🦴 Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Vet-Approved 2025 Guide to Diagnosis and Early Signs 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🔍 What Is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a developmental disorder where the ball and socket joint of the hip do not fit together properly. This joint consists of the femoral head (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvis). When the fit is loose, abnormal movement causes wear, inflammation, and eventually osteoarthritis (OA) 🧬.

While it can affect any breed or size, hip dysplasia is most common in large breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers. But even small dogs can be affected 🐕.

📉 How the Hip Should Work

In a healthy hip:

• 🦴 The ball fits deeply in the socket
• 🧵 Ligaments and joint capsules hold the joint tightly
• 🧪 Joint fluid lubricates for smooth motion

In hip dysplasia, the joint is loose and wobbly. This wears down cartilage, causes inflammation, and leads to bone-on-bone friction, forming the basis for degenerative joint disease (DJD).

🐶 Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Puppies

Symptoms may appear as early as 4–12 months of age. Some dogs outgrow the early signs, but the underlying joint laxity may lead to arthritis later.

Watch for:

• 🚶 Slowness to rise from rest
• 😔 Disinterest in play
• 🐕 Bunny-hopping gait (both hind legs move together)
• 🪜 Trouble with stairs or jumping
• 🧍 Poor hind-end muscle development
• 📣 Audible “popping” from the hips

Early signs often reflect mechanical lameness—which may not respond to pain medication but signal joint instability.

🧓 Signs in Older Dogs with Arthritis

As the condition progresses, dogs may develop osteoarthritis (OA). Symptoms become more noticeable with age:

• 🐾 Limping or lameness
• 💤 Reluctance to move or rise
• 🤕 Sensitivity to touch near the hips
• 📉 Muscle loss in the rear legs
• 😟 Vocalizing in pain (whining, yelping)
• 🐶 Behavior changes (less tolerance for touch or other pets)

OA-related pain often responds better to anti-inflammatories and joint supplements than early lameness due to joint looseness.

🧬 What Causes Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is mostly hereditary. Genetics influence how the bones form and grow, but environment and lifestyle (e.g., diet, growth rate, hormones) also play a role 🔬.

Even dogs with “normal” hips can carry the genes and pass them on. That’s why screening and selective breeding are key in managing this condition within certain breeds 💡.

📋 Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia

1️⃣ Palpation Tests

The Ortolani test checks for joint laxity by feeling whether the femoral head moves loosely within the socket. This can be helpful in puppies but is less accurate in severe or older cases.

2️⃣ Radiographs (X-rays)

X-rays are the gold standard for assessing:

• 📏 Socket depth and joint shape
• 🧠 Early signs of arthritis
• 📉 Comparison of hips side-by-side

Radiographs are done under sedation for accuracy. They are used for diagnostic, screening, and breeding purposes.

3️⃣ Certification Methods

🧾 OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)

• 🗓️ Certifies hips in dogs 24+ months old
• 📋 Subjective grading system by radiologists
• 🧬 Common in breeders for generations

📊 PennHip (University of Pennsylvania Method)

• 📆 Can be performed at 16 weeks old
• 📏 Measures actual joint laxity, not just appearance
• 🧪 More objective and predictive for breeding or working dogs

⚠️ Don’t Assume Lameness = Hip Dysplasia

Many dogs have bad hips on X-rays but no symptoms. Others may limp from unrelated issues like knee injuries, spinal problems, or muscle tears.

Always rule out other causes of rear-end lameness before assuming hip dysplasia is to blame. Even if dysplasia was found previously, new symptoms may arise from different sources 👨‍⚕️.

💬 When Should You Screen for Hip Dysplasia?

Early screening is recommended if your dog is:

• 🐕 A working, service, or agility dog
• 🐾 A potential breeding candidate
• 🧬 From a breed with a known risk

For family pets, screening is often performed if symptoms like lameness or difficulty rising appear. Discuss the pros and cons of early screening with your vet 🩺.

📲 Ask A Vet for Hip Advice

If your dog is limping or has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, talk to a licensed vet today at AskAVet.com 🐾.

• 🧠 Second opinions on X-rays or PennHip/OFA results
• 📋 Pain management and joint supplement plans
• 🛏️ Home care tips and activity modification

📱 Download the Ask A Vet App to get support from Dr Duncan Houston and other veterinary professionals—right from your phone 💬🐶.

💚 Final Thoughts

Hip dysplasia is manageable—and many dogs lead full, happy lives with early intervention and good support. From puppies to seniors, understanding the signs and getting proper imaging early on can change the outcome dramatically 🐕❤️.

Need guidance on your dog’s diagnosis or care plan? Visit AskAVet.com or download the app and chat with a vet today 🦴.