Hip dysplasia is one of the diagnoses that dog owners fear most. As a result, an abundance of confusing and conflicting hip dysplasia information exists. To help dog owners provide the best possible care for their four-legged friend, the Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team has compiled this canine hip dysplasia guide that sorts fact from fiction.  

Hip dysplasia in dogs is caused by genetic and environmental factors

FACT: The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) classifies hip dysplasia (i.e., hip joint laxity or looseness) as “a multifactorial disease caused by inherited and external influences,” such as inappropriate nutrition, rapid growth and trauma. Although heredity is considered the most common hip dysplasia cause, the condition can be accelerated or exacerbated by other environmental factors, such as poor conditions (e.g., slippery floors) from birth to 8 weeks of age, hip joint trauma, limited opportunities for outdoor play on soft ground, repetitive high-impact activity (e.g., jumping, retrieving), and overfeeding (i.e., feeding high quantities or an inappropriate diet for growing puppies). 

Lifelong pain medication is the only way to manage canine hip dysplasia

FICTION: While veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) provide effective pain relief for many dysplastic dogs, these medications can cause side effects and are not always ideal for long-term use. Fortunately, numerous other techniques and modalities that help control and reduce hip dysplasia-related pain and subsequent arthritis inflammation are available. When used judiciously and consistently, these techniques may also slow disease progression and allow your dog to enjoy additional years of comfortable mobility. Your dog’s Central Kentucky Veterinary Center veterinarian will help you choose the best strategy for your dog’s condition and lifestyle. Options include:

  • Low-impact exercise — This includes leash walks on soft level surfaces or slight inclines and declines, swimming, nosework, and canine fitness exercises.
  • Canine rehabilitation — Certified veterinary rehabilitation professionals can design customized programs and therapies to alleviate your dogs’ pain while improving their strength, coordination, and mobility.
  • Manual therapies — Massage, acupressure, and acupuncture can effectively relieve pain and stiffness and promote healthy circulation.
  • Weight management — Maintaining your dog’s weight keeps unnecessary pounds and pressure off their sensitive hips.
  • Dietary supplements — Daily glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and omega-3 fatty acid supplements can preserve joint cartilage health, reduce inflammation, and help joints stay lubricated, flexible, and pain-free.
  • Therapeutic diets — Veterinarian-recommended diets are formulated to protect joint health with powerful additives, such as high-dose omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine. 
  • Lifestyle modifications — Many at-home changes, such as installing pet ramps to minimize jumping and stair climbing, providing an orthopedic dog bed, and placing rugs or non-slip mats over slick surfaces to prevent dangerous falls, can help your pet stay safe and comfortable. 

Dogs with hip dysplasia often have obvious signs such as limping or bunny-hopping

FICTION: Although lameness and bunny-hopping (i.e., moving with both hind limbs at the same time) can be linked to hip dysplasia, because of the condition’s chronic and progressive nature, many dogs hide their discomfort, make subtle adaptations, or display only vague signs. These can include shifting weight to one side or to their forelimbs, swaying as they walk, hind limb muscle loss, and reluctance to jump or climb stairs. 

Corrective surgery can restore quality of life for severely affected dogs

FACT: Many dysplastic dogs can be successfully managed with non-invasive treatments, lifestyle changes, and rehabilitative therapy, but surgical correction can best help dogs with severe or debilitating hip dysplasia. Surgery involves one or more procedures based on age, size, health, and hip joint structure. Because each surgical procedure has pros and cons, each option must be carefully considered to ensure the best outcome and quality of life for your dog. If necessary, you will be referred to a board-certified veterinary surgeon for advanced care.

“Splooting” or “frogging out” is a hip dysplasia sign in dogs

FICTION: Contrary to internet information, dogs who lie on their bellies with one or both hind legs stretched out behind them (i.e., “splooting” or “frogging”) are not indicating hip dysplasia. Rather, your dog is more likely enjoying a healthy stretch of their hip and lower back muscles or cooling their belly on the cold floor. 

No direct correlation between this extended position and hip dysplasia currently exists, but your veterinarian should investigate any sudden or uncharacteristic change in your pet’s movement, posture, or resting positions.   

Dogs with hip dysplasia shouldn’t receive regular exercise

FICTION: Although this advice is meant to prevent owners from worsening their pet’s condition, underexercising your dysplastic dog can be as detrimental as inappropriate or excessive exercise.

Lack of exercise can lead to serious consequences, such as:

  • Muscle atrophy (i.e., wasting)
  • Decreased flexibility
  • Increased joint stiffness and pain
  • Weight gain

Regular controlled, low-impact exercise (i.e., no running, jumping, or repetitive concussive motions) not only increases hind-limb strength, but also helps your dog maintain healthy stabilizer or core muscles that support the trunk and limbs. Overall fitness and strength minimizes the likelihood of painful compensations (e.g., bearing too much weight on the forelimbs), which may result from hind-end pain and weakness.

Puppies from tested parents won’t develop hip dysplasia

FICTION: Although screening tests such as OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and PennHIP evaluations are great methods for ensuring your puppy’s parents do not have hip dysplasia, they are not a guarantee for their offspring. Unfortunately, these tests can sometimes be inconclusive or misleading. Look for a reputable breeder who can provide multiple generations of normal testing to increase the likelihood that your dog will grow up with healthy hips.

Hip dysplasia can be a devastating diagnosis, but doesn’t have to limit your dog’s life. Equip yourself with accurate information and trust Central Kentucky Veterinary Center with your dog’s care, and together we can ensure your dog enjoys a long, fulfilling, and comfortable life. Contact us to schedule an appointment.