
Hip dysplasia in dogs
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that cannot be cured. But there are ways to manage the condition if your dog is diagnosed.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition found in dogs. It develops from an early age, but the signs may not appear until much later in life. The condition can cause a lot of pain and stiffness, and it can lead to arthritis of the affected joint.
What is hip dysplasia?
Dysplasia (meaning ‘abnormality of development’) is when a dog’s hip joint grows abnormally. This causes unusual wear and tear on the joint surfaces. The wear and tear can cause inflammation which creates swelling and pain for your dog.
Causes of hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia can affect all dogs, but more medium to large breeds suffer from the condition. This can be made worse if your dog is overweight due to the increased strain this puts on their joints.
Although the problem arises from genes, development of the condition can also be affected by how much exercise your dog receives as a puppy, their weight and their general bone development.
What are the signs of hip dysplasia in dogs?
The key symptoms of hip dysplasia can vary but include:
- stiffness
- difficulty moving around (especially when getting up or lying down)
- limping on one or both legs
- an abnormal gait – you may notice your dog has a swaying walk or runs with both back legs moving together
- reluctant to play or go for walks
- quiet or depressed behaviour
- unsteady on their feet
- poor muscle development over the rear end
Dogs can show signs of hip dysplasia between six to 12 months old. This is because, while this is a genetic condition controlled by multiple genes and passed from generation to generation, the hip joint is still developing in young dogs.
Important
Dogs are very good at hiding their signs of pain, especially when at home – they do not usually cry in pain. It’s important to keep an eye on them and take them to a vet if you see them displaying any of the above symptoms.
How is hip dysplasia treated?
Non-surgical treatment
Depending on the severity of the condition, your vet may suggest non-surgical treatment for your dog. This could include:
- anti-inflammatories to help your dog with the pain
- a special diet (if they're overweight)
- a managed exercise regime
- physiotherapy
- plenty of rest with limited, controlled exercise
- hydrotherapy
The above non-surgical treatments can help to alleviate some of your dog's discomfort. But the symptoms of hip dysplasia can occur throughout their lives, and they may need ongoing support.
Surgery
In severe cases, when your dog does not improve and is still in pain, your vet may advise surgery. They will discuss a few different options with you.
The options for surgery will vary, but all procedures will aim to stabilise the hip to reduce pain.
Are there specific breeds that are more prone to hip dysplasia?
While any dog can develop hip dysplasia, it is more often seen in:
- Labradors
- golden retrievers
- German shepherds
- Rottweilers
- French bulldogs
Medium and large dogs are most at risk of hip dysplasia.
If you're considering buying a puppy, it's important to choose a breeder who screens their dogs for hereditary problems. It's also important to screen your dog for health problems if you're considering breeding from them.
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Reviewed
• 29 July 2024
Next review
• 29 July 2027