Comprehensive Guide to Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last reviewed on June 20, 2024

If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.

Introduction to Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Did you know that hip dysplasia in dogs is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems they experience? However, this is one of the few straightforward aspects of hip dysplasia in dogs.

Some dogs have terrible hips on X-ray but never limp.
Others have crippling hip pain, yet their radiographs show minimal issues.

For most people, a diagnosis of hip dysplasia in their dog brings a sinking feeling. However, the future may not be as bleak as you first fear.

Learn more about interpreting pet X-rays.

What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Hip dysplasia in dogs means clunky hip joints. Instead of rolling smoothly, the joint knocks, clunks, catches, and pops out of place, causing inflammation and pain. A healthy hip joint consists of the following: A smooth, round ball (the femoral head) A matching cup in the pelvis (the acetabulum)

In hip dysplasia, the femoral head is flat or has corners, leading to a poor fit in the acetabulum. This improper fit causes rubbing, inflammation, and pain. Complications include: Lax ligaments Stretched joint capsules Chipped joint lining

These issues lead to hind leg lameness in dogs. For a visual comparison, check out the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals side-by-side X-rays.

What Causes Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a multifactorial condition, meaning it takes a combination of factors to develop. These include:

Genetic factors: The biggest risk factor is inheriting hip dysplasia genes from the parent dogs. Learn more about genetic factors.
Nutrition
Weight: Being overweight can exacerbate the condition. Read about the impact of weight on dog health.
Exercise

For example, a dog may inherit genes for hip dysplasia but remain unaffected if they have a good diet, stay slim, and avoid excessive exercise during early development.

The perfect storm for developing hip dysplasia includes: Being an at-risk breed Rapid bone growth Overweight

Excessive energy while joints are still developing

While some factors are uncontrollable, others, like diet and exercise, can be managed to reduce the risk.

Which Are the At-Risk Hip Dysplasia Dog Breeds?

Any dog can develop hip dysplasia due to trauma or poor diet, but some breeds are more genetically predisposed to the condition. These at-risk breeds include: Golden Retrievers German Shepherd Dogs Labrador Retrievers Border Collies Bulldogs Saint Bernards Leonbergers

You can reduce the risk of buying a puppy with bad hips by carefully screening breeders. Look for a responsible breeder who screens the parents for hip dysplasia. If all breeders used only dogs with good hips, the incidence of hip dysplasia would be greatly reduced.

What Are the Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Not all cases of hip dysplasia in dogs present the same way. A young dog with hip dysplasia may not be in pain but might struggle with running and jumping due to mechanical changes in the hip joints. Conversely, an older dog who has developed chronic arthritis is more likely to suffer from discomfort. Learn more about treating arthritis in older dogs. Clues to hip discomfort include:

Difficulty jumping into the car or going upstairs (using a dog ramp can help)
Bunny hopping (moving both back legs together)
A swaying hind leg gait
Poor muscle bulk over the hips and thighs
Shifting weight onto the front legs
Hind leg lameness
Reluctance or difficulty getting up
Change in character, such as unusual grumpiness

Bear in mind that hind limb lameness is not always specific to hip joints. For example, a dog with a thorn in a back paw will also be lame, and it’s unrelated to their hip. Therefore, don’t assume lameness is due to hip dysplasia—diagnosis requires tests.

Any dog can develop hip dysplasia due to trauma or poor diet, but some breeds are more at risk than others. Photo: pasja1000

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Hip Dysplasia

If you suspect your dog has hip dysplasia, the first step is to consult your veterinarian. They can provide valuable insights by observing your dog's movements and feeling the hips. However, to confirm the diagnosis, radiography and examining the legs under anesthesia or deep sedation are necessary. Key points to consider:

Not all dogs with poorly shaped hips on X-ray exhibit problems. Some cope well, and the issue is only discovered due to radiographs taken for other reasons.
Feeling the hips is crucial. Certain movements can cause the hips to pop in and out of the joint, making normal steps challenging. The vet can mimic these movements while the dog is asleep to assess hip stability.
Diagnosing young dogs (typically under 2 years old) can be tricky due to their naturally "lax" joints, which allow for growth.

Regular check-ups and early detection are essential for managing hip dysplasia effectively.

Is Hip Dysplasia Curable in Dogs?

No, hip dysplasia in dogs is not curable. However, you can make a significant difference in managing the condition. Key points to consider:

Proper Nutrition: Feeding a German Shepherd puppy food meant for a Yorkie, or overfeeding a puppy, can push the dog toward hip dysplasia. One-size-fits-all puppy foods are designed for small breeds, causing large- or giant-breed pups' bones to grow too quickly, leading to poor joint health. Instead, feed a special food designed for large- or giant-breed pups and keep the puppy slim.
Weight Management: Overfeeding a puppy means their tender joints carry too much weight, increasing the risk of damage.
Exercise Management: Avoid overstressing the joints with excessive exercise. If the muscles get tired, the dog will move sloppily, increasing the chance of damaging the joint lining. Ensure the pup always has a spring in their step.

By managing diet and exercise, you can greatly improve your dog's quality of life, even if hip dysplasia cannot be cured.

