Canine hip dysplasia is a widespread health problem among many Breeds.

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

This orthopaedic condition results from the abnormal development of one or both hip joints. That lead to instability and degeneration of the joints. Hip dysplasia can affect one or both limbs and may range from mild to severe.

The hip joint is essential a ball-and-socket joint that includes two main components:

1. Femoral head: a ball-shaped formation at the top of the rear leg bones
2. Acetabulum: a rounded socket in the pelvis acetabulum

When a dog has hip dysplasia, the hip joint does not develop properly. The femoral head fits poorly in the acetabulum. And there is laxity in the hip muscles. The joint is unstable, so the movement of the leg causes excess friction in the joint. And leading to further deformity.

Over time, the cartilage in the joint wears down. The hip joint eventually develops osteoarthritis, including abnormal bony growths called osteophytes.

The damage in the joint makes it gradually more difficult for the dog to move the leg. This is because of pain and a restricted range of motion.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Several factors may contribute to the development of canine hip dysplasia. The primary cause is heredity (inherited trait).

Several dog breeds are predisposed to hip dysplasia. Most of which are large breed dogs. The following are just a few of the dog breeds prone to hip dysplasia:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Rottweilers
• Great Danes
• Mastiffs
• American Eskimo
• Boxer

Screening involves taking precisely positioned radiographs of the hips, usually done under sedation. Dogs can be certified after the age of two years. However, radiographs taken as early as four months of age may reveal a dog’s susceptibility to hip dysplasia.

Although obesity does not cause hip dysplasia, it can significantly increase the symptoms. If your dog is predisposed to hip dysplasia or has been diagnosed, be sure to keep his weight under control to minimize symptoms.

The primary signs of canine hip dysplasia include:

• hip pain
• limping
• trouble rising and jumping
• difficulty with exercise
• and muscle loss in rear limbs.

Dogs with mild hip dysplasia may show no signs. As hip dysplasia progresses, signs may come on suddenly or gradually. Signs often continue to worsen over time as the disease progresses. Arthritis may occur secondary to hip dysplasia, especially in older dogs.

Be aware that the signs of hip dysplasia may be similar to the signs of other health problems seen in dogs. If you notice these or any other signs of illness in your dog, contact your veterinarian for an appointment.

Diagnosing Canine Hip Dysplasia

When you bring your dog to the vet for signs of hip pain or hip dysplasia, your vet will begin by thoroughly examining your dog. This will include manipulation of the joints and observation of your dog’s gait. Next, your vet will likely recommend radiographs (x-rays) of your dog’s hips, back legs, and possibly spine. Proper positioning is essential to obtain an accurate diagnosis. This may be difficult for many dogs, especially those in pain. Many dogs need to be sedated for properly positioned radiographs.

Both the examination and radiographs are essential to diagnose canine hip dysplasia properly. Be aware that other orthopaedic issues may be discovered as the primary cause for your dog’s signs. Hip dysplasia may be discovered incidentally, but there may be another issue requiring treatment, such as cruciate ligament injury or patellar luxation. This is why the examination is so important.

In general, dogs with hip dysplasia fall into one of two categories:

1. Young dogs with significant hip laxity but no arthritis
2. Mature dogs that have developed arthritis in the hips secondary to hip dysplasia

If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, there are options for treatment. Recommendations will be based on the severity of the disease plus your dog’s age, size, and overall health. In some cases, medical treatment is the next step. Or, your vet may refer you to a veterinary surgeon for further evaluation.

Canine Hip Dysplasia Treatment

When hip dysplasia is mild to moderate, medical treatment and physical therapy can be beneficial. In most cases, mature dogs with secondary arthritis are more likely to respond to medical treatment than the younger ones without arthritis.

The goal of medical therapy is to ease the symptoms and slow the disease progression. There is no medical cure for hip dysplasia.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, joint supplements, and/or disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs may help give your dog some relief.
• Physical therapy has been known to help many dogs build muscle mass, improving strength and range of motion.
• Regular low-impact exercise can also help your dog maintain muscle mass and decrease stiffness.
• If your dog is overweight, weight loss can significantly improve symptoms. Gentle exercise and diet change are essential for weight loss.

