Hip Dysplasia in Dogs (HD) 

How Dangerous is Hip Dysplasia (HD) in Dogs?

As hip dysplasia in dogs is a congenital condition, affected dogs show symptoms of HD from puppyhood to different extents. In some cases, a dog’s life can be so severely restricted that they can hardly walk. In any case, hip dysplasia in dogs is associated with significant and usually lifelong pain.

Symptoms: How to Recognise Signs of HD in Dogs

The first signs of HD in dogs appear early on. HD in dogs is particularly noticeable through a change in gait.

Gait in HD: How Do Dogs with Hip Dysplasia Walk?

In young dogs (four to eight months), hip dysplasia presents as a wide-based, waddling gait and a reluctance to move. As the condition progresses, dogs may develop lameness, have difficulty getting up and become less mobile in their hind legs.

Tip: In winter, an abnormal gait is often particularly easy to spot: look out for drag marks from your dog’s paws in the snow!

HD in Dogs: Typical Symptoms

The muscles in the hind legs decrease in size because affected dogs spare their hind legs due to pain. Dogs also suffer from hip pain, as the muscles surrounding the hip joint become shortened (contracture).

How Does a Dog with HD Sit?

When sitting, many dogs with HD adopt a relieving posture and, for example, stretch their hind legs clearly forwards. This is also known as the “puppy sit” , as this position is otherwise typical only in puppies.

However, the symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs vary depending on age, severity and the level of hip joint function to different extents. For this reason, HD in dogs can only be clearly diagnosed by a vet.

Diagnosis: How Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Diagnosed?

A vet diagnoses hip dysplasia in dogs using a veterinary surgeon and an X-ray examination. In order to properly assess an X-ray image of the hip joints, the HD X-ray must always be taken under sedation with the dog positioned in a standardised way. Sedation is necessary so that the dog’s muscles are relaxed and they do not feel any pain while being positioned for the image.

The vet then assesses the severity of the hip dysplasia and the changes in the hip joint based on the X-rays. A key assessment criterion is the so-called “Norberg angle”, which is determined using two lines drawn between the centres of both femoral heads and the front edge of the socket. In a dog without HD, the angle should be more than 105 degrees.

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Further Signs of Hip Dysplasia

The following changes are also indicators of hip dysplasia: The hip socket, the femoral head or both are flattened. As a result, the femoral head does not sit optimally in the hip socket.

In addition, a misalignment of the femoral neck or head is often visible. There are also frequently early signs of osteoarthritis, such as bony growths on the front and rear edge of the socket and at the transition from the femoral neck to the head.

X-ray Examination for Breeding Dogs

For the selection of breeding dogs, certain criteria for taking X-rays and assessing them are required. For some dog breeds, in certain countries or for second-opinion assessments, an additional X-ray with the thighs spread and the hocks raised (“frog view”) is also required. This position makes changes to the socket edge and femur easier to see.

Assessment of Severity

The classification for breeding dogs follows FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) guidelines in five categories:

• A = no signs of hip dysplasia in the dog
• B = borderline case
• C = mild hip dysplasia
• D = moderate hip dysplasia
• E = severe hip dysplasia

In addition to the X-rays, the results of the clinical examination and the symptoms are decisive for treating a dog with hip dysplasia.

Treatment: How Can HD in Dogs be Treated?

There are several options available for the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs. However, none of them provides a cure.

All forms of therapy aim to relieve pain and inflammation, slow the progression of osteoarthritis and improve joint mechanics and mobility. The chosen treatment depends on many different factors, such as the severity of symptoms, X-ray findings, breed, age and weight of the dog as well as the owner’s preferences.

What to Do if Your Dog Has Hip Dysplasia?

Vets distinguish between conservative and surgical treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs.

Conservative treatment focuses on reduced strain and supporting the joints. You should therefore prevent overexertion by ensuring controlled exercise on soft ground. This protects the hip joints and helps build muscle. Swimming for dogs is a good example.

In addition, physiotherapy measures help with reducing pain and inflammation, as well as relieving muscle tension. Anti-inflammatory medication and pain relief are also often used, sometimes in combination.