What Is the Best Hip Dysplasia Treatment?

The best treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs depends on the severity of the condition and the individual dog's needs.

Mild to Moderate Cases

For mild hip dysplasia, treatment involves: Rest and pain relief: Use judiciously as needed.

Nutraceuticals: Supplements that support joint health.
Anti-inflammatories and pain relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. This helps lower the risk of arthritis and keeps the dog comfortable. Learn more about pain relief for pets.

Some dogs may need occasional pain relief, while others require it consistently. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Severe Cases

For severe cases or when pain relief is insufficient, surgery may be necessary. The type of operation depends on the dog's age and the presence of complications such as arthritis. Options include:

Pelvic angulation adjustment: Suitable for young pups without arthritis.
Total hip replacement: Necessary for older dogs with fused hips. This is a specialist surgery assessed by a veterinary orthopedic surgeon. Learn more about total hip replacement.

For more information on hip dysplasia surgery, consult with a veterinary orthopedic surgeon.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Hip dysplasia surgery is expensive. For example, a total hip replacement for a medium-sized dog can cost over $8,400.

Managing Costs

Insurance: Having your pet insured from a young age can save a lot of heartache and financial stress. Learn more about pet insurance.

Considering the high cost of surgery, pet insurance is a valuable investment to manage unexpected medical expenses.

In the video below, Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, discusses treatment alternatives for those who cannot afford hip dysplasia surgery for their dog:

What Are the Options for At-Home Treatment?

While no single solution will completely alleviate hip dysplasia, combining several approaches can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life. Here are some effective at-home treatments:

Nutraceuticals: A good-quality supplement containing chondroitin and glucosamine helps nourish the joints, promoting better lubrication and smoother movement. Learn more about joint supplements.
Diet: Feed large-breed puppies food designed for their growth needs. Read about proper nutrition for large-breed dogs.
Weight Management: Learn to body-score your dog and aim for a score of 4–5 out of 9. Find out how to body-score your dog.
Exercise: Keep your dog moving to strengthen the muscles supporting the hips. However, avoid overtiring them. Non-weight bearing activities like swimming or hydrotherapy are excellent.
Physiotherapy: Consulting a veterinary physiotherapist can be invaluable. They can teach you home exercises to strengthen vital hip muscles and keep your dog active.
Heat Therapy: Providing a warm bed can help soothe sore joints. For especially sore times, warm wheat bags can provide relief.
Alternative Therapies: Consider using a TENS machine on the dog’s hips or consulting a veterinary acupuncturist. Learn more about TENS machines and veterinary acupuncture.
Laser Therapy: Infrared heat or laser therapy can help reduce pain and discomfort. Explore trends in veterinary laser therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy: Keep an eye on research into stem cell therapy, a developing field that holds promise for treating hip dysplasia. Read about stem cell therapy for dogs.

Combining these treatments can make a significant difference in managing hip dysplasia and improving your dog's quality of life.

How Long Can a Dog Live With Hip Dysplasia?

The lifespan of a dog with hip dysplasia is multifactorial, depending on various factors such as: Age Complications Severity of the condition Your budget for treatment

With proper management and care, dogs with hip dysplasia can live a normal and fulfilling life.

Key Factors for Longevity

Surgery: If you can afford hip replacement surgery, even the most severe cases can be significantly improved.
Proper Nutrition and Exercise: Feeding your dog a proper diet, ensuring sensible exercise, and providing pain relief when necessary can prevent the disease from progressing.
Pain Management: Regular pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications can help maintain your dog's quality of life.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the diagnosis, focus on the factors you can control. This proactive approach can help keep your dog active and happy for many years.

Preventing Hip Dysplasia in Puppies

Preventing hip dysplasia in puppies involves focusing on three key areas: diet, exercise, and breeding practices.

Diet: Feed large-breed puppies food designed for their growth needs to prevent rapid bone growth and joint issues.
Exercise: Encourage moderate, non-impact exercise to strengthen muscles without overstraining the joints.
Breeding Practices: Choose responsible breeders who screen for hip dysplasia to reduce the incidence of the condition in future generations.

Ensuring proper care from a young age can significantly reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions

Hip dysplasia is a condition where a dog's hip joint is improperly formed, causing it to rub and grind instead of moving smoothly.

Prevent hip dysplasia by feeding a proper diet, encouraging moderate exercise, and choosing responsible breeders who screen for the condition.

The first signs of hip dysplasia include difficulty jumping, a swaying gait, and hind leg lameness.

Treat hip dysplasia with a combination of weight management, pain relief, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery.

Hip dysplasia often looks like a dog having difficulty with movement, displaying a swaying gait, or showing signs of pain and lameness in the hind legs.

References

Ward, Ernest, DVM. "Hip Dysplasia in Dogs." VCA Hospitals. 2015. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs.
Harari, Joseph, DVM, DACVS. "Hip Dysplasia in Small Animals." Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/arthropathies-and-related-disorders-in-small-animals/hip-dysplasia-in-small-animals.
"Hip Dysplasia." Fitzpatrick Referrals. https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/hip-dysplasia/.
American Kennel Club. "Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment." AKC. 2024. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/.