Considered by many households as an additional family member, you never want to see your dog in discomfort or pain. However, just like humans, our beloved canines can experience a variety of illnesses, diseases, and conditions that impact their lives in some way, shape, or form.
As a dog owner, it can be pretty distressing to learn of conditions, especially in the younger years of your dog when you’d expect them to be in their prime. However, some of these conditions are genetic and therefore cannot be prevented, like hip dysplasia.
The signs of hip dysplasia might not show so early on, but knowing the condition and what to look out for can help you spot the condition as soon as possible, so that it can be best managed.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about hip dysplasia and what causes hip dysplasia in dogs. We’ll provide insight on what are the first signs of hip dysplasia in dogs and the effective treatments that are available. As well as managing your dog’s condition at home, you’ll have the best advice on how to help a dog with hip dysplasia so that they have the best dog years ahead.
Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
What is hip dysplasia in dogs? Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that cannot be cured. However, dogs with hip dysplasia can be managed quite easily if and when the dog has been diagnosed with the condition.
So how do dogs get hip dysplasia in the first place? As a genetic condition, the condition itself usually develops due to an abnormal development of the hip joint. In many cases, the femoral head (the ball part of the ball-and-socket joint) does not fit properly into the socket, which leads to instability.
While it’s a genetic abnormality, there are environmental factors that can influence the genetic condition, all of which can contribute to the quality of life that the dog gets as a result.
Early Symptoms to Watch For
Dogs with hip dysplasia don’t always have symptoms and signs until their later years of life, which can be where a lot of damage is then already done.
There are some early symptoms of hip dysplasia to be mindful of and to watch out for. Here are some of the early symptoms and how to spot hip dysplasia in dogs so that you can address the condition as soon as possible.
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Stiffness
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Limping on one or both legs
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Difficult moving around
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An abnormal gait
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A reluctance to play or go for a walk
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Unsteady on their feet
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Quiet or depressed behaviour
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Poor muscle development in the rear end
What age do dogs show signs of hip dysplasia? Typically, you’ll see any of the above symptoms between the ages of six to twelve months. The hip joint is still developing in young dogs, so if you notice any of the symptoms and signs mentioned, then this isn’t something to ignore.
A lot of owners will dismiss it as being a blip in their mood, their physicality, instead of addressing their concerns with the vet. If there’s a genetic history of it with the dog’s parents and it’s a larger breed, then these symptoms should be a warning sign to get it checked. Dogs with a genetic history of hip dysplasia - particularly large breeds - should be closely monitored if you notice any of these symptoms.
Causes Behind Canine Hip Dysplasia
Genetic factors are inherited conditions, meaning the condition has been passed down from the parents to the offspring. That’s why it’s good to know what are the first signs of hip dysplasia in puppies. That way, you can get ahead of the condition quickly. There’s also breed predisposition, where certain large and giant breeds are more likely to have it.
Certain breeds include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers to name but a few.
There are also environmental factors to consider that may influence the likelihood of hip dysplasia. These include:
Excessive growth rate
Puppies that are growing too quickly can develop weaker joints, which then increases the risk of hip dysplasia occurring.
Obesity
With obesity, extra weight will end up putting undue strain on developing joints and accelerating joint damage as a result of the heavier weight that the dog is carrying.
Improper exercise
Improper exercise, especially when joints are still developing, can put stress on these immature joints and can lead to damage.
Poor nutrition
Poor nutrition, especially when given to the dog during their puppyhood, is likely to cause significant and irreparable damage to bone and joint health. That will only contribute further to the condition.
Hip dysplasia develops in early life, where the genetic predisposition means the ball and socket of the hip joint develop abnormally. It becomes unstable, and that leads to the ball and socket moving apart.
Due to the abnormal movement, cartilage damage is caused due to the excessive force that’s inflicted on the soft tissues of the joint itself. That can lead to damage to the cartilage that’s supposed to cover the bones. This can then lead to arthritis, inevitably developing and causing pain, as well as loss of smooth joint function for the dog.
Can hip dysplasia be cured in dogs? Unfortunately, not at this present time. It’s currently a condition that’s incurable, but there are plenty of methods out there that can help with managing the dog’s condition and providing them with the best life either way.
Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
To diagnose a condition of hip dysplasia in dogs, you’ll want to take your dog to the local vets you’re registered with. It’s here that they’ll perform a physical exam and various other checks to determine that the condition is, in fact, hip dysplasia and not something else.
Physical examination
A physical examination is the first step to diagnosing hip dysplasia. Lameness or gait abnormalities will be what your vet will be looking for. This could be limping or an altered way of walking that looks unusual.
