Dogs may seem like the most playful and active animals in the world. However, even if they are quite active, it doesn’t mean that they will not develop certain health or medical conditions in the future. One of the issues that dogs may face during their lifetime is hip dysplasia.
What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia in dogs refers to the deformity of the hip or coxofemoral joint which typically occurs during the canine’s growth period. In this condition, the ball of the femur cannot fit properly into the hip socket. Because of this inability, the joints will rub on each other. If this is not treated properly and with joint wear and tear, the dog will soon suffer from debilitating pain on the hips.
What Is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia in dogs refers to the deformity of the hip or coxofemoral joint which typically occurs during the canine’s growth period. In this condition, the ball of the femur cannot fit properly into the hip socket. Because of this inability, the joints will rub on each other. If this is not treated properly and with joint wear and tear, the dog will soon suffer from debilitating pain on the hips.
Causes Of Hip Dysplasia
The primary causes of hip dysplasia are genetics and diet and/or excess weight. Although this canine medical condition can occur in almost all dog breeds, studies show that there are some breeds that are naturally prone to developing this condition. These breeds include the Labrador, German shepherd, golden retrievers, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, and the Newfoundland.
A dog’s diet also plays an important role in the development of this condition. Large breed puppies (dogs that are greater than 50 lbs.) should be fed a special large breed growth diet during the first year of their life to reduce this risk. If a dog already has hip dysplasia, excess weight and lack of exercise can further aggravate this condition.
The primary causes of hip dysplasia are genetics and diet and/or excess weight. Although this canine medical condition can occur in almost all dog breeds, studies show that there are some breeds that are naturally prone to developing this condition. These breeds include the Labrador, German shepherd, golden retrievers, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, and the Newfoundland.
A dog’s diet also plays an important role in the development of this condition. Large breed puppies (dogs that are greater than 50 lbs.) should be fed a special large breed growth diet during the first year of their life to reduce this risk. If a dog already has hip dysplasia, excess weight and lack of exercise can further aggravate this condition.
Signs And Symptoms
Some affected dogs may not show any signs or symptoms of this condition whilst others may show severe ones. Hip dysplasia can develop in young growing dogs. The usual signs and symptoms may be noticed as early as four to six weeks of age. However, studies show that there is no link between age and severity of this condition; as such, a young puppy can be debilitated very early. In other cases, dogs may not show any abnormalities until one or two years of age and they may not show any signs of pain and won’t become lame until they are between 6-10 years of age (the dog’s geriatric age, depending on breed).
The usual signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include:
• Lameness in the hind legs
• Lack of coordination in the hind quarters – the dog would sway and stagger a lot
• Hesitancy to run and jump
• Difficulty when attempting to lie down or stand up
• An abnormal gait
Learn more about what causes hip pain in dogs on this post.
Some affected dogs may not show any signs or symptoms of this condition whilst others may show severe ones. Hip dysplasia can develop in young growing dogs. The usual signs and symptoms may be noticed as early as four to six weeks of age. However, studies show that there is no link between age and severity of this condition; as such, a young puppy can be debilitated very early. In other cases, dogs may not show any abnormalities until one or two years of age and they may not show any signs of pain and won’t become lame until they are between 6-10 years of age (the dog’s geriatric age, depending on breed).
The usual signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include:
• Lameness in the hind legs
• Lack of coordination in the hind quarters – the dog would sway and stagger a lot
• Hesitancy to run and jump
• Difficulty when attempting to lie down or stand up
• An abnormal gait
Learn more about what causes hip pain in dogs on this post.