Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: What It Is and How to Manage It
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a painful condition, mostly affecting large and giant breeds, though any size or type of dog can contract it. This disorder may severely impair a dog’s quality of life, while making it a daily struggle for owners to watch their pets are having difficulty moving.
The good news is that practicing proper dog ownership and learning about possible health issues, while following certain best practices may help keep your dog comfortable.
Below we will examine the latest research into hip dysplasia in dogs, including symptoms, treatment options and the preventive steps you can take to keep your dog healthy, happy and active. Let’s dive right into it.
Table of Contents
- What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia?
- What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
- Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
- Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
- Treating Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
- Preventing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
- The Prognosis for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia
- The Takeaway
- Nutrition Strength Pain Relief for Dogs
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What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common skeletal disorder most often observed in giant breeds. However, it may also occur in smaller dogs as well. Owners must first grasp the fundamental anatomy of the hip joint to comprehend how the disease operates.
This joint is composed of a ball and a socket. The ball and socket do not fit or grow correctly in dogs with hip dysplasia, and they rub and grind instead of moving smoothly. This causes degeneration over time and, eventually, loss of joint function.
What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Hip dysplasia in puppies is caused by several reasons, the most important of which is heredity. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects big canines such as the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd Dog. Excessive growth pace, certain kinds of activity, incorrect weight and inadequate diet may all amplify this hereditary susceptibility.
Some dogs have unique nutritional needs and need food created for large-breed canines. These meals aid in the prevention of excessive development, which may result in skeletal diseases like hip dysplasia and other joint issues.
Slowing down the growth of these breeds enables their joints to mature without placing too much pressure on them, which helps avoid future difficulties.
Improper diet and providing a dog too much or too little activity may increase a canine’s chances of developing hip dysplasia. Obesity puts a lot of strain on your dog’s joints, which may aggravate an issue like hip dysplasia or possibly form it.
Consult your veterinarian about the optimal food for your dog and the quantity of activity they need each day to be in excellent physical shape.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Some dogs show symptoms of hip dysplasia as early as four months of age. Others acquire it alongside osteoarthritis as they mature. In both cases, owners should be aware of certain signs.
These symptoms may differ based on the severity of the condition, the amount of inflammation, the degree of joint looseness and the length of time the dog has had hip dysplasia.
Lethargy
Hip dysplasia in dogs is often related to lethargy. Because standing up and moving about bothers dogs with this ailment, they become lazy and less interested in getting up to do anything more than they have to.
However, remember that lethargy is a sign of various diseases that may affect your dog. If this is your pet’s only symptom, consult with your family veterinarian to establish the underlying problem and don’t automatically assume it’s hip dysplasia.
Difficulty Moving
If your dog has difficulty moving around, this might be another sign of hip dysplasia. Dogs with this illness may struggle to get out of bed and have problems running, leaping or climbing stairs.
Difficulty moving or a restricted range of motion are other symptoms of arthritis. They may be linked to Lyme disease and other significant health concerns.
If you detect this symptom in your dog, see your veterinarian as a more comprehensive examination may be required before a diagnosis can be determined.
Hind End Lameness
Hind end lameness is a good indication that your dog has hip dysplasia. This ailment makes it difficult for your dog’s rear end to move and it may occasionally freeze up or become impossible for him to manage.
Lameness in the rear end may not appear until late in the course of hip dysplasia. If your dog has this symptom, he’s probably had early warning signs for some time. Although hind end lameness is not related to many other problems, it should still be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Loss of Muscle in the Thigh
As the hip dysplasia disease worsens, dogs will use their thigh muscles less and less, particularly while sprinting and leaping. This, in turn, will cause muscular atrophy in the thighs. Muscle loss will become visible, mainly if hip problems are left untreated.
This is another symptom that is uncommon in many other illnesses. Suppose you see this sign in your dog. In that case, he has most certainly previously shown some of the others mentioned below before reaching this stage of muscular atrophy.
Unusual Gait
A strange or irregular walk in your dog might indicate hip dysplasia. Some people call the hip dysplasia gait in dogs a “bunny hop” since it resembles how a rabbit walks. It’s an unusual way for a puppy to move. Because it is so evident, it will stand out as a symptom if your dog shows it.
A strange gait might be a sign of several medical issues, which should be investigated by your veterinarian. However, suppose your dog has an abnormal gait and any other symptoms listed above. In that case, he is more likely to have hip dysplasia.
Stiffness and Pain
Finally, your dog may experience stiffness and discomfort if it has hip dysplasia. Even if he can move about, he may be stiff and it may take him some time to loosen up when he gets out of bed in the morning.
Your dog may attempt to defend their hips and legs as the discomfort worsens. If he is reluctant or refuses to let you pet his rear end or touch his legs, or if he shows fear or aggression when you try, he may have hip dysplasia.
Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam at your dog’s routine appointment. This inspection may be enough for your veterinarian to detect hip dysplasia. In other circumstances, it is incumbent upon owners to notify vets when their pets are in pain.
One of the first things your veterinarian may do is twist your dog’s hind legs to test for joint looseness. Also, he will look for any grinding, soreness or limited range of motion.
Because inflammation caused by joint illness may be detected in the complete blood count, your dog’s physical check-up may involve blood tests. Your veterinarian will also need a health and symptom history, accidents or injuries that may have led to these issues and your dog’s parentage.