Caring for dogs with hip dysplasia

Caring for dogs with hip dysplasia is much like caring for those with arthritis. You may wish to ​make certain accommodations for your dog to improve ​his quality of life. Adjustments to your dog’s environment can be helpful in most cases.

• Placemats on slick floors. These can help your dog gain traction. Consider interlocking exercise mats or yoga mats.
• Try an orthopaedic dog bed. Consider a heated bed during cold weather. Ensure the bed is supportive and soft but not too difficult to get in and out of. Memory foam beds are a great option.
• Keep your dog’s nails short. Long nails may make it even more difficult for dogs to gain traction on slick surfaces. Regular nail trims are essential. Better yet, consider filing down nails with a rotary tool.
• Use ramps where needed. Placing a ramp in place of steps or helping your dog get in the car will decrease the painful impact and effort of climbing stairs and jumping up.
• Use assistance devices. If your dog is weak in the rear end, look for a sling of some type to place around the rear limbs. Some people use a rolled-up sheet or blanket. If the problems persist, you may wish to buy a special product.

If your dog is diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia, the above tips may be helpful. However, surgery is often considered the best treatment option for severe hip dysplasia, especially in younger dogs without arthritis.

Surgery for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

There are several surgical options for the treatment of canine hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian will most likely have referred you to a veterinarian who is board-certified through the ACVS. This surgeon will talk with you, examine your dog, and review the radiographs. In some cases, additional radiographs or other diagnostic tests will be recommended. Then, the surgeon will consider several factors, such as size, age, the severity of disease, and risk factors, before determining the right course of treatment for your dog.

If surgery is recommended, one of the following surgical procedures will most likely be performed:

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis:

This procedure is performed on very young puppies (ideally younger than 18 weeks) who show very early signs of hip dysplasia confirmed by specially-positioned radiographs. JPS is intended to alter the shape of the pelvis and stop the growth of the pubis (a part of the pelvis). This should decrease joint laxity by allowing better coverage of the joint’s ball portion and allowing the hips to develop more normally as the puppy grows. JPS is a fairly minor procedure that only requires a short hospital stay (some dogs can go home the same day).

Pelvic Osteotomy:

Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO) surgery is an option for younger dogs with hip dysplasia but no arthritis. During a DPO or TPO, the pelvic bone is cut in two to three places. The surgeon rotates the segments of the pelvis and may secure them with plates and screws. The result is a better ball-in-socket fit, decreasing hip laxity. If hip laxity is severe, this is likely not the best surgical option.

Femoral Head Ostectomy:

During an FHO, the surgeon removes the head of the femur, including the ball portion of the hip joint, so that there is no longer painful movement of the abnormal joint. The FHO leaves no joint at the hip; instead, it is designed to allow the muscles in that area to adapt and support the leg. During recovery, the muscles in the hip area change the way the leg and pelvis function during movement. The FHO will not result in a completely normal hip function, but it will greatly reduce the pain caused by hip dysplasia. However, FHO is generally not recommended for larger dogs because there is no longer an actual joint. Increased weight makes it more difficult for the muscles to form the support needed without a hip joint.

Total Hip Replacement: 

THR is a major surgery that involves removing the deformed ball and socket and replacing it with implants (made from metal and plastic).

The design of the implants fit just like a normally functioning hip and generally allow a full range of motion. Successful THR surgery cures hip dysplasia, eliminating hip pain and allowing the hip joint to work usually. THR cannot be done on younger dogs as they are still developing.

If you have a young dog and your surgeon recommends THR. The surgeon will medically manage the dog until he is mature for the surgical procedure. Because THR is such a major surgically procedure, it is usually only done for the most severe cases.

After Your Dog’s Hip Surgery

Your dog will need to recover after surgery so he can heal properly and regain the best function possible. Recovery time depends on the type of surgery done and your dog’s individual rate of healing.

The dog will have exercise restrictions, but your dog will also need to move the hips. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process, whether you do it at home with instructions from your vet or take your dog to a canine rehabilitation practitioner.

Which Option is Right For Your Dog?

Talk to your veterinarian or veterinary surgeon about the expected risks, recovery times, success rates, and expense of the recommended options so you can make an informed decision. When in doubt, consider seeking a second opinion. Surgery is a serious step that one should not take lightly. Consider all factors before jumping in. Your dog will thank you for it.