How To Prevent Hip Dysplasia In Dogs: Signs, Surgery, and Care

Understanding how to prevent hip dysplasia in dogs is a top priority for large breed owners, but really, dogs of all sizes can suffer from this excruciating disease.

What is it exactly, though? Why are pet parents so terrified of it? And most importantly, how to prevent hip dysplasia in dogs—or at least manage it if it occurs?

From early signs such as “bunny hopping” to advanced surgical solutions such as Total Hip Replacement, this guide is everything you need to know. This article follows veterinary protocols and information from PetMD's full article on hip dysplasia.

1. What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia is a disorder of hip joint formation. The ball-and-socket nature of a healthy dog’s hip means the head of the femur (the ball) sits snugly in the acetabulum (the socket) of the pelvis, allowing the hip to glide effortlessly.

The joint fails to develop properly when a dog has dysplasia. The ball and socket are not a snug fit, the joint is loose.

The Result: The bones are rubbing together, not sliding. This leads to instability, progressive cartilage deterioration resulting in painful osteoarthritis, osteophyte formation, and muscle wasting. It tends to be hereditary, but research suggests a combination of genetics and environmental influences such as rapid growth or being overweight as a puppy can also contribute to it.

2. Signs and symptoms: It’s Not Just “Limping” Anymore

Dogs hide pain well. You know when things are really bad, but it’s hard to recognize early signs. Veterinary experts say watch for:

• “Bunny Hopping”: This is when a puppy runs with both back legs moving together instead of alternating back and forth.
• Exercise intolerance: Lots of sitting down while playing or walking.
• Abnormal sitting: “Puppy sit” out to the side rather than under you.
• Adult Dogs: This dog has a hard time getting up, especially in the morning when cold and stiff.
• Not Wanting to Jump: Refusal to jump into car, on to furniture, etc.
• Muscle loss: The dog’s hind legs look thin (atrophied), but its chest and shoulders get larger as the dog shifts its weight forward to protect soured hind legs.
• Lameness: This type of lameness is permanent or intermittent, usually worse after exercise.

3. Who is at risk?

Every dog can develop it, but large and giant breeds are predisposed because of their genes. Some frequent breeds are:

• German Shepherds
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Rottweilers
• Saint Bernards
• Newfoundlands

Note: Bulldogs and Pugs are at risk too; however, their signs are in some cases missed due to the way they look.

4. Non-Surgical Medical Management

Early detection may aid in the slowing of arthritis progression. For many dogs, a multimodal approach (employing more than one therapy at a time) is used to relieve pain without surgery.

Prescription drugs

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
  • Galliprant (Grapiprant): A novel therapeutic medication that targets specific pain receptors (EP4). It is often preferred for long term use as it is generally less toxic to the liver and kidneys.
  • Carprofen (Rimadyl): A well-known NSAID that is extremely effective in reducing pain and inflammation.
• Of course always consult your vet before giving your animal medicine as they need to run blood tests to determine the health of their organs.

Joint supplements

Taking supplements by mouth is very important for the health of cartilage. Look for products that are of veterinary quality and contain:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin: The building blocks of cartilage.
• Omega-3s: Excellent fish oil, such as Welactin, acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory.
• Veterinarians also recommend Cosequin, Dasuquin and Nutramax as good brands.

Diets for Health

Prescription diets – Hill’s j/d or Royal Canin Mobility are high in EPA/DHA (Omega 3’s) to aid in joint inflammation from the inside, so they have been useful in managing joint inflammation for many years.

5. Surgery: A Cure or Management

Surgery can be a permanent fix for young puppies or dogs who are very painful.

For Puppies (To Stop It)

• JPS (Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis): Must be performed prior to 18 weeks of age. A minor operation where part of the pelvis is fused to alter the growth angle and deepen the cover of the hips.
• TPO (Triple Pelvic Osteotomy): Is usually offered to dogs that are younger than 10 months of age. To expose the femoral head, the pelvis is osteotomized and rotated.

For Adults (Repair and Replacement)

• THR (Total Hip Replacement): The right way to do it. A titanium and polyethylene component replaces the whole diseased joint. It is like a hip replacement for people. It eliminates pain and restores function to near normal.
• FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy): It's removing the "ball" of the femur. The muscles make a "pseudo joint." This is a salvage procedure that works best on smaller dogs (under 45 pounds) or when THR is too expensive.

6. The Cost Analysis: Surgery vs. Drugs for Life

It is normal to have sticker shock, but you do want to think about the long-term math.

• Surgery: The total hip replacement surgery cost can range from $5,000 to $7,000 or more per hip, depending on the physician and your location.
• Lifetime Medical Management: A 2-year-old dog diagnosed with the disease that lives to be 10 may easily spend more than $15,000–$20,000 in its lifetime (with NSAIDs ($50–$100 per month), supplements, prescription diet, and routine blood work).

Surgery is expensive initially — but oftentimes, you no longer have to take a medicine every single day, and you end up feeling so much better.

7. How To Prevent Hip Dysplasia In Dogs: Home Care Tips

You have to do home care regardless what you choose: surgery or medical management.

• Weight Management: Keeping your dog lean is crucial. Excess weight adds unnecessary stress to the joints.
  
• Exercise Management: Swimming or leash walking is better for your dog than high-impact activities like fetching or jumping.
• Physical Therapy: Hydrotherapy and acupuncture can help them move easier and strengthen their muscles.
• Screening: If getting a puppy, ensure the breeder has screened parents using OFA or PennHIP scores to reduce genetic risks.
  

To Sum Up

There's a difference between a diagnosis of hip dysplasia and a death sentence. Whether you are learning how to prevent hip dysplasia in dogs or treating it, modern veterinary medicine offers hope. Because of veterinary medicine advances, even dogs with "bad hips" can often go on to live long, happy, and active lives. These advancements include targeted pain medications such as Galliprant, as well as life-changing operative procedures.

Disclaimer: This article is to inform you only. Take your dog to the vet for an exam and X-rays if you believe it has hip pain.