?imgeng=/w_auto,140/h_53 "svg-icon"){kind=logo}
Questions
- What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
- Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
- Are There Specific Breeds That Are More Prone to Hip Dysplasia?
- Hip Dysplasia Dog Treatment
- How Long Can a Dog Live with Hip Dysplasia?
Chances are, as a pet parent, you have heard of hip dysplasia in dogs. Did you know that hip dysplasia can affect around 15% of dogs in the UK? Although hip dysplasia is a serious condition, affected dogs can live long and happy lives, but early recognition is key.
What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Dog hip dysplasia is a developmental disease affecting the hip joint. This joint is a ball and socket that connects the hindlimb to the pelvis, allowing multidirectional movement.
Dogs with hip dysplasia are usually born with normal hips however due to inherited traits, the joint develops abnormally as they grow. This leads to joint laxity, where the ball of the femur sits loosely in the socket of the pelvis, altering weight distribution and resulting in atypical movement, destruction of the cartilage, and early onset of painful osteoarthritis.
)
Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
It can be hard to know what hip dysplasia looks like in dogs, as signs vary depending on their age and the severity of their condition. The first signs in puppies are subtle and may not be recognizable until they are older. Typically, hip dysplasia is diagnosed between 1-2 years of age.
Early recognition is important, look out for the following symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs and chat to your vet if you are concerned:
Abnormal hindlimb gait or stance
Bunny hopping when running
Wobbly or weak
Difficulty rising
Reluctance to jump or ascend stairs
Stiffness or limping, most commonly after exercise
Loss of muscle mass in hindlimbs
Are There Specific Breeds That Are More Prone to Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is hereditary and frequently occurs in certain breeds. Although it commonly affects large or giant dogs, hip dysplasia can be found in any dog regardless of breed, age, or sex. Other factors in early life such as fast or excessive growth, inappropriate exercise, and nutrition can cause the onset of hip dysplasia. Commonly affected breeds include:
Bulldogs
German Shepherds
Newfoundland’s
Labradors
Golden retrievers
Bernese mountain dogs
Rottweilers
Mastiffs
Hip Dysplasia Dog Treatment
There are two categories of treatment available for dogs with hip dysplasia: surgical and non-surgical. The treatment of choice for your pup depends on the severity of their disease, their age, and other health factors such as their weight. Some dogs may need both medical and surgical therapy to optimize function.
)
Non-surgical therapy addresses lifestyle factors and helps alleviate symptoms. Some options include:
Weight Loss - Excess body weight places undue pressure on your dog’s joints, exacerbating pain and increasing osteoarthritis.Â
Nutrition - Good quality nutrition enables easy weight management and promotes joint health. There are many excellent joint-specific diets on the market.
Joint supplements - Dog Joint Care Supplements can promote healthy cartilage and synovial fluid production, important factors for dogs with hip dysplasia. These can be delivered via injections, orally in pills and powders, or through their diet.
Pain Relief - Dogs with hip dysplasia may require pain relief, especially as they age. Different types of pain relief include anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, and opioids.
Monoclonal Antibodies - A relatively new class of medications that help reduce pain by targeting nerve growth factors. These can be delivered by injection.
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy - Massages, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and other therapies can increase your dog’s comfort and help maintain muscle mass.
Lifestyle and Exercise Modification - Dogs with hip dysplasia need to stay fit and agile however swimming, gentle walks, and hikes are great alternatives to ball throwing and beach romps.
)
Surgery for Hip Dysplasia
Surgical interventions for hip dysplasia help change the joint structure to reduce laxity and enable normal anatomical range of motion. There are several operations available, and each depends on your dog's age, how advanced their dysplasia is, other lifestyle factors, and cost. Surgery can benefit many dogs with hip dysplasia and is best performed early in the disease course.Â
To determine which procedure is best for your pooch a thorough physical examination and radiographic images taken under general anaesthesia are required. You may hear your veterinarian talk about the following terms and procedures:
Juvenile Pelvic Symphysiodesis (JPS) - Pups need to be <20 weeks of age.
Total Hip Replacement (THR) - The gold standard operation that reconstructs the hip to gain normal joint function.
Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO) - Only available in some dogs <12 months of age
Hip Denervation - This involves disrupting the nerves to the joint, providing pain relief in older patients.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) - Salvage procedure. Removes the ball from the joint to reduce pain but does not enable normal motion.
)
How Long Can a Dog Live with Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a progressive, degenerative disease that cannot be cured without surgical intervention. The prognosis and life expectancy of dogs with hip dysplasia varies depending on the degree of joint laxity, osteoarthritis severity, and treatment response. With early interventions, and ongoing lifestyle and veterinary management, your dog can enjoy a full and active life.
Severe hip dysplasia in dogs is a painful condition, and unfortunately, some pups will not respond well to treatment. If your dog is continually in pain and a good quality of life cannot be maintained, then a conversation about euthanasia may be required.
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common developmental joint disease that occurs in puppyhood, but understanding the signs and symptoms can help improve your pup’s quality of life dramatically. For all your puppy and dog essentials, discover our range, online and in-store.