Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Explained

A common misconception about joint issues is that they are solely the result of aging. In reality, most joint diseases in dogs, such as hip dysplasia, affect young dogs and are caused by genetics. While some dogs may show symptoms when they are less than 1 year old, others might not be symptomatic until they have significant joint disease.

What are the causes of hip dysplasia in dogs?

The hip joint functions as a ball-and-socket joint, relying on a tight fit for proper function. With hip dysplasia, the shape of the ball (femur) and socket (pelvis) are mismatched, leading to instability and excessive wear and tear on cartilage. This results in inflammation and arthritis.

Certain breeds are more susceptible to hip dysplasia, particularly large dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Labradoodles, and German Shepherds. However, any dog breed can have hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia has been reported to affect 20% of purebred dogs and 17% of mixed-breed dogs.¹ Fortunately, newer reports indicate lower prevalence due to more responsible breeding practices.²

What factors can influence joint health?

Obesity can greatly influence how early dogs are affected by hip dysplasia. One study showed that overweight dogs showed signs up hip arthritis 6 years earlier than lean dogs.³

Both insufficient and excessive exercise can contribute to hip dysplasia in puppies. As a rule, the length of a puppy’s walk should be about 5 minutes per month of age. However, this length may vary according to the individual puppy. High-impact and intensity training activities should be reserved for after growth plate closure (usually around 1 year of age). 

Supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids, UC-II, and green-lipped mussel4 can help support joint health and reduce inflammation. These nutrients can be found in some joint chews and joint oils.  

What are the signs of hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia can often be identified through several signs. If you notice your dog showing any of the signs below, it's best to speak to your vet for screening with X-rays. 

• Hip sway: Younger dogs with hip dysplasia will often display excessive side-to-side movement of their hips when they walk as a way of compensating for the looseness of their joints.
• “Bunny Hopping”: When running, a “bunny hopping” gait in which both hind limbs are moving in unison may be preferred over a standard gallop. 
• Difficulty jumping or Climbing Stairs: Dogs with hip dysplasia may struggle jump into the car or may be reluctant to climb stairs.
• Limping: You may notice your dog limping or offloading one of their back legs when walking.
• Loss of Hindlimb Muscle: Dogs with hip dysplasia may have thinner thighs due to muscle atrophy, compensating with larger shoulders.
• Exercise Intolerance: Although nonspecific, you may notice a lack of enthusiasm for longer walks or physical activity.

How to support joint health

1. Weight Management
   Keeping your dog lean is the best way to ensure your dog lives a longer, with better quality of life.5 If you are struggling with getting your dog to lose weight, ask your veterinarian for dietary guidance.

2. Joint Supplements
   For dogs with hip dysplasia or senior dogs, providing joint supplements can help maintain joint health. Supplements containing Omega fatty acids, UC-II, green-lipped mussels⁴ may be particularly beneficial.

3. Digestive Health
   Engage your dog in regular, appropriate exercise to promote joint elasticity, lubrication, and flexibility. Activities like walking or gentle play can help maintain a healthy weight and support overall joint health. Sixty minutes of daily exercise was shown to reduce limping in dogs with osteoarthritis.⁶

The bottom line

While hip dysplasia is hereditary, there are proactive measures you can take to maintain joint health. Your attentiveness to your dog’s health and nutrition can lead to a more active and fulfilling life for your furry companion.

References

1. Rettenmaier, J L et al. “Prevalence of canine hip dysplasia in a veterinary teaching hospital population.” Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association vol. 43,4 (2002): 313-8. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8261.2002.tb01010.x
2. Hou, Yali et al. “Monitoring Hip and Elbow Dysplasia achieved modest genetic improvement of 74 dog breeds over 40 years in USA.” PloS one vol. 8,10 e76390. 4 Oct. 2013, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0076390
3. Smith, Gail K., et al. "Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229.5 (2006): 690-693. 
4. Barbeau-Gregoire, Maude, et al. "A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of enriched therapeutic diets and nutraceuticals in canine and feline osteoarthritis." International journal of molecular sciences 23.18 (2022): 10384. 
5. Marshall, William G., et al. "The effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis." Veterinary research communications 34 (2010): 241-253. 
6. Greene, Laura M., Denis J. Marcellin-Little, and B. Duncan X. Lascelles. "Associations among exercise duration, lameness severity, and hip joint range of motion in Labrador Retrievers with hip dysplasia." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 242.11 (2013): 1528-1533.