A Simple Guide to Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Whitney has over 10 years of experience in dog training, rescuing, and
healthcare.

Diagram of Hip Dysplasia

What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

The hip joint is composed of a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the head of
the femur (hind leg bone), and the socket is in the pelvis. In a normal hip
joint, the ball and socket are perfectly matched to each other like puzzle
pieces, with the socket surrounding the ball. There are connective tissues and
ligaments that attach the ball and joint for stability.

Hip dysplasia is characterized by abnormal joint structure and weakened
supporting tissues. This weakening often begins while the dog is still young
and physically immature. Early-onset hip dysplasia usually develops as early
as four months. Later onset can develop due to osteoarthritis when the dog is
older.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic predisposition: If one or both of the parents have hip dysplasia, the puppies are more susceptible to developing the disorder.
Rapid weight gain
Nutritional factors: Feeding puppies a diet with too little calcium or other minerals may have a detrimental effect on the development of the hip joint.
Pelvic-muscle mass
Over-exercise: Dogs that were over-exercised as puppies may have an increased risk, especially if already predisposed.

There is no connection in gender, but larger dog breeds are more likely to
have a genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia. Common large and giant breeds
that are affected include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers and
German Shepherds.

Signs of Canine Hip Dysplasia

The signs of hip dysplasia are similar to arthritis. Puppies may show pain and
discomfort during and after exercise or play, and it may worsen until normal
activities are painful. In adult dogs, the signs can include stiffness, pain
and an altered gait.

Depending on the severity, the symptoms may vary.

Decreased physical activity
Difficulty standing
Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs
Intermittent or persistent hind-limb lameness
A swaying gait
Narrow stance where the back legs are unnaturally close together
Pain in the hip joints
Joint looseness (more common in early onset; may not be seen in late-onset hip dysplasia due to arthritis)
Decreased range of motion in the hips
Loss of muscle mass in the thighs
Enlarged shoulder muscles mass

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Treatments for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia can be treated surgically or managed non-surgically. There are
several surgical procedures that your vet may choose depending on the dog’s
age, size and the severity of the hip joints.

Triple Pelvic Osteotomy: Typically performed in younger dogs less than 10 months old that have severe looseness in the hips but haven’t developed damage to the joints.
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis: A less invasive surgery that prematurely fuses the two pelvic bones together so that the other pelvic bones will develop normally. This procedure must be performed in puppies 20 weeks or younger before any arthritic signs are evident.
Total Hip Replacement: This option is for dogs that have degenerative joint disease caused by chronic hip dysplasia.
Femoral Head and Neck Excision: This procedure is typically performed on dogs that weigh 50 pounds or less. It removes the head of the femur and creates a pseudo-joint. The dog will live pain-free and be able to regain normal daily activities, but a full range of motion nor joint stability will be decreased.

Depending on the severity of the disorder, you can medically manage it without
surgery. Through proper diet, exercise, supplements, anti-inflammatories and
pain medications, the dog may be able to regain some or most of its daily
activities pain-free.

Supplements and Holistic Remedies

Since many of the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia are similar to
arthritis, you can supplement with similar vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
Some research shows that 75% of dogs with hip dysplasia will lead a normal
life with appropriate supplements and management.

Consult Your Vet

Before putting your dog on an over-the-counter supplement, make sure to
consult your veterinarian first, especially if your dog is already taking a
prescription medication.

Supplements That Can Help With Hip Dysplasia

Supplement| Benefit
—|—

Glucosamine and chondroitin

Repair joint wear-and-tear

MSM

Relieves pain and joint inflammation

Omega 3S

Relieves pain and joint inflammation

Colostrum

Facilitates the body’s regenerative processes

Hyaluronic acid

Decreases pain and improves mobility

Herbs Thought to Alleviate Hip Dysplasia Symptoms

Herbs| Benefits
—|—

Dandelion and Nettle

Aid in joint repair and eliminating metabolic waste

Alfalfa

Relieve pain and discomfort

Licorice and Yucca

Anti-inflammatory properties

Ginkgo, Hawthorne, Rosemary, Cayenne and Ginger

Improves blood circulation

Although hip dysplasia is a progressive and irreversible disease, surgical and
non-surgical treatments can be successful in creating almost-normal, pain-free
functions and overall life.

References

WebMD Pets. Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Doctors Foster and Smith. Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
PetWave. Treatment and Prognosis of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs. Updated on July 16, 2015

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It
is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription,
or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional.
Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a
veterinarian immediately.