These can include adjustments to their lifestyle or diet, as well as potential surgical procedures. If your dog is experiencing hip dysplasia, there are various treatment options to consider. Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs If hip dysplasia is suspected, x-rays may be recommended to determine the severity of the condition and to chart a course of treatment. Knowing your pet's lineage can also aid in diagnosis. If your veterinarian suspects your pet may have hip dysplasia, they may recommend blood tests to look for signs of inflammation.Īdditionally, your vet may request a detailed health history of your pup, including any injuries and symptoms, which can be helpful in diagnosing hip dysplasia.

Diagnosing Hip Dysplasiaĭuring your dog's routine annual exam, your veterinarian will check for signs of hip dysplasia by moving your pup's hind legs to detect any grinding, painful sensations, or reduced range of motion in the joint. If your pooch is showing any of the symptoms listed above, contact your veterinarian to schedule an examination for your pet. Grating or grinding in the joint when moving.Difficulties rising from a resting position.Back legs are stiff when walking or running.Reluctance to exercise, run, jump or climb stairs.If you're worried about your pup experiencing hip dysplasia, keep an eye out for the following indications: Hip dysplasia often starts developing in puppies before they turn one, but it may not show up until they reach their middle or senior age. Smaller breeds that can be susceptible to hip dysplasia include French bulldogs and pugs.īecause diet and exercise can play a role in the development of hip dysplasia it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian regarding the right amount of daily exercise for your dog and what their ideal diet should contain. Bernards, Rottweilers, retrievers and bulldogs. Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition, often seen in giant or large breed dogs, however it can also affect smaller breeds. Some breeds that are commonly affected include mastiffs, St. Dog Breeds With a High Risk of Hip Dysplasia Additionally, obesity can exacerbate an existing case of hip dysplasia or even induce the condition by placing undue strain on a dog's joints. These factors include improper weight and nutrition, excessive growth rate, and certain types of exercise. The pain and other symptoms of this condition may be exacerbated by osteoarthritis in older dogs.Īlthough hip dysplasia is an inherited condition, certain factors can worsen the genetic predisposition and heighten the likelihood of its occurrence. Hip dysplasia in dogs typically continues to become worse with age, and will often affect both hips (bilateral). Causes of Canine Hip DysplasiaĬanine hip dysplasia is hereditary, genetics being the leading contributor to the development of the condition in dogs, especially in larger breeds. This condition can be extremely painful for your furry friend and, if left untreated, can significantly decrease their quality of life. However, hip dysplasia can cause the ball and socket to malfunction and grind against each other, leading to a gradual breakdown and loss of normal function. Both dogs are German Shepherd Dogs (normal dog is 3yrs old, dysplastic dog is 2 yrs old) that are apparently healthy, well muscled and no signs of pain or lameness.Your dog's hip joints are designed to function as a smooth ball and socket system. The dog on the right has significant elbow dysplasia. The dog on the left has normal elbow conformation. This picture shows elbow radiographs (flexed) that were taken as routine screens. We also take a lot of elbow radiographs for OFA screening. Both dogs are Labrador Retrievers just over 2 yrs of age, apparently healthy, well muscled and no signs of pain or lameness. The dog on the right has severely dysplastic hip joints with significant secondary degenerative joint disease. The dog on the left has normal hip conformation. This picture shows hip radiographs taken as routine pre-breeding screens and emphasizes the importance of radiographic screening of hips over physical exam alone. Sometimes people may wonder why it is important to radiograph dogs that seem normal on the outside. At Smith Veterinary Hospital, we take a lot of hip radiographs (x-rays) for OFA screening (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals).

Dog normal hip xray