Hip Dysplasia is a common problem in large breed dogs, especially in Labradors/ Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers, although any breed or cross breed may be affected. It is caused by looseness in the hip joint, which is a ball and socket joint.

What this means is whenever the dog runs or jumps there may be an impact between the ball and the socket. This continual trauma can cause transient soreness, and will at an early stage cause severe arthritis. Once arthritis is present, there is nothing that can be done to reverse these changes.

Prevention of Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is partially a genetic problem and partially dependant on how the dog is raised. If buying a purebred dog, ask if the parents and their parents have been tested for hip dysplasia. Also ask if any other litters have been affected by hip dysplasia. Dogs can be given hip dysplasia scores to determine if their hips are affected by hip dysplasia, and these should be made known to you. It is ideal to have no parents or grandparents carrying hip dysplasia genes.

A dog that is genetically prone to hip dysplasia may be prevented from having severe problems by controlling their diet. Equally, a dog that is not genetically prone to hip dysplasia can develop it if not fed properly in the initial months of its life. Exercise can also play a part.

Overfeeding and an unbalanced diet are the main environmental causes of Hip Dysplasia. Puppies under 12 weeks should be fed 3 times daily, and not in between. Their diet should be balanced- either by using canned and dry foods, or by feeding a varied diet of meat, pasta/rice, and vegetables. An all meat diet is the most common diet to cause hip and other joint problems. Pups over 12 weeks should be fed the same food, but often twice daily is sufficient. Weight checks at vaccination times are important to monitor the growth of your pup.

Some exercises should also be avoided. Jumping from and to high places is best avoided. While it would be unfair to stop puppies from playing, it should be kept in mind that 'high impact' activities make your pup more prone to hip dysplasia.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Hip Dysplasia ?

Any sign of soreness or lack of co-ordination in the hindlimbs at an early age may indicate hip dysplasia. Especially if soreness is either continual or occurs frequently, hip dysplasia should be considered.

It is difficult to tell if dogs have hip dysplasia in a consultation. A diagnosis of hip dysplasia can only be made by X-rays of the hips, and testing the hips under anaesthetic. This is a simple procedure, and, if required, a hip score can be given. Unfortunately, a dog who has normal looking hips at the age of 6 months, may still go on to develop hip dysplasia. It is only at the age of 2 years and over can a definite no for hip dysplasia be given.

Dealing With Hip Dysplasia

There are two main methods of dealing with hip dysplasia at an early age: trying to solve the problem early, or waiting until arthritis develops, and managing the problem then. Arthritis in some dogs with mild hip dysplasia may not occur until quite old, so sometimes just monitoring can be a good option.

(1) Early Correction

- if detected early enough, some dogs will respond to a surgery that aims at providing increased support to the ball part of the joint. This surgery is not only costly, but is a big operation for the dog, and is best performed at a specialist hospital. We can advise you whether this surgery is an option for your dog. This has the greatest chance of 'creating normal hips' in a dog with hip dysplasia.

- controlling exercise, diet, and with a series of injections to reduce joint damage, the progression of joint damage may be slowed. This takes constant monitoring of weight, and restriction of many exercises, including most running. Even doing these things, further joint damage and pain will occur.

(2) Controlling intermittent pain with medications, then dealing with more serious problems later- most pain initially with mild/ moderate hip dysplasia is transient and can be controlled well with medications. It is often not until arthritic changes begin in the joint, that soreness becomes uncontrollable, and requires further action.

Some dogs with minor hip dysplasia do not develop difficulties until very old. However most dogs develop difficult to control problems in early to middle age. There are 2 surgeries that may be used at this stage to control pain and regain full function.

(a) Femoral Head Ostectomy (removing the ball part of the joint)- this is a good option for medium sized dogs, and can be helpful for large dogs. The leg is then supported by the hip muscles. Larger dogs, because of the extra weight, can have problems after this surgery due to the muscles not being able to support the weight.

(b) Total Hip Replacement- ideal for large dogs, and is a surgery that often yields good results. Cost can often be inhibitory.

We can advise you on the best options for your dog. Please contact us if you are unsure as to what do with your dog's condition.