Hip Dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is a disease involving abnormal formation of the hip joints. Progressive and crippling arthritis may result. CHD is thought to be of polygenetic inheritance with environmental influence. Some things that can affect the expression of hip dysplasia are nutrition, physical activity and flooring surfaces.

Some dogs will show signs of hip dysplasia at a very young age. Others can be dysplastic and not show outward signs until middle or old age. Symptoms include less energy and movement; difficulty rising; lameness in the back legs; reluctance to use stairs (particularly to go up); reluctance to jump or stand on hind limbs; swaggering gait, bunny-hopping gait; soreness after lying down; soreness after heavy exercise.

Diagnosis is based on a physical examination and x-rays. Depending on the severity of the dog's condition, veterinarians treat hip dysplasia with either drugs or surgery. Drug therapy doesn't reverse or cure the progression of hip dysplasia, but it does offer relief from the associated pain. weight loss programs, controlled exercise, and physical therapy can also be very effective in certain cases.

Responsible breeders have their dogs xrayed with results evaluated by OFA prior to breeding.