Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia

Species: Dog

Breeds Affected: Large and Giant Breeds (e.g. Great Dane, St. Bernard, German Shepherd, Labrador, Rottweiler)

Hip dysplasia is an inherited orthopedic condition where the hip joint develops abnormally, resulting in a loose-fitting (“subluxating”) hip ball and socket. Over time this leads to cartilage wear and osteoarthritis in the hip joint. It often manifests during a dog’s growth period. Large breeds are most affected, though any breed can develop it. Proper screening (OFA or PennHIP) by breeders reduces incidence.

• Mild dysplasia may not show signs until the dog ages. In symptomatic dogs
• signs can appear in puppyhood or young adulthood and include hind limb lameness or bunny-hopping gait
• difficulty rising from lying down
• and reluctance to run
• jump or climb stairs. There may be audible clicking of the hips. As arthritis sets in
• an older dysplastic dog shows reduced range of motion in the hips
• muscle loss in rear limbs
• and pain during hip extension or when pressure is applied over the hip. They tire quickly during exercise and may be stiff afterward.

Treatment depends on severity. Conservative management is used for many dogs: this includes weight control (keep the dog lean to reduce stress on hips), exercise moderation (regular low-impact exercise to maintain muscle), and pain management with NSAIDs or other analgesics as needed. Joint supplements or therapeutic diets may support joint health. For dogs with persistent pain or lameness despite medical management, surgical options are considered. Surgery can range from procedures in young dogs to improve joint congruency (e.g. double or triple pelvic osteotomy) to salvage procedures in adults. The most definitive surgeries are total hip replacement (replacing the hip joint with prosthetic components) or femoral head ostectomy (FHO), which removes the femoral head to eliminate bone-on-bone contact. These surgeries can greatly improve quality of life in severe cases.

NSAIDs (like carprofen, firocoxib, meloxicam) are commonly given to dysplastic dogs to relieve pain and inflammation in the hips. For additional pain relief, gabapentin may be used, and in acute flare-ups, short courses of corticosteroids might be considered (though long-term steroid use is avoided due to side effects). Chondroprotective agents such as Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) injections help support cartilage. In terms of surgery, a total hip replacement is the gold standard for restoring function – after such surgery, pain is dramatically reduced and the dog may not need ongoing meds. Post-op or in lieu of surgery, vets may also recommend physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip, sometimes alongside analgesic medications.