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Articulares y huesos

Hip dysplasia

Malformation of the hip joint, where the "ball" and "socket" do not fit together properly. It causes pain and, over time, osteoarthritis. Common in large-breed dogs.

Moderate🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Difficulty getting up, especially after rest
  • • Lameness or "bunny-hopping" (jumping with both hind legs together)
  • • Reluctance to jump, climb stairs or run
  • • Wasting of the thigh muscles
  • • Pain when the hip is handled

Causes

A strong genetic component, made worse by overly rapid growth, being overweight as a puppy and inappropriate exercise during the developmental stage. Predisposed breeds: German Shepherd, Labrador, Golden Retriever, St Bernard.

Diagnosis

Physical examination plus specific hip radiographs. There are official screening schemes to support responsible breeding.

Treatment

Mild cases: weight control, appropriate exercise, physiotherapy, chondroprotectants and pain management. Severe cases: surgery (various techniques depending on age and case).

Prevention

Buy puppies from parents with screened hips, avoid your puppy becoming overweight, provide age-appropriate exercise (do not force jumping or long runs during growth), and feed a large-breed puppy food.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your young dog is lame, struggles to get up or "bunny-hops". An early diagnosis makes it possible to slow the damage.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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