What Is Hip Dysplasia In Dogs?

Hip dysplasia is the abnormal development and growth of a dog’s hip joint that leads to excessive hip joint laxity (looseness). This invariably causes an incredible amount of pain, discomfort, wear and tear, and movement difficulties for your pet if left untreated.

Breed Specific

Genetics plays a major part in hip dysplasia in dogs. It is prevalent in large breed dogs such as Labrador retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, bulldogs, mastiffs, American Staffordshire terriers, and Great Danes. However, smaller breeds such as pugs, and French bulldogs have also been seen with hip dysplasia.

Signs of Hip Dysplasia

All dog owners should look out for the signs: joint looseness or laxity, abnormal or swaying gait, hind leg lameness, limping, lack of coordination, stiffness, click sound when walking, decreased activity, exercise intolerance, bunny hopping, reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs, difficulty standing up, trouble laying down, difficulty squatting to pee or poop, muscle wasting (atrophy), pain in hip joints, back legs too close together, growling and whining are symptoms that are typical to dog hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia in dogs’ prevention

1. Proper Diet

   It is important that you manage the weight of your dog as extra weight can add stress to their hip joints, while also making them obese.

2. Moderate Exercise

   Walking and moderate running might help to strengthen the muscles around the dog’s joint; however, a conscious effort should be made to prevent the dog from jumping or running for long distances.

3. Use Natural Supplements

   Adding supplements and herbs to your dog’s diet is also an extremely effective and non-surgical way to treat canine hip dysplasia.

4. Apply heat to sore joints

   Heat packs are another way to relieve pain and soothe canine hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia in dogs treatment

1. Surgery

   There are surgical options available for the treatment of canine hip dysplasia including a complete hip replacement. Others include Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JSP), Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), and a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO).

2. Stem Cell Therapy

   Stem cells have the unique ability to develop into one of many different types of cells, including muscle, nerve, bone, tendon, or ligament cells, and then replace cells that are either worn out or dead. In simple terms, stem cell therapy is the injection of these stem cells into the area affected by hip dysplasia.

   Stem cell safari is one of the best when it comes to stem cell therapies.

3. Prescription veterinary pain-relieving medication

   Pain-relieving medication that has been prescribed by the vet doctor can also be used to manage the condition.

Cost of treating hip dysplasia in dogs

The cost of treating hip dysplasia in dogs varies from location to location. It could be as low as $1500 in some locations and other vets could charge as high as $7,000+ for the same procedure in other locations. The type of surgery and specialty of the vet doctor also plays a key role in determining the cost of the surgery.