If your dog is overweight, weight loss is essential to avoid placing additional strain on the joints.

Note: Choosing a suitable veterinary diet food can support your dog’s natural body functions. However, please note that diet foods diseases cannot cure or prevent. You should always discuss your dog’s diet with your vet.

What Should a Dog with Hip Dysplasia Avoid?

Sudden movements, such as those that occur during play, jumping and turning, should be avoided. They place excessive strain on the joint surfaces, joint capsule and surrounding tissue.

Surgical Measures for Hip Dysplasia

A range of methods is also available for surgical treatment. When choosing the method, the vet differentiates between young dogs without joint changes and adult dogs with existing joint changes.

In the worst-case scenario – as in humans – only replacement of the hip joint with an artificial joint will help. The costs of such a hip dysplasia operation in dogs can quickly amount to several thousand euros.

Prognosis: Can a Dog Live Well with Hip Dysplasia?

Dogs can certainly live with HD. However, the prognosis depends on the severity and the symptoms that occur in the affected dog.

By combining treatment options, symptoms improve in many dogs. This can help achieve the longest possible symptom-free or low-pain period. Unfortunately, a cure for hip dysplasia is not possible.

When Should a Dog with Hip Dysplasia Be Put to Sleep?

In principle, dogs with hip dysplasia do not have a reduced life expectancy compared to healthy dogs. A diagnosis of HD alone is therefore not a reason to have your dog put to sleep.

However, symptoms can worsen with increasing age. A dog with end-stage HD may become lame and suffer from chronic pain, which can severely restrict their quality of life. If all treatment options have been exhausted and there is no longer any prospect of relief, it may be appropriate to end the animal’s suffering. You should always make this difficult decision in consultation with your vet.

Causes: How Does Hip Dysplasia Develop in Dogs?

Hip dysplasia in dogs occurs mainly in medium-sized and large breeds. Small breeds are less commonly affected. It is particularly common in breeds such as the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, Boxer, Rottweiler, German Shepherd and St Bernard, and less common in Greyhounds or Borzois.

Inheritance of Hip Dysplasia

Dogs are not born with hip dysplasia. They inherit the predisposition to it. Affected puppies develop at around two months of age a “loose” hip (subluxation).

In this case, the femoral head does not sit firmly enough in the hip socket but moves back and forth. Resulting changes such as osteoarthritis of the hip joints develop from around four months of age.

Risk Factors

Many dogs with a mild form of hip dysplasia often only show symptoms in old age, such as lameness. In addition, factors such as a high body weight or rapid growth can further exacerbate HD.

This is why the right puppy nutrition with moderate energy levels and an adapted mineral content is so important. Excessive energy content or high mineral intake, such as calcium, can negatively influence hip dysplasia.

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Prevention: How Can I Prevent Hip Dysplasia in My Dog?

As hip dysplasia in dogs is genetically inherited, it can only be prevented through strict breeding measures. Only HD-free dogs should be approved for breeding.

However, as a dog owner you can also help to some extent to prevent severe hip dysplasia. Particularly with large breeds, you should avoid overexerting your puppy. Also avoid high-energy feeding and ensure appropriate mineral and vitamin levels in your dog’s food.

To preventatively avoid overloading or incorrect strain, or to support your dog with HD in everyday life, the following tips may help:

• avoid unnecessary stair climbing (especially in puppies)
• use dog ramps for the car or other lifting aids to make getting in and out easier
• go for regular check-ups at the vet
• Nutritional supplements can be a useful addition to therapy (in consultation with your vet)

Conclusion: Living with Hip Dysplasia

A diagnosis of hip dysplasia is not a death sentence for your dog. If the condition is recognised early and treated consistently, your four-legged friend can enjoy a (largely) normal life with ideally long periods without pain. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of conscientious dog breeders to prevent the further spread of this hereditary condition – for example, through appropriate testing of the parent dogs.

Further topics for you:

• Arthritis in dogs
• Slipped disc in dogs
• Spondylosis in dogs
• Muscle diseases in dogs