Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic abnormal formation of the hip socket. Dysplasia occurs when the femur head doesn’t fit properly in the concave socket located in the pelvis. In a normal hip joint, the femur head and the socket are covered in cartilage allowing a smooth fit and a wide range of motion. When a dog has hip dysplasia the abnormal fit causes excess wear and tear on the cartilage leading to inflammation that can cause arthritis and can eventually lead up to crippling lameness. Hip dysplasia is most common in large breed dogs such as Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors. Hip dysplasia has been seen in over 82 breeds of dogs including smaller breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Shetland Sheepdogs.

It isn’t always clear whether your dog has hip dysplasia or not. Sometimes a dog can have normal looking X-rays, but they are in pain, or the opposite can be true, a dog can have abnormal X-rays and not be in pain. Unfortunately dogs can’t tell us what is wrong so you really need to observe your dog for any health problems. One of the symptoms of hip dysplasia would be that your dog looks stiff or is very slow from getting up after being in a resting position. Your dog may not want to exercise as much as he/she used to. Many dogs are very hesitant or even refuse to go upstairs. When your dog exercises his/her gait may look more like that of a bunny hopping. Some dogs walk around with a constant limp. Hip dysplasia leads to pain and arthritis, so you may notice that your dog is just not walking normally at all. You can sometimes notice your dog losing muscle mass in the hip area. Many dogs will not want to stand on their hind legs or jump at all. It is usually rather obvious if your dog is in pain and suffering with many of these symptoms. Some dogs will not show any signs of hip dysplasia until they are middle age, but symptoms can occur at just a few months of age.

Remember X-rays are not fully reliable, but the actions of your dog are. If you suspect that your dog may have hip dysplasia because they are just not walking right, slower than normal, or refusing to exercise, see your veterinarian. Aside from the X-rays your veterinarian will do a physical exam and see how your dog’s range of motion is in the hips and figure out exactly where the pain is coming from. Hip dysplasia can also be caused after a severe injury to the hips, it doesn’t only occur in older dogs, so be observant.