Hip Dysplasia - Is Your Dog Predisposed?

Hip Dysplasia is frequently a painful crippling geneticAustralian Cattle Dog
developmental orthopedic disease. The sloppyAustralian Shepherd
breeding of two dysplastic parents is mainly theBeagle
cause for the disease to be so rampant. Most oftenBearded Collie
found in larger breeds, smaller breed dogs are alsoBelgian Malinois
susceptible of receiving the defective genes.Belgian Sheepdog
What is Hip Dysplasia?Belgian Tervuren
Hip dysplasia occurs in the "ball and socket" joint ofBernese Mountain Dog
the dog. When the "ball" does not fit tight in theBlack and Tan Coonhound
"socket," it causes friction, inflammation, cartilageBloodhound
damage, and pain. It can and does often lead toBorder Collie
arthritis so crippling, surgery or euthanasia are theBouvier des Flandres
only options.Briard
There are two types of hip dysplasia: acute andBullmastiff
chronic. Acute (early) is usually observed in youngCardigan Welsh Corgi
dogs, noted by severe pain in the hips and lameness.Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In the acute stage, symptoms can last from a fewChinook
weeks to months.Clumberland Spaniel
Chronic (late) commonly appears in older dogs.Chesapeake Bay Retriever
However, it can appear in dogs less than a year old.Curley Coated Retriever
The dog appears in pain, has less range of motion ofChow Chow
their hips, plus, arthritis has usually set in, and isDoberman Pincher
progressing.Dalmatian
What Signs Should I Watch For?English Setter
Lameness or limping after exercise or walks, waddlingEnglish Springer Spaniel
swaying gait, difficulty standing up, stiffness especiallyEnglish Shepherd
on cold, damp days, moodiness, unenthusiastic toFinish Spitz
move, protective of hip area, and decreased rangeFlat Coated Retriever
of motion around hips are a few signs to watch for.Field Spaniel
How is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?German Shorthaired Pointer
Your veterinarian can diagnose it through a physicalGerman Wirehaired Pointer
examination, PennHIP x-ray, CT scans, and/orGolden Retriever
ultrasound.Gordon Setter
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)Giant Schnauzer
recommends the hip-extended ventro-dorsal viewGreat Dane
x-ray. With that, your veterinarian can get a frontalGreat Pyrenees
view of the hip joints and pelvis. This procedure isGerman Shepherd
most widely used by veterinarians as the view alsoGreater Swiss Mountain Dog
allows for an judgment of if there is arthritis and theIrish Setter
amount of present.Irish Water Spaniel
How Will My Dog Be Treated for Hip Dysplasia?Irish Wolfhound
Depending on the degree of damage, there are aKeeshond
number of options. They include: weight loss, changeKomondor
of diet, physical therapy, limited exercise,Labrador Retriever
anti-inflammatory medications, pain medication andMastiff
surgery.Newfoundland
In severe cases, where the animal is severely crippledNorwegian Elkhound
beyond hope, euthanasia is at times recommended.Norwegian Buhund
How Do I Prevent My Dog From Hip Dysplasia?Norwegian Elkhound
Before purchasing a dog, make sure the breeder isNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
reputable! Ask for a copy of all documentation thatOld English Mastiff
the parents are PennHIP x-rayed and OFA certified.Old English Sheepdog
Feed large breed puppies, food customized to theirOtterhound
needs. Feeding high protein, over supplemented food,Pembroke Welsh Corgi
can invite problems later on.Pointer
Do not over feed your dog.Portuguese Water Dog
Do not let them jump in and out of your vehicle,Puli
especially SUVs and trucks. Provide a ramp.Rhodesian Ridgeback
Limit excessive weight bearing exercise. Swimming isRottweiler
a great way to exercise any dog, especially at riskSaint Bernard
breeds.Samoyed
Do not allow at risk breeds to jump on and offShiba Inu
furniture, decks, porches, etc.Siberian Husky
Do not allow at risk breeds to jump for balls, toys orSoft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Frisbees.Standard Poodle
Have your puppy x-rayed when they are around sixStandard Schnauzer
months old.Tibetian Terrier
Breeds Genetically Predisposed to Hip DysplasiaVizsla
include but are not limited to:Weimaraner
Afghan HoundWirehaired Pointing Griffon
AirdaleBottom line: Hip Dysplasia is a painful, debilitating,
Akitadisease. Do your homework, educate yourself on
Alaskan Malamutewhat to look for, take necessary precautions, use
American Eskimo Dogcommon sense but, most importantly; enjoy your
American Staffordshire Terrierdog!