What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Symptoms
Canine Hip Dysplasia symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the age of the dog. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
  1. Difficulty Rising: They may have trouble getting up from a lying down position. They may appear stiff or reluctant to move, especially after resting for a while.
  2. Decreased Activity: They may avoid activities that involve running, jumping, or climbing stairs.
  3. Stiffness or Limping: You will see this particularly in their hind limbs. The lameness may be more noticeable after periods of rest or vigorous activity.
  4. Bunny Hopping: Some dogs will develop a hopping gait where they move both hind legs simultaneously, resembling a bunny hop. 
  5. Muscle Atrophy: You may notice a decrease in muscle mass in the thighs and bottoms of the dog. They will also have reduced range of motion in their hip joints.
  6. Altered Sitting Position: They may lean to one side or sit with their legs splayed out to the side.
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a condition of the hip joint, a ball-and-socket joint, in which the head of the femur (the “ball”) does not fit properly into the too-shallow acetabulum (the “socket”).
​ Because they do not fit correctly, they rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly. This results in deterioration over time and an eventual loss of function of the joint itself. Additionally, the ligaments that connect these two bony surfaces together are not as strong.
This is a deformity of the hip that occurs during growth.


​Hip Dysplasia can affect any type of dog, however, it is predominantly seen in ​larger dog breeds. A few examples being German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, and Bulldogs.
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What should you do if you ​suspect Hip Dysplasia?
If you notice any of these symptoms listed above in your dog, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for a thorough examination and proper diagnosis. Early detection and management of hip dysplasia can help improve your dog's quality of life and prevent further joint damage. Your vet will perform a physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays to assess the hip joints to get a confirmed diagnosis.

Treatment

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Treatment varies depending on the dog's age, overall health, and the severity
of the condition. Treatments may include medical management, lifestyle modifications, and Canine Therapy. 

Canine Therapy's main goal is to help with:
  • Decreased Pain
  • Improved Range of Motion, Flexibility and Balance
  • Weight Loss 
  • Increased Muscle Tone
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More severe cases may require surgery.
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Movement is Medicine
Here at Oklahoma K9 PT, we are movement specialists. We assess your dogs overall mobility and all factors that may affect this. Not only can weakness and neurologic changes cause difficulty with mobility, but also environmental factors, obesity, and traction issues. We help tailor a plan for your dog's individual needs to help you help your canine companion with management of their injuries conservatively at home long term.

Ready to find more about how Oklahoma K9 PT can help your dog with Hip Dysplasia?

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