Preventing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Should Know
Hip dysplasia is a widespread orthopaedic condition in dogs around the globe. It is painful, progressive, and affects dogs quality of life in the long run. Fortunately, while genetics are a primary factor, there are a lot of effective ways to lower risk and slow progression with thoughtful care, evidence-based strategies and lifestyle management.
In this post, we will review hip dysplasia - what it is, the risk factors, and most importantly, what each pet parent can do based on veterinary research and professional input.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a developmental problem with how the hip joint forms. Instead of a smooth, tight “ball and socket,” the joint becomes loose, leading to abnormal wear, and ultimately arthritis and pain.
Roughly 20% of dogs that are evaluated in the US show some sign of hip dysplasia, according to the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), although that prevalence is much higher in large breeds (ie. German shepherds, Golden retrievers, and Labrador retrievers).
It is multifactorial (both genetic and environmental factors), meaning there are not any guarantees, although making informed choices can go a long way toward helping dogs.
What the Evidence Says: Risk Factors
- Genetics
Dogs with dysplastic parents are significantly more likely to develop the disease. Over the past decade or more, selective breeding programs involving the OFA or PennHIP systems have decreased the prevalence.
- Fast growth and excessive weight
Research published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association demonstrated that puppies that were fed high-calorie diets or allowed to gain excess weight had significantly higher risk.
- Excessive exercise in development
A study conducted in Sweden concluded in 2012 that puppies that were allowed to climb stairs frequently or that were forced to exercise before 3 months old experienced higher rates of hip laxity.
- Hormones and neutering
There are recent studies that indicate that neutering large-breed dogs very early (before 6 months old) may increase risk slightly, possibly due to delaying closure of the growth plates.
Prevention & Risk Reduction Tips
In most cases genetics can not be controlled but environments and behaviours can be controlled to lessen risk or delay. Here are some recommendations from veterinary orthopaedic specialists.
1. Find a Responsible Breeder
If you are purchasing a puppy, you should request OFA or PennHIP certificates from both puppy parents.
Reputable breeders will test for breeding dogs for health and conformity and will have a process in place to not breed dogs with bad hip scores. Good hip scores can still predispose the dog to risk, but this account controls a large randomness.
2. Control Puppy Growth
If your dog is going to grow more than ~50 lbs, it is advisable to use a large-breed puppy food versus a non-breed based puppy food.
According to the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, large-breed puppy food assists in managing calorie and calcium intake which leads to a slow and steady growth. A puppy should not be receiving any extras of calcium or higher calories supplements unless instructed by your veterinarian.
3. Maintain a Lean Body Composition
Maintaining a lean body composition for dogs is the one most important environmental factor to potentially prevent or slow down the onset of hip dysplasia. This 14 year study at the University of Penn concluded that dogs maintained lean throughout life had arthritis approximately 6 years later and less severity of disease itself. You need to routinely assess the Dog's body composition score (BCS): you can easily feel the pets rib area when slight to medium pressure is applied but not see the dogs ribs area.
4. Exercise - Train Without Injury
Exercise is critical for healthy joint development, and muscle strength but it needs to be balanced.
For puppies with approximately 12-18 months (closure), focus on gentle movement (walking, swimming...) or free motion on grass with low risk. AVOID forcing them to RUN, JUMP up and/or down, or REPEATED upward and downward movements up staircase. Keep regular moderate exercise; muscles need to be strong to have healthy hips.
5. Early Support Joint Structures
Supplements by themselves don't typically prevent dysplasia, but some supplements have supportive properties to assist support joint structures:
- Omega-3 acids (EPA & DHA): Proven effect to minimize inflammation and slow arthritis.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin: No evidence and therefore often very species dependent, however some veterinary professionals while refer this for certain risk breeds.
- Veterinary prescribed food: There are a number of large-format diets with low-calories and joint-supporting products both.
Always discuss all ideas with your veterinarian before access any supplement with your dog.
6. Regular Vet Visits & Early Screening
Early detection means early intervention. Screening can be achieved with PennHIP: 16 weeks is the earliest to assess for laxity or OFA x-rays - assessments usually can be performed at 2 years old, and can also identify even early suspect conditions. The vet should provide recommendations of optimum age based on breed & risk.
What You Can Do in Real Life
If you have hard floors and use rugs, make sure they are non-slip to minimize slipping.
If your dog is required to get into elevated places, consider ramps instead of using stairs.
Nail length and not allowing your dog's nails to get excessively long is important because long nails change the way a dog moves and increases joint stress.
Train gently, using positive reinforcement. Avoid using the leash to jerk your dog's collar or jerk their whole body.
What to do if Your Dog Has Actually Been Diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia
If and when your dog is diagnosed, be sure they are not doomed to a sedentary life. Most dogs with hip dysplasia can thrive and live actively with
- Weight Management and exercise restriction.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with your veterinarians consent.
- Physical therapy in various forms (hydrotherapy, laser, massage).
- Surgery, total hip replacement or in severe cases a femoral head ostectomy (FHO).
Final Thoughts
Hip dysplasia is often not preventable; however, you can minimize the risk, and severity of your dog's hip dysplasia by:
- Choosing breeding wisely.
- Feeding appropriately.
- Keeping your dog lean.
- Controlling exercise.
- Utilizing veterinary professionals.
Protecting your dogs joints is an essential nominator in keeping your dog active, playful, and pain-free for years to come.
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