Introduction

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal disorders in domestic dogs. The hip joints of affected puppies probably have a genetic predisposition to partially dislocate, causing a number of potential clinical signs and, in advanced cases, ultimately leading to osteoarthritis. It is important for owners to recognize the symptoms of hip dysplasia so that effective treatment options can be pursued as early in the course of the disease as possible. Unfortunately, this can be somewhat difficult, because the signs of hip dysplasia often mimic those of other degenerative musculoskeletal disorders.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Owners of dogs with hip dysplasia may notice one or more of the following symptoms as the disease progresses:

• Rear limb lameness in one or both hind legs
• Characteristic “bunny-hopping” or swaying gait
• Weakness in one or both hind legs
• Pain in the hip and pelvis area when touched, manipulated or moving
• Stiffness
• Reluctance to rise; difficulty rising
• Inactivity; reduced activity levels
• Exercise intolerance
• Reluctance to run, jump, play, climb stairs, get into the car, jump on furniture
• Audible “clicking” sound coming from the hips when rising or walking (called “crepitus”)
• Narrow hind-end stance
• Poor pelvic limb conformation and musculature
• “Shrinking” or wasting of the hind-end muscles (called “atrophy”)
• Enlargement of the shoulder muscles (called “hypertrophy”)
• Arched or roached appearance of the spine, caused by the shifting of weight to the forelimbs

These signs may be intermittent or persistent and tend to worsen after exercise. Affected dogs may seem fine most of the time but will be especially stiff in the morning or after waking from a nap. Owners should be especially aware of signs in young, rapidly-growing large and giant breed dogs during their first year of life, and in aging dogs. Medical and surgical treatments are available that can greatly reduce the discomfort caused by hip dysplasia, allowing affected dogs to remain active and lead relatively normal lives.

Dogs At Increased Risk

Large and giant-breed dogs have the highest incidence of hip dysplasia, including St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers, among others. Small breeds can also be affected but are less likely to show clinical signs of the disease. Both sexes are affected equally, and symptoms tend to show up either very early (in young dogs, usually by 12 months of age), or much later in life in mature dogs. The symptoms of hip dysplasia seem to be exacerbated by obesity, rapid weight gain and accelerated growth caused by excessive caloric intake. Trauma to the hip or pelvic area can also contribute to the development of hip dysplasia.