Dogs and Hip Dysplasia

It can be disheartening to discover that your pet can no longer get around like he used to. While mobility problems in dogs can be caused by a wide range of conditions, hip dysplasia is a common reason. Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is an inherited orthopedic condition that typically develops in large- and giant-breed dogs, although small dogs are not immune. While this condition cannot always be prevented, there are things you can do as a responsible pet owner to keep your pet healthy, comfortable, and active. 

What Exactly Is Hip Dysplasia and What Causes It?

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a skeletal condition that affects the hip joint. Much like in humans, the hip joint functions as a ball and socket, allowing your pet to run, jump, and play. When this ball and socket do not develop properly, it can cause the joints to grind and rub together rather than slide smoothly. Over time, this improper movement of the joints can lead to deterioration and eventually loss of function.

While CHD is a genetic condition, there are environmental influences that can further exacerbate the problem, such as growth rate and nutrition. Rapid growth in puppies, sometimes caused by overfeeding, can increase a pet’s risk of hip dysplasia, especially in breeds predisposed to CHD. Too much or too little exercise and an unbalanced diet can worsen symptoms. Certain breeds are at a much higher risk of developing hip dysplasia, such as German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, and Golden Retrievers.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia

Pets can develop hip dysplasia at any age. At first, the condition may go undetected. However, your dog may start to exhibit signs of CHD as it gets older. Clinical signs of the condition may include:

• Limping with no previous injury or trauma
• Occasional or chronic lameness
• Having difficulty standing up
• The act of “bunny hopping,” especially when going up stairs
• Abnormal sitting positions
• Trouble getting on and off furniture and in and out of vehicles

Dogs as young as six to 12 months old can show signs of hip dysplasia, as the hip joints are still developing at this stage. Early intervention is important to gain control over the condition before symptoms begin to interfere with your pet’s comfort and quality of life.

How Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Diagnosed?

Canine hip dysplasia is typically diagnosed using a combination of diagnostic tools and evaluations. First, your vet will perform a thorough physical exam which may involve the palpation of the hip joint. The palpation method is known as the Ortolani Sign and is considered the gold standard for early diagnosis in puppies. This technique can be performed on dogs as early as 10 to 16 weeks old.

Next, radiographs may be taken to get a closer look at the bones. This imaging may require your pet to be sedated. The condition of the hips is then graded by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), as well as assigned a provisional certification for dogs under two years of age. As subtle changes in hip development can be difficult to detect on radiographs, imaging is often accompanied by a physical exam.

Treatment and Management of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Today, there are more treatment options than ever before to help dogs with hip dysplasia. How well your pet responds to these treatments depends on several factors, including their age, the severity of the condition, and their response to therapies. Fortunately, most cases of CHD can be managed with the help of a knowledgeable veterinarian.

First, your vet may recommend helping your dog reach or maintain a healthy body weight to prevent excess strain on the joints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to your dog to help with swelling and inflammation and to manage discomfort. Omega-3 fatty acids and cartilage protective supplements may also be encouraged to further promote joint health.

Some canines may be good candidates for surgery, especially if their condition has progressed rapidly. Although there are many surgical strategies designed to treat or manage hip dysplasia, the most common include femoral head ostectomy (FHO), double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO), and in severe cases, total hip replacement (THR).

If the condition is diagnosed early in puppyhood, your vet may suggest a joint-preserving procedure. Juvenile Pubic Symphsiodesis (JPS) is a minimally invasive procedure generally performed between 12 and 20 weeks of age. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy is recommended before orthopedic maturity and involves placing implants in the pelvic bones. Performing these procedures within a certain window boosts success rates.

Prognosis for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia

Many dogs that develop hip dysplasia lead long and healthy lives, especially with early intervention and treatment. As the condition can worsen over time due to age and lifestyle changes, it may be necessary to adjust treatment to keep your pet comfortable.

Prevention is also an important component of managing this condition. If you adopt a predisposed breed, your puppy should be screened for hip laxity before reaching 20 weeks of age. Use a properly formulated diet and avoid overfeeding to help your pet maintain a healthy weight. Finally, work with your vet to manage your dog’s condition to keep your pet healthy, active, and pain-free.