Pain and stiffness might also be something that’s discovered during this appointment. A reluctance to move or experiencing pain when the hips are manipulated by the vet may be a clear indication of the condition. Other physical signs are a decreased range of motion and audible noises that the vet can hear when watching the hip joint move.
Diagnostic imaging
Diagnostic imaging will likely be used to take a closer look at the problem and is one of the most reliable methods used when diagnosing hip dysplasia. X-rays will usually be done, which typically require anaesthesia or sedation given to the dog to keep them still and in the position required.
Blood tests
Blood tests can often be done to detect the inflammation that’s caused by joint disease, they this won’t diagnose hip dysplasia by itself.
Orthopaedic specialists
Your vet may also refer you to a specialist for a more in-depth assessment to be done, as well as advanced imaging techniques if it’s required.
Effective Treatments for Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia cannot be cured, but like many liveable conditions for dogs, there are effective treatments available for those that have hip dysplasia. Effective treatments can be done through both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
If you’ve discovered that your dog has hip dysplasia, then there will be several treatments you’ll be recommended by your vet.
Weight management
When you’re looking at how to treat hip dysplasia in dogs, one of the most effective treatments is to be mindful of their weight.
Weight management can really help to slow reduce the stress that’s put on the joints with this condition.
Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy
To help build up the muscle strength and improve joint mobility, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy are two treatments that can help your dog with this condition. It can help to exercise the joints without the strain of weight-bearing, which worsens the condition.
Exercise modification
Modification of exercise can help when it comes to hip dysplasia. Focusing on low-impact activities like swimming is useful, as well as gentle walking on softer surfaces that help to minimise the impact with the ground, especially if the dog likes to run off lead.
Medication
Medication is certainly helpful to have and can be a big pain relief for those dogs that are in regular discomfort. Anti-inflammatory drugs help to manage pain and inflammation, but it’s important to be aware of the side effects that come with long-term use of the drug.
Joint supplements
Joint supplements are helpful to have in order to boost the strength and health of the joints and bones in the body. Every little bit of help can be a great improvement to the dog’s overall health and well-being with hip dysplasia.
Supportive care
What else can help dogs with hip dysplasia? Providing supportive care through the use of soft bedding, massages, and non-slip floors can all improve the comfort and ease of movement for your dog.
Surgical options
What can help dogs with hip dysplasia when it comes to surgical options? Surgery is often considered when the non-surgical methods aren’t effective. There are specific situations where surgery will be required. These include the following:
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Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS):
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Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) / Double Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO):
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Total Hip Replacement (THR):
Managing Your Dog's Condition at Home
As a dog owner, there’s plenty that you can do for your dog within the home environment to better manage their condition. In addition to the treatments available, here are some of how you can best manage your dog’s condition from the comfort of your own home.
Plenty of rest
It’s important that you’re giving your dog plenty of rest when it comes to hip dysplasia. The condition can be quite an exhausting one to endure, especially as it doesn’t let up.
Therefore, providing a quiet, dry and draught-free place can be helpful to ensure your dog can rest without being disturbed or in discomfort.
Regular toilet trips
Regular and frequent toilet trips are useful for your dog to have because they help to relieve any water weight or bowel contents that they have that may otherwise be weight-bearing, even though this might be minor.
Provide a safe space
A safe space for your dog to access at all times can be helpful when they need to rest or take themselves to a place of comfort.
That also means making sure that your home is free from any potential dangers or harmful substances.
Quality food and hydration
Offering quality food and plenty of hydration in the form of water.
Make sure it’s all within easy reach, and for any refusal of food or water, you should speak to your vet as soon as possible.
Support your dogs joints and mobility with a supplement such as Pawable's collagen for dogs.
Avoid excessive exercise, but keep exercising frequently
Excessive exercise can be damaging to your dog’s health, especially when they have a condition like hip dysplasia. Regular exercise, whether that be short walks or going swimming, can keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated.
Try to avoid any overexertion where possible, especially when it comes to high-impact activities could cause further damage.
Provide mental enrichment
Mental enrichment is a great way to prevent boredom or upset in your dog, as well as exhausting them so that they don’t need to burn so much of it physically. Give your dogs toys and opportunities for play as much as possible so that they’re enriched mentally.
Be proactive with hip dysplasia in dogs by spotting the signs early
Understanding everything about hip dysplasia can help diagnose it early and manage it as quickly as possible. The more you know about the condition, the better.
Being proactive with this condition is the best way to get help for your dog during the early years of the condition. Spotting the signs will help to get your dog diagnosed sooner, and hopefully will better manage your dog’s health better so that they can live a more comfortable life as a result.