Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Treatments, and Prevention
Table of Contents
Let’s Get Scientific: What is Hip Dysplasia?
Causes of Hip Dysplasia or Hip Joint Pain
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- Medical conditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis
Genetics
Some breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia and are born with it. Unfortunately, it is a fairly complex disorder with a number of genes involved, which means it can’t easily be removed from affected breeds or a particular lineage.Environmental factors
A dog’s environment can also play a role. External factors like nutrition, rapid weight gain, obesity, a lack of exercise, repetitive strain and pelvic injuries as well as poor back leg development can cause hip dysplasia in dogs.Medical conditions
Often, the late onset of the disease is due to osteoarthritis. When this is left untreated the condition progresses into hip dysplasia.Signs of Canine Hip Dysplasia
- A swaying gait
- Stiffness of the joints
- Using both back legs at the same when running
- Difficulty standing up, lying down or climbing stairs
- A reluctance to exercise or play
- Limping and lameness
- Bunny Hopping
- Sitting in a frog position with one hip splayed out
- Painful when touched
- A narrow stance with his back legs closer together than his front ones
The Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Osteoarthritis and Hip Joint Pain Go Hand in Hand
Are Different Breeds Prone to Hip Dysplasia More Than Others?
- German Shepherds
- Labradors and Golden Retrievers
- St. Bernards
- Rottweilers
- Great Danes
- Boxers
- Newfoundlands
- French Bulldogs
- Pugs
Treatment for Hip Joint Pain
Conservative Treatment
This treatment includes physical therapy, medication, and homeopathy as a way of managing it. Other factors, like diet and weight, are looked at too. Conservative treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs include:- Pain medications
- Dietary supplements
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and massages
- Weight management