs, and research shows that it is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

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Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs

Some dogs start showing signs of hip dysplasia as early as four months of age. Others develop it in conjunction with osteoarthritis as they age. In both cases, there are several symptoms that owners should be aware of. These symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the level of inflammation, the degree of joint laxity, and how long the dog has had hip dysplasia.

• Reduced physical activity
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty or reluctance in standing, jumping, running, or climbing stairs
• Lameness in the hind limbs
• A swaying gait of the so-called "hopping bunny".
• Rubbing in the joint during movement
• Loss of muscle mass in the thighs
• Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind end
• Pain
• Stiffness or limping

Which dog breeds are prone to hip dysplasia?

German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are commonly affected breeds, but all large and giant breed dogs are at a higher than average risk of canine hip dysplasia.

Other breeds for which hip dysplasia is particularly dangerous include:

• Bulldogs
• Mastiffs
• San Bernardino
• Basset Hounds
• Hounds
• Newfoundlands
• Pit bulls
• Chow Chow
• Rottweilers
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

If you have a large or giant breed dog, our advice is to make an appointment for early diagnosis of hip and elbow dysplasia.

Diagnosing hip dysplasia in dogs

Sometimes a routine check-up is enough for your veterinarian to suspect hip dysplasia. In other cases, owners should notify veterinarians when their dogs are experiencing discomfort.

One of the first things your veterinarian may do is manipulate your dog's hind legs to check for joint laxity. They will likely check for creaking, pain, or decreased range of motion. Your dog's physical examination may include a blood test, as inflammation due to joint disease can be shown in a complete blood count. Your veterinarian will also need your dog's health history and symptoms, any possible accidents or injuries that may have contributed to these symptoms, and any information you have about your dog's background.

A definitive diagnosis usually comes with a radiograph, or X-ray. Your vet will take X-rays of your dog's hips to determine the extent and severity of hip dysplasia. These will help determine the best course of treatment for your dog.

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Treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs

There are many options for treating hip dysplasia in dogs, ranging from lifestyle changes to surgery. If your dog's hip dysplasia is not severe or if your dog is not a candidate for surgery for medical or financial reasons, your veterinarian may recommend a nonsurgical approach. Depending on your dog's case, there are several options that are appropriate:

• Weight loss to relieve stress on hips
• Limiting exercise, especially on hard surfaces
• Physical therapy
• Joint supplements
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids)
• Joint fluid modifiers

If your dog is a good candidate for surgery, there are more options. Although there are quite a few different surgical strategies, the most common surgeries that veterinarians use to treat hip dysplasia in dogs are:

• Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO)
• Femoral head ostectomy (FHO)
• Total hip replacement (THR)

DPO/TPO

DPO/TPO surgery is usually performed on young dogs under 10 months of age. In this surgery, the function of the ball and socket joint is improved by selectively cutting the pelvic bone and rotating the segments.

FHO

FHO surgery can be performed on young and mature dogs. The surgery involves cutting away the head of the femur, or the “ball” of the hip joint. After the procedure, the body creates a “fake” joint that reduces the discomfort associated with hip dysplasia. Although FHO does not recreate the normal function of the hip joint, it can be a successful pain management strategy.

THR

The most effective surgical treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs is total hip replacement. The surgeon replaces the entire joint with metal and plastic implants. This returns the function of the hip joint to a more normal range and eliminates most of the discomfort associated with hip dysplasia.

Preventing hip dysplasia in dogs

Not all cases of hip dysplasia can be prevented. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of your dog developing this condition. Dr. Kiril Georgiev advises that checkups begin in your dog's early months.

Feeding your puppy an appropriate diet will give him a head start on developing healthy bones and joints and help prevent the excessive growth that leads to the disease.

As your dog grows, providing appropriate levels of exercise and a healthy canine diet will prevent obesity, which is a major contributing factor to hip dysplasia. Additionally, obesity causes many other health problems in dogs, so refrain from table scraps and fatty foods.

As a prospective new dog owner, do your research on the breed you have chosen.