If you notice your dog having difficulty with normal walking or running activities over a period of time (not just for a day or two), it’s time to see a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Diagnosis of hip dysplasia in dogs (Photo Credit: andresr / Getty Images) You should ask your veterinarian about an appropriate diet for your large-breed dog. Excessive growth and exercise can also worsen the condition.Ĭertain diets formulated for large-breed puppies can help prevent excessive growth. Some factors that can affect the condition include weight gain and obesity, poor diet, and pelvic muscle mass. The bone separating from the joint causes friction and, as the condition worsens, painful arthritis. In a dysplastic hip, the head of the femur fits loosely or, depending upon the severity of the condition, it may be entirely dislocated from the socket. Durable ligaments allow for a wide range of motion and collectively hold the joint together. In a normal hip, the smooth, rounded head of the femur fits deeply and snugly into the acetabulum. The acetabulum (socket) is the concave indentation of the pelvis. The ball is the round head of the femur (thighbone). In both, the hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The design, structure, and functionality of the canine hip are all strikingly similar to that of a human.
Large- and giant-breed dogs are especially genetically predisposed to developing hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia in dogs is a hereditary bone and joint disorder that causes abnormal hip joint development, though environmental factors also contribute to the development and progression of the condition. Shoulder muscles may become enlarged as the dog shifts their weight to the front legs. They may resist physical activity, suffer from hind-limb lameness that may be intermittent or persistent, or have an unusual stance.Įventually, muscle mass may be lost in the thighs. In the worst cases, it can prohibit the dog from walking.
Due to the abnormal wear and tear of the hip joint, the condition may deteriorate progressively as the dog’s skeletal system fully develops.