This medical condition affects large and giant dog breeds, so as a guard dog owner, it is something to pay close attention to.

While common in large dog breeds, hip dysplasia can affect small dogs too. 

No matter the breed or the size of the dog, hip dysplasia is a painful condition that can lead to serious physical impairments if not treated on time.

What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a deformity of the hip joint in which the head of the femur (ball) and the socket of the pelvis bone do not fit properly. This leads to bone grating on bone during movement which is painful and leads to deterioration of the hip joint.

The ball and the socket should move smoothly. The grinding of the bones leads to further loss of the bone tissue and more physical problems. The dog’s body will try to ‘fix’ the problem by making additional bone, but it is futile and only leads to osteoarthritis (or degenerative joint disease). 

Hip Dysplasia Symptoms in Dogs (What to Look For)

Everything that happens during irregular hip-joint movements leads to some clinical signs. Some are easier to notice than others, but if we learn to recognize these early signs, we could help our dogs keep their leg.

The first symptoms we can notice are weakness and pain in the hind legs. Some dogs will want to avoid movements that cause pain, such as going up the stairs or they will reluctantly get up from a lying position. 

The pain is caused by movement, so dogs with hip dysplasia will become less active, they will avoid actions such as running or jumping. 

One of the most mentioned symptoms is a ‘bunny gait’ or ‘bunny hopping gait’. This movement is done to avoid using the hind legs and thus avoid the pain.

The hip dysplasia symptoms can be seen in puppies as young as a few weeks, but usually, it takes some time for symptoms to become clinically visible. That means that oftentimes we see that there is something wrong with our dogs when they are around 1 or 2 years old.

Why Regular Vet Checkups Help Detect Hip Dysplasia Early?

We might not be able to see the signs of hip dysplasia when a dog is just a young puppy and the dog cannot speak to tell us there is something wrong, so it all hangs on the veterinary checkup. 

The first vet visits and examinations are very important. Your vet can check the looseness of the hip joint or the range of motion in both hips by moving the hind legs. The vet is looking for any signs of pain or discomfort, or signs of decreased range of motion.

If there is a possibility that a dog is suffering from hip dysplasia, a diagnosis is made by a hip radiograph under general anesthesia. 

How Hip Dysplasia Is Treated in Dogs?

If the vet makes a positive diagnosis and determines your dog has hip dysplasia, the treatment depends on the severity of the situation. In other words, it depends on how painful the condition is.

The exact treatment is different for each dog and any medication should be prescribed only by a licensed veterinarian. I can tell you that most vets prescribe various NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) combined with joint supplements (e.g. omega-3 fatty acids).

The aim is to alleviate the pain, make life as comfortable as possible, and stop the further deterioration of the hip joint. Physical therapy is one of the treatment options.

We can help in the process by adjusting the level of daily physical activity (less activity) and by changing our dog’s diet if the dog is overweight. A dog needs to be an appropriate weight because any extra pounds can put pressure on the hips.

Surgical Options for Canine Hip Dysplasia

If the meds, physical therapy, and other non-invasive methods do not help, a veterinarian can decide to use surgery as a form of treatment.

There are different surgical procedures, but the most common are complete hip replacement (complete removal of the affected hip joint and replacement with prosthetic one) and FHNO or femoral head/neck ostectomy.

Once again, all of these decisions must be made by a licensed veterinarian.  

Dog Breeds Prone to Hip Dysplasia

While hip dysplasia can affect all dog breeds, as mentioned, large and giant dog breeds have a higher chance of developing this health issue than small dog breeds.

And, among these large dog breeds, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Old English Sheepdog, and Bulldogs are at greater risk than others.

Can Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Be Prevented?

The first step is on dog breeders. They should screen-test their breeding dogs (both males and females) and breed only those dogs that have healthy hip joints. 

OFA is a great way to check your dog’s health. 

As dog owners and not dog breeders, we can help by providing our dogs with adequate high-quality food, while they are puppies (Purina Large Breed Puppy) and adults (Pedigree Big Dog). What’s important is for these types of food to have glucosamine as a joint supplement.

Keeping our dog’s weight appropriate is another way to help prevent various health problems, not just hip dysplasia. Most people think about a dog not being underweight, but a healthy dog is not overweight either.

Summary

A dog diagnosed with hip dysplasia can live a long life if we take the necessary steps to make its life easier and comfortable. 

No matter what stage of hip dysplasia your dog has, the best option is to consult a veterinarian for any treatment options.

And remember that responsible breeding is the first step in preventing this condition.

FAQ

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic joint condition where the hip joint does not develop properly. Instead of fitting smoothly, the ball and socket rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and eventually arthritis.

Are guard dogs more likely to develop hip dysplasia?

Many guard dogs are large or giant breeds, which are more prone to hip dysplasia. Breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and other working dogs have a higher genetic risk, especially if not responsibly bred.

What are the early signs of hip dysplasia in dogs?

Early signs include stiffness, difficulty standing up, reluctance to run or jump, “bunny hopping” when running, and decreased activity levels. Symptoms may start mildly and worsen over time.

Can hip dysplasia in dogs be treated without surgery?

Yes, mild to moderate cases can often be managed with weight control, joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medication, controlled exercise, and physical therapy. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.