Animal Wellness Magazine Canine hip dysplasia: symptoms and treatment

Understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for canine hip dysplasia, plus ways to improve your dog’s comfort and mobility.​

Canine hip dysplasia affects dogs of all shapes and sizes. Over time, it can severely impact a dog’s quality of life. But early intervention, proper management, and advancements in veterinary medicine means affected dogs can lead long, happy, comfortable lives.

What causes hip dysplasia?​

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a developmental orthopedic condition of the coxofemoral (hip) joint. Interestingly, dogs with canine hip dysplasia start life with normal hips. As they grow, however, the joint develops abnormally.

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. It includes the head of the femur (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket). These should grow at the same rate and fit together snugly. In dogs with dysplasia, these parts do not fit together properly. This misalignment leads to joint looseness or laxity.

“Best stated, this is a loose joint that causes rubbing, grinding and non-smooth gliding, which leads to arthritis and pain,” says integrative veterinarian Dr. Randy Aronson.

This abnormal wear and tear damages the cartilage over time. It eventually results in osteoarthritis and a significant loss of hip function.

Some breeds are more susceptible​

Canine hip dysplasia can affect any dog, including mixed breeds. But medium, large and giant breeds face the highest risk. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes and Saint Bernards frequently develop the condition.

The disease also impacts certain small and medium brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. The include English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs. According to veterinarian Dr. Feargus McConnell, decades of breeding for extreme physical traits have created structural challenges in the bodies of these dogs.

Additional risk factors for hip dysplasia​

Multiple genes influence canine hip dysplasia. But genetics are only part of the story. “Genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger,” says Dr. McConnell. Several external risk factors can exacerbate the condition:

• Rapid growth and overfeeding​

Rapid growth in puppies places immense stress on developing joints. High-calorie diets or too much calcium and phosphorus can cause puppies to grow faster than their joints can handle.

• Obesity​

Every extra pound your dog carries adds unnecessary stress to compromised joints. Maintain a lean body condition from puppyhood. This can significantly delay the onset of arthritis and reduce the severity of dysplasia symptoms.

• Inappropriate exercise​

While exercise is vital, the wrong kind of activity during puppyhood can cause lasting damage. Dr. Aronson warns against repetitive, intense ball-chasing or jumping on hard surfaces too early in a dog’s life. These high-impact activities can cause microtrauma in puppies genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia.

Signs and symptoms of canine hip dysplasia​

Canine hip dysplasia symptoms often appear gradually. They can start in early adolescence and worsen with age. Common clinical signs include:

• A “bunny-hopping” gait, where the dog moves both hind legs together while running
• Difficulty getting up, lying down, or climbing stairs
• Reluctance to jump in the car or on furniture
• A “lazy sit” posture where the back legs splay out
• Decreased willingness to exercise
• Muscle loss (atrophy) in the hind legs
• Stiffness after periods of rest.

Dogs are incredibly stoic animals. Do not wait for your dog to cry or yelp before seeking help. Instead, monitor them for behavioral changes. A dog that used to bound up the stairs and now hesitates is tell you they’re in pain.

How is canine hip dysplasia diagnosed?​

Your veterinarian will start with a thorough physical examination. They will observe your dog’s gait and test range of motion in the hind legs. To confirm the diagnosis, your vet will need to take x-rays of the hip joints. Imaging allows them to see the degree of laxity and check for arthritis.

Importantly, some animals with radiographic evidence of canine hip dysplasia never show clinical signs. Their x-rays might look terrible, but the dog runs and plays without apparent discomfort. This highlights the importance of treating the patient, not just the x-ray.

Treatment options for dogs with hip dysplasia​

Treatment for canine hip dysplasia depends on the dog’s age, size and the severity of the condition. Some dogs need minimal intervention, while others require long-term medical management or surgery.

Massage therapist Ken Moench notes that care should go beyond the hip joint, taking a whole-body approach. He explains that soft-tissue restrictions throughout the body, especially in the hip flexors, pelvis and spine, can alter joint positioning. They also redistribute forces, create compensatory movement patterns, and increase joint stress.

Non-surgical management​

Conservative management aims to relieve pain and improve joint function without invasive procedures.

1. Weight management: Keep your dog lean; it’s the most effective way to reduce joint stress.
2. Physical therapy: Rehabilitation techniques such as hydrotherapy (e.g. underwater treadmills) are useful. They help build supporting muscle without putting weight on the joints.
3. Pain management: NSAIDs can reduce pain and inflammation in the short term. Alternative pain management therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and PEMF can also help.
4. Joint supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and ashwagandha help support joint health and lubricate the hips.

Surgical treatments​

For severe cases of hip dysplasia, surgery might be the best path forward.

1. Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS): Veterinarians perform this preventive surgery on puppies under five months old. The procedure alters how the pelvis grows.
2. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO): Suits younger dogs who do not yet have significant cartilage damage.
3. Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): A salvage procedure that removes the ball of the femur, allowing scar tissue to form a false joint. It works exceptionally well for smaller dogs.
4. Total Hip Replacement (THR): The gold standard for severe cases, replacing the damaged joint with prosthetic implants to provide a pain-free range of motion.

A canine hip dysplasia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it is a highly manageable condition. Early diagnosis matters enormously. Catch the signs early, modify your dog’s environment, and work closely with your veterinarian. That way, you can slow the disease’s progression.

If you notice your dog slowing down or hesitating during their daily routine, do not write it off. Consult your veterinarian right away. With the right care plan, your dog can continue to enjoy a comfortable, active, and joyful life by your side.

Can you prevent canine hip dysplasia in dogs?​

Preventing canine hip dysplasia needs to start before a puppy is even born. Responsible breeding is critical. Veterinarian Dr. Dana Varble notes that responsible breeders have their parent dogs’ hips certified by either the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or PennHIP. This helps reduce the incidence and severity of canine hip dysplasia in offspring.

Decades of OFA data show that selective breeding meaningfully reduces dysplasia rates. So if you are buying a puppy from a breeder, ask them for OFA hip scores for both parents. If they cannot provide health screening paperwork, walk away.

If you are adopting a puppy from a shelter or rescue, you probably won’t know anything about the dog’s parents. But there are steps you can take to help protect your new friend from possible hip dysplasia:

• Feed your pup a balanced, breed-appropriate diet to prevent rapid growth.
• Keep them lean.
• Stick to gentle, controlled exercise until their joints fully mature.
• Watch for any signs and symptoms of possible canine hip dysplasia. Promptly bring any concerns to your vet’s attention for diagnosis and treatment.

Living with a dog with hip dysplasia​

If your vet diagnoses your dog with hip dysplasia, make these simple adjustments around your home to improve their quality of life.

1. Provide an orthopedic bed to cushion your dog’s joints while they sleep.
2. Use ramps to help them get into the car or onto the bed.
3. Cover slippery floors with area rugs, or use dog-friendly paw grips to prevent painful slips and falls
4. Dr. Aronson emphasizes the value of rehabilitation therapy, including cold laser treatments and targeted home exercises.

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