Hip dysplasia in dogs is unfortunately not uncommon, particularly among certain breeds. Bulldogs, for example, are especially prone to the condition.
It’s not something that puppies are ever born with. It develops over time. So it’s possible that your pet is starting to suffer from it right now, however unlikely that may seem.
Joint laxity is the main cause of hip dysplasia in dogs – this means that the femur (the long bone at the top of the leg) isn’t fitting well into the hip.
If you suspect this is the case, it’s important that you take your dog to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible, as hip dysplasia can reduce their mobility and cause them great discomfort.
Your dog may be suffering from hip dysplasia if he or she is exhibiting any of the symptoms below. Keep an eye on your pet if they’re a bigger dog – body weight and size means that larger dogs are more commonly affected than smaller breeds.
They stand up in stages
If your dog is laboring to stand up, they may be in pain. You might see them slowly push themselves up into a sitting position first, before heaving themselves forward in order to properly stand.
Dogs without problems should be able to stand straight up from lying down. So if you spot them struggling, it’s a sign of potential problems.
Likewise, if you never see them sitting, but always lying down when they’re resting, this could be because sitting is causing them pain.
Your dog moves away when petted
They don’t mind being stroked on the head, but move or push you away whenever you move closer to their hind end. They might butt your hand away with their head, or roll away from you.
This is because hip dysplasia in dogs – unsurprisingly – makes their hips ache. Patting them puts extra pressure on an already sore area, which is no good for them
If you think they are in discomfort, keep this in mind. Try to remember to only pet their head and the front of their body.
They seem disinterested in activity
If your dog seems lazy all the time, it probably isn’t a case of just not being in the mood. A lack of activity could actually mean that running around is causing them to be in pain.
They’d really love to play, but their condition means that they can’t keep up the physical activity for long. Which leads us onto our next symptom…
They do play, but it doesn’t last long
When playing, they might soon want to lie down or sneak away. They may not be saying that they’re sleeping if this is happening all the time.
They might want to lie down and have some quiet time to recover from the extra stress that playtime has put on their hips.
Your dog doesn’t walk – they waddle or hop
Hip dysplasia in dogs can lead to some strange walking habits. If your dog’s gait is looking more like a waddle than a walk, or a hop than a stroll, they may not be OK.
The condition can mean that it’s difficult for them to extend their legs as they normally would because their femur is rubbing against the socket of the hip bone.
This leads to them moving in a different way to try to avoid movements which hurt, and to keep weight off their hind legs.
Another way they might try to keep weight off their rear is to walk with their head held low. If they’re exhibiting both of these symptoms then it’s really time to call a vet for professional advice.
Going up is difficult for them with hip dysplasia in dogs
You might notice that your dog is having difficulties going up stairs. They might be ‘bunny-hopping’ with their rear legs as they go up, or
They might also be hesitant to hop up onto the couch or into the car. The sudden movement in their hips is causing them pain, so they’re not keen on doing it.
They aren’t being very friendly
If you were suffering from constant stiffness and pain, it would probably be fair to say that you would never be in the best mood. Well, the same goes for dogs.
You may find that a previously good-tempered dog becomes quite huffy, either with you or with other dogs – particularly if the other dog is playing roughly.
Get help for your pet as soon as possible
Early intervention is crucial – the faster treatment is administered, the more chance that it will be successful, as well as being easier. If detected early, we can prescribe a course of action, such as modifications to their diet and exercise schedule, that could help avoid the condition developing.
Proper nutrition for puppies is really important, and, believe it or not, can affect your pet’s chance of developing hip dysplasia. If you’re unsure about what to feed your young furry friend, don’t be afraid to take advice from an expert.
However, hip dysplasia in dogs will not necessarily cause them pain for many years. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, about three-quarters of young dogs with hip dysplasia can go about their lives without problems.
As they age, however, it can become a problem. This is because it may lead to arthritis in the hips. So it’s vital that you seek treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs as soon as you notice the symptoms, or it could lead to a worse situation.
If you do have an older dog, you should bring them to a vet twice a year just to see that everything is alright with their health. And we’d love to meet them!
Otherwise, if you think your dog is displaying signs of hip dysplasia, we can examine them and perform tests to see if that’s the case.
The best kind of treatment is preventative care, as we may be able to stop symptoms becoming a real issue. That way, we can make sure your pet isn’t in unnecessary pain.