Perhaps you've heard about hip dysplasia in dogs and wondered what it is. Or maybe, if you're reading this, your dog has been diagnosed with this malformation, or you suspect they might suffer from it.
To properly care for a dog with this condition, it's important to deeply understand the pathology, to know how to intervene to best manage the symptoms and therapy for the disease.
What is hip dysplasia in dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in dogs that affects the hip joint.
It occurs when the joint develops abnormally, causing instability and excessive wear of the joint itself.
It can affect either one hip (unilateral dysplasia) or both hips (bilateral dysplasia):
Unilateral hip dysplasia: In this case, only one of the dog's hips is affected by dysplasia.
The other hip may have a normal structure and function. However, it's important to note that dysplasia can also progress in the unaffected hip over time.
Unilateral dysplasia can cause a greater discrepancy in leg length and increased stress on the healthy hip.
Bilateral hip dysplasia: This condition involves both of the dog's hips.
Both hip joints may be unstable and show signs of joint degeneration.
Bilateral dysplasia is often more severe and can cause more noticeable symptoms, such as limping, difficulty walking, and chronic pain.
At what age does hip dysplasia appear in dogs?
Hip dysplasia can occur in dogs of various ages, but it usually develops during growth and can be detected in the first few months of life.
However, symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the disease and may worsen over time as the dog ages.
What are the causes of hip dysplasia in dogs?
This condition can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
In many cases, hip dysplasia in dogs is hereditary.
Among the genetically predisposed breeds, especially large breeds, are:
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd
Rottweiler
Cane Corso
Doberman
Great Dane
Setter
Maremma Sheepdog
Bernese Mountain Dog
Golden Retriever
Among small breed dogs, we find:
French Bulldog
Basset Hound
Pekingese
Shih Tzu
Chihuahua
And if not hereditary, these are the most common causes:
Rapid growth and development can be a risk factor for the disease's evolution. Too fast growth can lead to abnormal development of the hip joints.
Excess weight can put more pressure on the hip joints and contribute to their deterioration. Overweight or obese dogs have a higher risk of developing it.
An unbalanced diet or one lacking in essential nutrients during the growth phase can affect joint health and increase the risk of the disease.
Injuries or trauma to the hip can cause damage to the joints and contribute to its development.
The environment in which the dog lives and their lifestyle can affect the severity of hip dysplasia. Exposure to slippery surfaces or intense physical exercise on hard terrain can increase stress on the hip joints.
What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs?
The symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but generally, the dog will exhibit these:
Difficulty in walking, such as limping or lameness, especially after physical activity or during movement.
Stiffness, pain, and a limited range of motion in the affected hip, for example, in climbing or descending stairs, jumping, or running.
Changes in gait, as some dogs may have a marked sideways thrust of the hind legs while walking, or run with a hopping movement also defined as a "bunny hop" or "rabbit gait."
Reduced activity and endurance during exercise.
Behavioral changes, such as a decrease in the desire to participate in games or physical activities that require effort on the hip.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia in puppies are mainly manifested by the so-called bunny hop gait and difficulty in getting up, moving, and sitting, while adult and older dogs will show greater stiffness and difficulty in movement.
What are the grades of hip dysplasia in dogs?
Hip dysplasia in dogs can manifest in various forms and degrees of severity:
Mild dysplasia: In this form, the hip joint may be slightly unstable, but the dog might not show obvious symptoms. It may walk normally or have only slight lameness during intense physical activity.
Moderate dysplasia: In this condition, the instability of the hip joint is more evident. The dog might limp after exercise or when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It might also have difficulty jumping or running.
Severe dysplasia: In this more advanced form, the hip joint is significantly unstable. The dog may constantly limp and have a marked limitation in hip mobility. It might avoid jumping, running, or engaging in intense efforts. Pain and stiffness can be significant.
The degrees of dysplasia are classified in progressive order with A - B - C - D - E:
Grade A: absent
Grade B: mild joint incongruence
Grade C: mild/moderate joint incongruence
Grade D: moderate dysplasia
Grade E: severe dysplasia
For detailed information on how a dog with dysplasia walks, read here!
How is hip dysplasia recognized in dogs?
To diagnose the severity of the condition, the veterinarian will need to conduct specific tests, for example:
X-rays of the hip, which allow for the assessment of the joint's conformation, the degree of bone development, and the presence of any abnormalities.
Clinical examination, to evaluate symptoms such as limping, joint stiffness, movement limitations, and perceived pain.
Review of the clinical history, to check for any previous signs or symptoms, the age of onset, and the presence of the disease in the dog's relatives or ancestors.
Genetic evaluation to determine the presence of genetic markers related to the disease.
What is the therapy for hip dysplasia in dogs?
The treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs depends on the severity of the symptoms and the overall condition of the animal:
Conservative management: This approach is usually recommended for dogs with mild or asymptomatic dysplasia. It includes measures to reduce inflammation and improve mobility, such as the administration of chondroprotective dietary supplements for joints (glucosamine, chondroitin), physical therapy (massages, heat therapies), and moderate exercise to strengthen the muscles around the hip.
Medication for dysplasia: In some cases, the veterinarian may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as cortisone, to relieve pain and inflammation associated with the condition. It's important to follow the veterinarian's instructions carefully and monitor for potential side effects.
Surgery: In more severe cases or when conservative management is not sufficient to improve the dog's quality of life, surgery may be advised.
How is surgery for hip dysplasia in dogs performed?
There are several surgical procedures available, including surgical removal of the femoral neck (femorotomy), hip replacement (prosthesis), or arthroplasty.
Surgical removal of the femoral neck (femorotomy): During this procedure, the surgeon surgically removes the top part of the femur, which is the part of the hip bone that connects to the hip socket. This helps to reduce pain and improve hip mobility.
Hip replacement (prosthesis): In this procedure, the damaged hip joint is completely removed and replaced with an artificial prosthesis. The prosthesis is designed to restore hip function and mobility and reduce pain. This type of surgery is generally reserved for the most severe cases.
Arthroplasty: This procedure aims to improve the hip joint without completely removing it. The surgeon may reshape the hip bones or use bone grafts to improve stability and reduce friction in the joint.
Before deciding on surgery, the veterinarian will carefully assess the severity of the dysplasia, the dog's age, general condition, and other relevant factors.
It will also be important to discuss post-operative expectations, recovery period, and potential complications associated with the surgery with the veterinarian.
What to do for the postoperative course of hip dysplasia in dogs?
The postoperative course for hip dysplasia in dogs can vary depending on the type of surgery performed. However, there are some general guidelines to follow during the recovery period:
The dog will need to limit physical activity and maintain rest to allow the joints to heal.
It will be necessary to avoid jumps, runs, and activities that could put stress on the joints.
If surgical incisions have been made, it will be important to follow the veterinarian's instructions for wound care, such as cleaning and regular changing of bandages.
If a drain is present, it may need to be emptied and monitored for appearance and quantity of fluids.
The veterinarian may prescribe medications for pain control, inflammation, and to promote healing.
It will be important to carefully follow the veterinarian's instructions regarding medication administration.
Regular check-ups with the veterinarian will be necessary to monitor the healing process, remove any sutures, and assess the mobility and functionality of the joint.
In some cases, it may be advisable to subject the dog to physiotherapy or rehabilitation sessions to facilitate recovery, improve muscle strength, and restore full joint functionality.
At what age can a dog be operated on?
The ideal age for surgical intervention for hip dysplasia in dogs depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition and the breed of the dog.
In general, surgery is often advised when the dog reaches skeletal maturity, which usually occurs around the age of 1 year.
However, the veterinarian might decide that it's best not to operate on the dog in certain conditions, for example, in an older dog or with general health problems, if the hip dysplasia is mild and does not cause obvious symptoms or significant limitations in the dog's quality of life, and in the case of small breeds, which can tolerate hip dysplasia better than larger breeds.
Or if they believe that the dog cannot tolerate sedation or anesthesia, which is necessary to keep the dog immobile during the x-ray and subsequently during the operation.
How much does surgery for hip dysplasia in dogs cost?
The cost can vary depending on the type of operation and other factors, including the number and type of pre-operative tests.
The price of an x-ray, for example, can vary between 100 and 150 Euros just for the hip, but it can go up to 200 if done for hip and elbow.
The implantation of a prosthesis can vary depending on the type of replacement, and can have a variable price between 2000 and 3000 Euros if we are talking about titanium prostheses.
But everything depends on the veterinarian. There are specialized centers for the treatment of hip dysplasia that will be able to give you a real estimate after examining the animal.
What is the life expectancy of a dog with hip dysplasia?
In general, hip dysplasia in dogs is a degenerative and chronic condition that can affect the quality of life of the dog over time.
The life expectancy of a dog affected by hip dysplasia can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the measures taken to manage it.
With proper treatment, including pain control medications, dietary and exercise modifications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions, it is possible to improve the dog's quality of life and manage symptoms associated with hip dysplasia.
However, it should be emphasized that hip dysplasia is a progressive disease and cannot be completely cured.
The main goal of treatment is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and ensure the dog has a good quality of life.
In mild forms, life expectancy is entirely normal. I myself had a small breed dog that, despite mild dysplasia, lived for over 21 years.
But obviously, it depends on the individual, the intensity of the pain, and maintaining a reasonable mobility.
Choose an experienced veterinarian who can help you keep your dog healthy despite this condition, and your dog will live a long and happy life.
Other articles that might interest you
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Author's note
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The information on our site is general in nature and does not replace the opinion of the veterinarian or industry experts in any way