A radiograph or X-ray is frequently used to provide a conclusive diagnosis. Your veterinarian will take radiographs of your dog’s hips to identify the extent and severity of hip dysplasia. That will assist him in selecting the best course of therapy for your dog.
Treating Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
The optimum therapy for hip dysplasia is determined by several criteria, the most significant of which is the severity of the clinical condition. The clinical signs are minimal in some dogs.
The diagnosis of hip dysplasia was made by chance as part of a screening test for others (e.g., for a dog being considered a breeding animal). In some dogs, the clinical indications are more apparent and therapies will manage the present issue and anticipated future problems.
Non-Surgical Management of Hip Dysplasia
Non-surgical treatment is indicated for dogs with hip dysplasia as an accidental discovery. The chance of a satisfactory response to non-surgical therapy in clinically afflicted dogs is dependent on the severity of the hip discomfort.
For example, these medications treat mild hip dysplasia in dogs very well. Body weight control, physiotherapy, activity modification and drugs (anti-inflammatory pain killers) are the foundations of non-surgical treatment.
They are also known as dog hip dysplasia home treatment. Most puppies will improve in the near term if they are correctly maintained. Unfortunately, advances are seldom sustained over time.
Most dogs tracked into old age have persistent activity restrictions and need drugs. A veterinary surgeon finds that 9 out of 10 dogs have painful hips.
Surgical Management of Hip Dysplasia
Surgical therapies are classified as either operation that changes the structure of the hip or procedures that are considered salvage surgery. Please check the following options to understand how hip dysplasia can be treated.
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)
This operation includes the forced early fusion of a portion of the pelvis to change development and enhance the position of the ball portion of the “ball-and-socket” hip joint. This straightforward procedure comprises electrical cauterization of a part of the pubis (on the underside of the pelvis).
To succeed, puppies must be at least 5 months old and exhibit mild-to-moderate laxity proven by manipulative and radiographic examinations. Because most dogs do not show clinical indications until 6 months old, JPS is usually performed as a preventative measure.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
This operation entails surgically modifying the existing hip joint to increase ball capture by the current socket. Three incisions are made in the bones around the cup and the resulting free section is twisted for proper hip capture.
A bespoke plate and screws are used to secure the bone fragments in their new place. It takes around 4 – 6 weeks for the bone to heal. TPO is only effective in dogs with hip laxity and no secondary bone remodeling or osteoarthritis.
TPO evaluation requires various manipulative tests and radiographs conducted by expert orthopedic surgeons and modern diagnostic imagers. Suitable dogs are usually clinically immature and an arthroscopic joint assessment is suggested before surgery to check for cartilage destruction.
A procedure known as a twofold pelvic osteotomy was recently devised in which the pelvis may only need to be sliced in two locations.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Total hip replacement is a complex surgical procedure that should only be done by skilled orthopedic surgeons. It fits best for cases of end-stage hip dysplasia in dogs. It entails removing the whole afflicted hip joint.
A metal implant replaces the “ball,” and a plastic and metal implant replaces the “socket.” The implants might be cemented to the bone or have a porous layer into which the bone can grow.
Although some patients may need surgery on both hips, vets would never operate on both hips simultaneously since it increases the chance of complications.
THR has a success rate of 90 – 95 percent, and most dogs are better comfortable within a few days following surgery. Many patients will be able to resume normal activities.
The Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)
This salvage surgery is usually considered when THR cannot be done (e.g., for financial reasons or due to variations in individual anatomy that could preclude THR).
That means it is suitable for treating severe hip dysplasia in dogs. The femoral head and neck (the “ball” section of the joint) is totally removed in this method, enabling a “false joint” to develop.
The absence of bony contact between the ball and the edge of the socket relieves pain. Still, the resultant “false joint” is often restricted in function.
Therefore the clinical prognosis is uncertain, especially in bigger dogs. Intensive physical treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs is required after FHNE.
Preventing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Hip dysplasia cannot be avoided in all circumstances. You may take certain precautions to lessen your dog’s chance of acquiring this condition.
Maintaining your dog’s skeletal system should begin while your dog is young. Feeding your puppy a balanced food will give them a head start on healthy bone and joint development and will help avoid the disease’s excessive growth.
As your dog matures, offering adequate amounts of activity and balanced canine food can help avoid obesity, which is a primary cause of hip dysplasia. Obesity also causes many additional health issues in dogs, so avoid table leftovers and fatty meals.
Do your study on your chosen breed as a potential dog owner. Find a trustworthy breeder who does necessary health exams, such as radiographs for hip dysplasia and other conditions.
Breeders can best avoid hereditary hip dysplasia by screening their breeding dogs for the illness.
The Prognosis for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia
Dogs with hip dysplasia may have long and active lives, mainly when treated. Consult your veterinarian if you believe your dog may be affected.
Treatment alternatives and lifestyle improvements that may be implemented to keep your dog comfortable long into old age are available.
The Takeaway
If you have a giant breed dog of any age, see your veterinarian about the dangers and symptoms of hip dysplasia. A veterinarian who knows your pet and can evaluate him in person is ideally set to provide information and recommendations.
Hip dysplasia in your dog or puppy might be alarming. However, by educating yourself, consulting with a veterinarian and applying treatments and lifestyle modifications, your dog can live a long, happy and healthy life.
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Image source: Wikimedia / Manishwiki15.
