Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes, Prevention, Signs and Treatment

Hip dysplasia is an abnormal conformation of the hip joints that occurs during growth and development. While this lifelong condition is common in dogs, particularly large breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds, there are steps you can take to manage it.

What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint that occurs as affected dogs grow and develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia are born with normal hip joints, but they experience structural changes to the joints as they grow. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, with the acetabulum of the pelvis forming the socket and the head of the femur forming the ball. In hip dysplasia, the ball and socket do not fit together correctly, often with the acetabulum failing to cover the entire femoral head. As a result, affected dogs eventually experience degenerative changes, such as:

• Joint instability
• Erosion of the cartilage that cushions the joint
• Development of bone spurs

What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic condition. It is passed from parents to offspring. However, its mode of inheritance is complex and sometimes even parents without hip dysplasia can pass hip dysplasia on to their offspring. In addition to genetics, there are many environmental factors that make a dog more prone to developing hip dysplasia. A rapid rate of growth can significantly increase an at-risk puppy's chances of developing hip dysplasia. Other factors, such as a diet too high in calories, protein or calcium, or exercising too much or too little during puppyhood, can also increase a dog's risk of hip dysplasia.

How to Prevent Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

The good news is that there are some steps dog owners can take to prevent hip dysplasia. Breeders should screen their dogs for hip dysplasia prior to breeding. If you're purchasing a large breed puppy, look for breeders who have performed screenings on their dogs through the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip programs. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia in your puppy by feeding an appropriate diet. Diet plays a huge role in the development of hip dysplasia. Large breed puppies must eat a diet that is complete and balanced to meet their nutritional needs for growth and development. Rapid growth and obesity can predispose a dog to hip dysplasia, so calorie restriction and portion control are especially important.

What Are the Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Signs of hip dysplasia in dogs can vary. Some dogs can have very pronounced symptoms from a young age, while others will not experience any major issues until their senior years. Some dogs may even be asymptomatic, showing no symptoms at all. For dogs that do show signs of hip dysplasia, common symptoms include:

• Lameness, especially after exercise
• Difficulty getting up or using stairs
• Decreased range of motion in one or both hips
• Abnormal swinging or "bunny hopping" gait
• Loss of muscle mass in the hips and hind legs
• Reluctance to exercise
• Decreased activity
• Pain

If your dog is showing symptoms of hip dysplasia, it's time for a visit to your veterinarian to have your dog examined.

How is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Diagnosed?

If your dog is suspected of having hip dysplasia, the first thing your veterinarian will do is a complete head-to-tail physical examination. This will include palpating your dog's hips and putting his joints through their full range of motion to assess the function of each joint. Your veterinarian will also likely recommend radiographs (x-rays) of the hips to assess their structure. This is often done under sedation to ensure your dog can be positioned properly without causing him pain by putting stress on his joints. In most dogs, hip dysplasia is adequately diagnosed with a physical exam and x-rays. In Labrador Retrievers, there is also a genetic test available for canine hip dysplasia.

Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Many cases of hip dysplasia are managed medically. Unfortunately, there is no cure for hip dysplasia and the condition is progressive. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain, improve mobility and slow the progression of degenerative changes in the hip joints. To achieve this, your veterinarian may recommend treatments such as:

• Anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs
• Pain control medications
• Supplements to reduce inflammation and improve joint health
• Strict weight control
• Low-impact exercise
• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture

For dogs with severe hip dysplasia or those who do not respond well to medical management, several surgical options are also available. These options include:

• Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) which is performed on young puppies and involves closing the growth plate at the pubis to alter the growth and development of the pelvis, allowing more coverage of the femoral head.
• Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) is performed on dogs under a year of age. It involves cutting the pelvic bone in three places and rotating the segments to provide better coverage of the femoral head, reducing laxity in the hip joint.
• Total hip replacement (THR) is performed on dogs at least a year of age and involves completely replacing the hip joint with metal or plastic implants.
• Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) is an option for dogs weighing under 70 pounds, It involves removing the femoral head which alleviates pain in the affected joint by putting an end to the abnormal movement and its associated wear and tear.

The hip dysplasia surgery cost for dogs can be quite expensive. The total cost for hip dysplasia surgery varies depending on the procedure being performed and your geographic region. In most cases, pet owners should expect to spend at least $1,000-$3,000 on hip dysplasia surgery for dogs. If cost is a concern, always ask your veterinarian for an estimate in advance and they will be happy to work with you.

How Long Can a Dog Live With Hip Dysplasia?

The good news is that the majority of dogs with hip dysplasia live a normal lifespan. Most dogs do not experience any significant lifestyle changes due to their condition. If you are concerned that hip dysplasia is affecting your dog's quality of life, there are options available to help manage the condition and make your dog more comfortable. Talk to your veterinarian to learn more about the options available for your dog's care.

CareCredit Financing for Hip Dysplasia Surgery

Your dog is your best friend, and you want to make sure he gets the very best. That's why the CareCredit credit card is here to help manage the costs of diagnostics and treatment for conditions like hip dysplasia.* Use our Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a veterinarian near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.

Author Bio

Dr. Elizabeth Racine is a small animal general practice veterinarian and freelance writer. She covers both human and veterinary medicine with a special interest in nutrition, internal medicine and veterinary behavior.