Written by: Rachel Holly
Vet reviewed by: James Reynolds, DVM, Williamson Co. Animal Hospital
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in the canine world. While other species such as cats can be affected, it is most often seen in dogs. Hip dysplasia can be painful, debilitating, and lessen your dog’s quality of life. However, educating yourself on its causes, management, and available treatments can help you lessen its effects on your pet’s well-being.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
To understand hip dysplasia we first have to understand the anatomy of a healthy hip joint. It is a ball and socket joint connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the hip. The femur is the “ball” and the cup-shaped cavity it fits into is the “socket. Normally it is a smooth snug fit that is sturdy yet allows for rotation.
Essentially, hip dysplasia is an abnormally developed hip joint. It occurs when the femur head is malformed and does not fit properly in the socket. This can cause rubbing and grinding within the socket which leads to pain, inflammation, laxity, and increased joint instability. Check out this page: it has a couple of x-rays that clearly show the difference between a normal hip joint and hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia can range from very mild to severe. It can also increase in severity over time so if a puppy has mild hip dysplasia it may well progress to being severe as they age.
What Dogs Are At Risk For Hip Dysplasia and How Do They Get It?
Hip dysplasia is most common in large and giant breeds such as German Shepherds, Gold Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Great Danes. However, it can be diagnosed in dogs of any size or breed. It is primarily a hereditary disease and often detected in puppy-hood but can occur in conjunction with osteoarthritis in senior dogs.
While genetics plays a huge role in the development of hip dysplasia, there are other factors that can cause it. Outside of genetics, obesity is the most significant factor in a dog’s risk of hip dysplasia. Also, large breed puppies that don’t receive the proper nutrition for their breed can often experience excessive growth rates that increase their risks of hip dysplasia.
What Are The Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia?
The symptoms of hip dysplasia a dog exhibits will vary depending on the level of deterioration of the joint. Not all dogs will show every symptom but here is what to watch out for:
-reduced range of motion
-stiffness/lameness
-limping/ favoring one leg
-decreased activity
-hesitancy to climb stairs, jump in car or on furniture
-difficulty rising
change in gait – swaying, exaggerated movement
muscle atrophy in the hindquarters
How Is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?
Identifying hip dysplasia early is crucial for effective management. Diagnosing hip dysplasia is relatively straightforward. Your vet will physically exam your dog and manipulate the hip joints, feeling for stiffness, creaking, or laxity. An x-ray will show the hip joint in all its detail and a definitive diagnosis can be made.
Treatment for Hip Dysplasia
Treatment options for hip dysplasia, like most join conditions, focuses on both pain management and improving joint function while limiting further deterioration. Depending on the severity of the condition, this will include:
Lifestyle Changes– Making changes to your dog’s exercise routine, buying orthopedic bedding, and feeding them a prescription diet for joint health can help lessen the effects of this condition.
Weight Management– Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for a pet with any joint issues. Excess weight puts additional strain on the hips, exacerbating pain and dysfunction. A balanced diet and regular exercise as suggested by your vet can help your dog lose weight and not just help with the joint issues but improve their overall health as well.
Medications– You vet may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that help manage pain and inflammation. They may also recommend joint supplements, that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, to support joint health that are specifically formulated for dogs. Never give your dog human medications or supplements. Injectable therapies are also available.
Physical Therapy– Engaging in physical therapy can help improve mobility and strengthen muscles around the hip joint. Various options include hydrotherapy, massage, and targeted exercises.
Surgery– In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Options include:
Double or Triple Pelvic Ostectomy – surgical manipulation of the pelvic bone to make the femur fit tighter (usually for young dogs)
Femoral Head Ostectomy- removal of the femur head to create a “false” joint; usually a option for smaller dogs under 50lbs.
Total Hip Replacement- Yes, just like in humans, the entire joint is replaced with a metal or plastic prosthetic.
Keep in mind that your dog’s overall health and age will be a factor in whether surgery is an appropriate choice for them
Alternative Therapies– Acupuncture and laser therapy are becoming increasingly popular for pain management and improving joint function in pets.
Preventing Hip Dysplasia
For those considering buying a puppy from a breeder, seek a reputable one who screens their potential breeding dogs. These screening tests rate their hips and can decrease the chance that their offspring will suffer from this condition. You can find out more about this by talking with your veterinarian or visiting the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals website for more details.
Also, keeping your dog’s weight in check is not just good for overall health, can lessen the risk of hip dysplasia as well. When possible, prevention is always better than treatment!
Conclusion
Hip dysplasia can significantly affect a dog’s quality of life, but with early diagnosis and a treatment plan, many dogs lead active, happy lives. Regular veterinary check-ups and a proactive approach to care are vital to lessening the suffering caused by hip dysplasia. If you suspect your dog may have hip dysplasia, consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment options.
