Hip dysplasia in dogs is a very common orthopedic condition. Different degrees of severity will result in a variety of symptoms. In general, hip dysplasia in dogs can cause pain, lameness, or difficulty walking, even at a young age. It's important to recognize the symptoms of hip dysplasia so your dog can be properly treated and avoid the potential for permanent damage. If one or both hips are affected by this condition there's a greater risk of arthritis later on in life as well. Here are some things you should know about hip dysplasia in dogs to help you better understand it and care for your dog.
What is hip dysplasia in dogs?
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition of the coxofemoral joints where the femur is attached to the pelvis. Affected animals have normal hips at birth, but their hips develop structural abnormalities that result in dysplasia with time.
In some cases, the head of the femur does not fit snugly into the acetabulum (hip joint). This can create an unstable area and lead to a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage and bone fragment formation within the spaces around your dog's hip joint(s) which results in swelling and pain.
Hip dysplasia predominantly happens in large breed dogs, but is also observed in smaller breeds and even cats!
An important event in the development of hip dysplasia is poor anatomy between the femoral head and acetabulum, which results in instability of the coxofemoral joint. As a result, natural attempts by our body to counteract this instability lead to microfractures and subsequent arthritis.
What are the causes of hip dysplasia in dogs?
There is not one single cause of hip dysplasia in dogs. Rather, it's a complex result of many different factors including genetics, growth rate, nutrition, exercise, and environment. Dogs that are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia are more likely to develop the condition, but it's not an automatic occurrence. Proper nutrition and exercise are essential in preventing hip dysplasia and there is some evidence that suggests early neutering may also increase the risk, although there are conflicting studies on when to recommend spay and neuter in dogs for the purpose of preventing orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia.
What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs?
Symptoms of hip dysplasia can be seen as early as 5-8 months of age. Signs vary according to the extent of joint laxity and osteoarthritis. Early signs are often related to joint laxity; later signs are related to degenerative joint disease. Symptoms include unwillingness to run, jump, or climb stairs; limping that worsens after exercise; bunny-hop gait, and difficulty getting up.
How is hip dysplasia in dogs diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose hip dysplasia in dogs with a physical examination and by taking x-rays of your dog's hip joints. It is important to note that radiographic findings and clinical signs do not always correlate. Dogs with radiographic signs of hip dysplasia may not exhibit any symptoms at all.
What your veterinarian is looking for on the physical exam
Your veterinarian will likely start the examination with a gait analysis. This involves watching the dog walk in a straight line and then in a figure-8 direction. Dogs typically exhibit abnormal pelvic limb gait (e.g., swaying or bunny hopping), and decreased flexion and extension of the hip during the range of motion may be noted. Your veterinarian will also determine if the lameness is unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral (both sides). As dogs with hip dysplasia are more affected after exercise, your veterinarian may recommend a short run or exercise prior to the examination. Pelvic and hindlimb musculature will also be assessed as dogs with hip dysplasia often have muscles that are atrophied.
Pain, crepitus, and reduced range of motion can be felt on palpation of the affected hip joint(s). During the early stages, joint laxity is evident with a positive Ortolani sign. An Ortolani sign is elicited by gently dorsiflexing the hip (raising the heel off of the table) and then abducting (moving away from the midline) the hip. A positive Ortolani sign is when the hip moves easily and smoothly out of the acetabulum which is seen with hip dysplasia in dogs. However, a positive Ortolani sign may not be present in chronic stages when scar tissue is present. After approximately 16 weeks of age, hip laxity revealed by Ortolani palpation is a reliable indicator of hip dysplasia.
X-rays | Radiography
Radiography is the primary mode for diagnosing hip dysplasia in dogs. The position of the dog during X-rays is critical, so your veterinarian will likely suggest deep sedation in order to obtain diagnostic radiographs. A specific type of X-ray positioning technique called the PennHip method is considered the best clinical predictor for hip dysplasia in the future as it quantitatively measures laxity within the hip joint.
How is hip dysplasia in dogs treated?
Treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs will vary depending on your dog's age, symptoms, and degree of hip dysplasia. Non-surgical treatment options include weight management, restricted activity, anti-inflammatory medications, and supplements. If conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended.
Most common surgical treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO): This procedure is only performed in dogs between 6-12 months of age and has no evidence of arthritis radiographically. The TPLO cuts the pelvic bones in 3 locations to allow for proper development of the acetabulum ("hip socket").
