Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hip dysplasia is a common and painful condition that affects many dogs, especially large and giant breed dogs. It occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly, causing the head of the femur (the thigh bone) to fit loosely into the pelvic bone. This results in abnormal wear and tear of the joint, leading to inflammation, arthritis, and degenerative joint disease.

Hip dysplasia can affect dogs of any age, but it is more common in young dogs who are still growing. Several factors, such as genetics, nutrition, weight, exercise, and environmental factors, influence the development of hip dysplasia. Some breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia than others, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Golden Retrievers.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

The symptoms of hip dysplasia may vary depending on the severity of the condition, the age of the dog, and the degree of arthritis. Some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty getting up or lying down
• Reduced activity and mobility
• Limping or favoring one hind leg
• Swelling or stiffness around the hips
• Pain or discomfort when touched or moved
• Reduced muscle mass in the hind legs
• Wobbly or bunny-hopping gait
• Swaying or crouching posture
• Reluctance to run, jump, climb stairs, or play
• Changes in behavior, such as aggression, depression, or anxiety

Some dogs may not show any signs of hip dysplasia until they are older and have developed severe arthritis. Therefore, monitoring your dog’s health and behavior regularly and consulting your veterinarian if you notice any changes is important.

Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

If you suspect that your dog has hip dysplasia, you should take him to your veterinarian for a thorough examination. Your veterinarian will ask you about your dog’s history, lifestyle, diet, and symptoms. He will also perform a physical exam to check your dog’s body condition, weight, muscle tone, range of motion, and pain response.

To confirm the diagnosis of hip dysplasia, your veterinarian will need to take x-rays of your dog’s hips. X-rays can show the shape and alignment of the hip joint and the degree of arthritis and bone damage. Your veterinarian may also recommend other tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as spinal problems or infections.

Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

The treatment for hip dysplasia depends on several factors, such as the age of the dog, the severity of the condition, the degree of arthritis, and the owner’s preferences and budget. The main goals of treatment are to reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility and function, and slow down the progression of joint damage.

There are two main types of treatment for hip dysplasia: medical management and surgical intervention.

Medical Management

Medical management involves using medications, supplements, diet, exercise, and physical therapy to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life of dogs with hip dysplasia. Some examples are:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs can help reduce pain and inflammation in the hip joint. They can be given orally or by injection. However, they may have side effects such as stomach ulcers, liver damage, or kidney damage if used long-term or at high doses. Therefore, they should be used under veterinary supervision and with regular blood tests.

• Joint supplements: These supplements can help support the health and function of the joint cartilage and fluid. They usually contain ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), green-lipped mussel extract, and turmeric. They can be given orally or by injection. They may take several weeks to months to show effects and may vary in quality and efficacy depending on the brand and formulation.

• Diet: A balanced and nutritious diet can help maintain your dog’s optimal weight and prevent obesity, which can worsen hip dysplasia. It can also provide essential nutrients for joint health, such as protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and antioxidants. You may also consider feeding your dog a prescription diet that is specially formulated for dogs with joint problems. These diets usually have lower calories, higher protein, and added supplements to support joint health.

• Exercise: Moderate and regular exercise can help strengthen your dog’s muscles, improve his blood circulation, and enhance his mood and well-being. However, too much or too intense exercise can cause more damage to his joints. Therefore, you should consult your veterinarian about the best type, duration, and frequency of exercise for your dog. Some examples of suitable exercises are walking, swimming, hydrotherapy, and low-impact activities such as fetch or tug-of-war.

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve your dog’s range of motion, flexibility, and balance. It can also reduce pain and stiffness by stimulating blood flow, relaxing muscles, and releasing endorphins (natural painkillers). Physical therapy can include massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, or heat/cold therapy. You may need to visit a certified veterinary physical therapist or learn how to perform some techniques at home.

Surgical Intervention

Surgical intervention involves performing surgery to correct or replace the defective hip joint. Surgery is usually recommended for dogs who have severe hip dysplasia that does not respond well to medical management or who have a poor quality of life due to chronic pain and disability. There are different types of surgery for hip dysplasia depending on the age of the dog, the size of the dog, the degree of joint damage, and the surgeon’s preference. Some examples are:

• Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS): This surgery is performed on young dogs (usually less than 5 months of age) who have mild to moderate hip dysplasia but have not developed arthritis yet. It involves fusing the two halves of the pubic bone (the bone at the front of the pelvis) together with an electric current. This prevents further growth of this part of the pelvis and allows more room for the femoral head to fit into the pelvic socket. This surgery can improve the alignment and stability of the hip joint and prevent or delay arthritis. However, it is not effective for dogs who have already developed arthritis or who have severe hip dysplasia. It also requires early diagnosis and intervention before the growth plates close.

• Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO): This surgery is performed on young dogs (usually between 6 months to 1 year of age) who have moderate to severe hip dysplasia but have not developed arthritis yet. It involves cutting and rotating two or three bones in the pelvis (the ilium, the ischium, and/or the pubis) to create a deeper socket for the femoral head. This surgery can improve the hip joint’s alignment, stability, and function and prevent or delay arthritis. However, it is not effective for dogs who have already developed arthritis or who have very loose joints. It also requires careful post-operative care, such as cage rest, pain medication, and physical therapy.

• Femoral head ostectomy (FHO): This surgery is performed on dogs of any age who have moderate to severe hip dysplasia with arthritis that causes chronic pain and disability. It involves removing the head and neck of the femur (the ball part) from the pelvic socket. This eliminates bone-on-bone contact in the joint, reducing pain and inflammation. The remaining part of the femur forms a false joint with scar tissue, muscle, and ligament around it. This surgery can improve mobility, comfort, and quality of life for dogs with hip dysplasia. However, it does not restore normal function or the appearance of the hip joint. It also requires intensive post-operative care, such as cage rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and weight management. Some potential complications include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or muscle atrophy.

• Total hip replacement (THR): This surgery is performed on dogs of any age with severe hip dysplasia with arthritis that causes chronic pain and disability. It involves replacing both parts of the hip joint (the ball and socket) with artificial implants made of metal or ceramic. This surgery can restore normal function and appearance of the hip joint and eliminate pain and inflammation. However, it is expensive and complex and requires specialized equipment and expertise. It also requires strict post-operative care, such as cage rest, pain medication, antibiotics, physical therapy, and regular follow-ups. Some potential complications include infection, implant failure, dislocation, fracture, or allergic reaction.

The prognosis for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia

The prognosis for dogs with hip dysplasia depends on several factors, such as the age of diagnosis, the severity of the condition, the type of treatment chosen, and the owner’s compliance with post-operative care and lifestyle modifications. In general, dogs who receive early diagnosis and intervention have a better chance of preventing or delaying arthritis and improving their quality of life. With proper care and management, dogs who receive medical management can live with minimal pain and discomfort for many years. However, they may still experience some degree of joint deterioration and reduced mobility over time.

Dogs who receive surgical intervention can significantly improve their joint function and comfort, especially if they undergo total hip replacement. However, they may still face some risks and complications associated with surgery and implants.

Prevention of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a complex and multifactorial condition that cannot be completely prevented. However, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk or severity of hip dysplasia in dogs, such as:

• Choosing a reputable breeder: If you are planning to get a dog from a breeder, make sure to choose one who is responsible and ethical. A good breeder will screen their breeding dogs for hip dysplasia and other genetic diseases and provide you with health certificates and pedigrees. They will also provide you with information and guidance on how to care for your puppy and prevent hip dysplasia.

• Screening your dog for hip dysplasia: If you have a dog who is at risk for hip dysplasia, you should have him screened by your veterinarian when he is young. Your veterinarian can perform X-rays or other tests to evaluate your dog’s hip status and advise you on the best course of action. Early detection and intervention can make a big difference in your dog’s outcome and quality of life.

• Feeding your dog a balanced and appropriate diet: You should feed your dog a high-quality and nutritious diet that meets his needs and supports his growth and development. You should avoid overfeeding or underfeeding your dog, as both can lead to improper weight gain or loss, which can affect his joint health. You should also avoid giving your dog supplements or additives that your veterinarian does not recommend, as they may interfere with his normal growth or cause adverse effects.

• Exercising your dog moderately and regularly: You should provide your dog with adequate and appropriate exercise that suits his age, breed, size, and health status. Exercise can help keep your dog fit, healthy, happy, and mentally stimulated. However, too much or too intense exercise can cause more harm than good to his joints. You should avoid activities that involve sudden twists, turns, jumps, or stops, such as frisbee or agility. You should also avoid exercising your dog on hard or slippery surfaces like concrete or ice. You should consult your veterinarian about the best type, duration, and frequency of exercise for your dog.

• Keeping your dog comfortable and happy: You should provide your dog with a comfortable and safe environment that minimizes stress and maximizes comfort. You should make sure that your dog has access to clean water, fresh air, shade, shelter, bedding, toys, and companionship. You should also keep your dog’s nails trimmed, his coat groomed, his teeth brushed, and his ears cleaned. You should also regularly monitor your dog’s health and behavior and seek veterinary attention if you notice any changes.

Conclusion

Hip dysplasia can affect dogs of any age, but it is more common in young dogs who are still growing. Several factors, such as genetics, nutrition, weight, exercise, and environmental factors, influence the development of hip dysplasia. Some breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia than others, such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Golden Retrievers.