Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Top Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

As pet owners, we love our furry friends immensely. So, when we see them struggling to move, whether through a genetic defect or the natural aging process, it’s tough. But by educating yourself on common health conditions, like hip dysplasia, you’ll be better equipped to proactively address complications, minimize the effects, and help your dog get more healthy, happy years with you.

What is canine hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia occurs when there is an abnormality in the formation of the hip socket. It’s common in many breeds — and while it can occur in small and medium-sized dogs, it’s especially common in larger dogs.

What causes hip dysplasia in dogs?

In normal hip development, the top of the femur, which is ball-shaped, fits easily into the concave pelvic socket, also known as acetabulum. Both are covered by cartilage that ensures a smooth range of motion and allows circular movement within the joint.

However, when dysplasia is present, the femur does not fit correctly into the pelvic socket. This is caused when either the femur or the socket is misshapen, or when the typically snug fit between the femur and socket is too loose. As a result, there’s uneven wear and tear on the cartilage, causing friction in the joint as it moves.

Dysplasia is usually caused by genetics. It can also be caused by trauma and can further be triggered or aggravated by environmental factors, like poor nutrition or an electrolyte imbalance. As something that can lead to arthritis, lameness, and a poor quality of life, it’s worth doing what you can to avoid hip dysplasia as early as possible.

Recognizing hip dysplasia in dogs

Many pet owners don’t even realize their dog is suffering from dysplasia in the early stages. Over time, they’ll begin to notice symptoms that include:

Decreased activity
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs
Lameness in the hind end
Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
Grating in the joint during movement
Loss of thigh muscle mass
Enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind limb weakness
Pain
Stiffness

If you are noticing one or more of these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian to gather as much information as possible.

Preventions and remedies

Even though Dysplasia is hereditary and might not be altogether preventable, there’s a lot you can do to minimize the effects and pain on your dog.

Screening

If you’re getting a new puppy, start by finding a reputable breeder who can demonstrate that they’ve done due diligence to screen their dogs for the disease through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). If they can’t show verification that they’ve had their dogs screened for the condition, consider moving on to another breeder who can.

If you have or are getting an adult dog, a trip to the vet for x-rays may be able to help detect early onset of the disease.

Managing and treating hip dysplasia

If you already have a dog with dysplasia, there are a number of things you can do to minimize pain. Some are easily addressed on your own at home, and some will require a bit of research. Here are relatively easy things you can do to ease the condition’s pain and slow progress:

Manage your dog’s weight to decrease stress on the hips. Keeping your dog thin will make the biggest difference for him/her.
Monitor exercise, especially on hard surfaces. A few short times of exercise a day is better than one long walk or exercise session.
Provide physical therapy. Using a certified canine rehabilitation specialist can be of big help (they will use water treadmills, teach parents specific exercises, etc).
Try acupuncture
Give your dog joint supplements
Get a prescription for pain and anti-inflammatory medications
Get your dog evaluated for surgery (in severe cases)
Consider breakthrough medical treatments

Both joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medications work well to help decrease inflammation, which, in turn, helps to reduce pain. Pain medication will ease any pain, but may not help slow the condition.

If your dog’s condition is severe, you may need to opt for surgery. While it has a high rate of success, it can be expensive — ranging anywhere from about $1,700 to $4,500.

Some dogs are also experiencing great results with new medical breakthrough treatments, like stem cell therapy. Helping treat injured or worn-out tissues with your dog’s own healthy, young, vital cells can help promote healing and decrease inflammation. It’s important to look into this before your dog is spayed or neutered however, because these cells can be non-invasively collected during the procedure.

Helping your dog live a healthier, happier life

Even though hip dysplasia is a common condition in many dogs, there’s a lot you can do now to help ensure your dog enjoys as many carefree, pain-free days as possible. The key is being aware of the symptoms and proactively learning what you can do to help your four-legged buddy stay healthy longer.