Total Hip Replacement: This procedure is performed for severe hip dysplasia in adult large dogs.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): This procedure is recommended for severe hip dysplasia and when a total hip replacement isn't achievable. The FHO procedure removes the femoral head and neck and creates a pseudo-joint. The main goal of this procedure is to remove the source of arthritic pain that occurs secondary to hip dysplasia in dogs. An FHO is typically performed in small to medium-sized dogs.
Medical management for hip dysplasia in dogs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are the most common form of medication prescribed for hip dysplasia in dogs as they help alleviate inflammation and pain. Common NSAIDs include Rimadyl®, Metacam®, and Deramaxx®. Some dogs respond better to one than another so if your dog is not showing benefit, you should consider asking your veterinarian about switching to another. If your dog has been prescribed an NSAID for chronic use, most veterinarians will recommend frequent (once yearly for most dogs) drug monitoring for safety considerations.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Glucosamine and chondroitin together is a joint supplement that is often recommended for hip dysplasia in dogs as it helps to rebuild and maintain joint cartilage. The product we use for our patients is Dasuquin®.
Cartrophen® or Adequan®: These are injectable medications that help to reduce inflammation and improve joint function. They are administered either subcutaneously or intramuscularly and are not injected into the joint. They work by inhibiting the enzymes in cartilage that cause degradation during inflammation.
Weight Management: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is critical as obesity can exacerbate the symptoms of hip dysplasia. A diet specifically for hip dysplasia may be recommended by your veterinarian. In addition, there are many good joint diets available that contain joint supplements and when fed appropriately, can promote weight loss.
Omega fatty acids (EPA/DHA): The most common omega fatty acids are found in fish oil, and when taken in large amounts for therapeutic purposes, they may be beneficial.
What is the prognosis for dogs with hip dysplasia?
For the majority of dogs with hip dysplasia, their lives are usually very normal and they have little to no disability. An X-ray might reveal hip dysplasia but the dog may be asymptomatic, so it is very important that as veterinarians, we treat the clinical symptoms of the dog, not the X-rays. Of course, even if your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia it can still be helped by treatment - you just need to know what kind!
Preventing hip dysplasia in dogs
Early nutrition is very important in prevention. Feeding a rapidly growing large breed dog the appropriate puppy food is critical. Puppy foods that are designed for large breed dogs are what veterinarians recommend. Studies have also shown that dogs that are allowed to use stairs before 3 months of age had a higher risk of hip dysplasia. Controlled exercise on soft surfaces during development and weight management are also key factors in preventing hip dysplasia in dogs.
Common questions about hip dysplasia in dogs
What breeds commonly develop hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is most common in large breed dogs, although it can affect any breed. Common dog breeds that are predisposed to hip dysplasia include Golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Rottweiler, Pug, German Shepherd, and Bulldogs.
Is hip dysplasia in dogs progressive?
For the majority of dogs, hip dysplasia is not a progressive disease. What this means is that even if your dog has hip dysplasia on an X-ray at one point in their life, it does not mean that the hip dysplasia will get worse over time. The secondary degenerative joint disease and arthritis are, however. Because it's progressive, begin with a single treatment for secondary arthritis early on and then add in various therapies as the dog grows older and needs them (i.e., multi-modal therapy).
Does hip dysplasia only affect large dogs?
No, hip dysplasia can occur in any breed of dog. Smaller breeds that are commonly affected include pugs, french and English bulldogs, and Pekingese.
What are the factors that affect the development of hip dysplasia in dogs?
The development of hip dysplasia is multi-factorial meaning the development is a result of genetics, diet, environment, exercise, and growth rate.
Are only puppies affected by hip dysplasia?
No, hip dysplasia can occur in any age dog. It is most commonly diagnosed in puppies and young dogs, but it can also occur in older dogs. Moreover, many dogs with mild hip dysplasia will not show symptoms until later in life when degenerative joint disease and arthritis create pain and discomfort.
In closing, dogs who are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia are more likely to develop the condition, but other things like diet, exercise, weight, and overall body condition also play a role. Poor breeding practices can also lead to an increased incidence of hip dysplasia and affected dogs or relatives should not be bred. If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, early diagnosis and treatment are key to a good prognosis. There are many different treatment options available for hip dysplasia in dogs, so talk to your veterinarian to find the best plan for your dog.