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.
© 2016 Whitney