Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal conditions affecting dogs, particularly larger breeds. Whether you currently own a dog or are considering finding a Labrador Retriever puppy or similar, understanding this condition helps you spot early signs and manage your pet’s wellbeing effectively.

What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the hip joint develops abnormally. The femoral head (ball) and pelvic socket do not fit together snugly, causing joint looseness or laxity. Over time, this leads to joint degeneration and painful arthritis. Both males and females are equally affected, and the condition can range from mild to severe, impacting mobility and quality of life.

Breeds Most Affected by Hip Dysplasia

While any dog can develop hip dysplasia, it is more prevalent in medium to large breeds due to their size and growth patterns. Some commonly affected breeds include:

• Labrador Retriever puppies
• German Shepherd puppies
• Saint Bernard puppies
• Great Dane puppies
• Bulldogs

It's important to note that dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia or those genetically predisposed should not be used for breeding to help reduce the prevalence of the condition.

How Does Hip Dysplasia Develop?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint connecting the hind leg to the pelvis. Normally, the femoral head fits tightly within the acetabulum (socket), supported by ligaments and lubricated by synovial fluid for smooth movement.

In hip dysplasia, this joint forms improperly during growth. Looseness develops in the ligaments and surrounding tissues, causing the ball and socket to separate partially—a condition called subluxation. This abnormal movement leads to joint deformation, pain, and reduced mobility. The process usually starts when the dog is young but can worsen with age.

Recognising Signs of Hip Dysplasia

If you have an at-risk breed, early detection is vital. Hip score testing through veterinary X-rays is often used to evaluate joint condition, especially in the parents of puppies. Watch for these common symptoms indicating hip dysplasia:

• Lameness or favouring hind legs, particularly after exercise
• Short, choppy strides or a hobbling gait
• A swaying or "bunny hopping" motion when running
• Stiffness or difficulty rising, climbing stairs, or jumping
• A tilted or lowered hip appearance when touched
• Over-reliance on front legs with hind legs dragging
• Waddling movement in the hips or rear limbs

Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia

Veterinary diagnosis relies on radiographs taken under sedation or anaesthesia to produce clear images of the hip joints. These images help calculate a hip score assessing joint laxity and arthritis presence. Advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans may provide detailed joint analysis in specialised cases.

Handling Hip Dysplasia: Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the severity and the individual dog's needs, aiming to reduce pain and maintain mobility.

Medication and Pain Relief

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics can alleviate pain and inflammation. These are supportive treatments encouraging activity but do not cure the condition.

Weight and Exercise Control

Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and controlled exercise is crucial. Excess weight increases joint strain, while appropriate activity helps maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise.

Surgical Options

• Total Hip Replacement: Replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one, providing the best functional outcome but requires specialist veterinary surgeons.
• Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO): Ideal for young dogs, this surgery repositions the hip socket to improve joint congruity.
• Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO): Involves removal of the femoral head, allowing a false joint to form; often successful in smaller dogs.
• Darthroplasty: A newer technique where a bony shelf is created on the socket edge to prevent joint subluxation, usually for younger dogs.

Preventing Hip Dysplasia

Responsible breeding is essential. Breeders should obtain hip scores for breeding stock to avoid passing on predisposition. Puppies should have controlled growth and diet to reduce risk of hip joint damage. Early veterinary checks and monitoring can help manage the condition proactively.

Final Thoughts

Hip dysplasia can be challenging, but with timely diagnosis and appropriate care, many dogs enjoy a good quality of life. If you're considering getting a puppy from a susceptible breed, always seek out reputable breeders who perform health screenings. For dogs affected, a combination of medical and surgical approaches tailored to their needs can make a significant difference.