🦴 Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Vet-Approved 2025 Guide to Prevention & Treatment 🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

🧠 Understanding Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball-and-socket joint of the hip forms abnormally, resulting in looseness and instability. Over time, this leads to joint damage, pain, and arthritis. While it's more common in large breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers, any dog can be affected 🦴.

Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Dogs differ in their symptoms, lifestyle, and progression of disease. Some dogs may never need surgery—others might benefit from early intervention. That’s why understanding your dog’s condition and available options is essential 💡.

🧬 Prevention and Risk Factors

1️⃣ Genetics

Hip dysplasia is primarily hereditary. Screening breeding dogs using OFA or PennHip evaluations helps reduce the risk in future generations. Still, even dogs with “normal” parents can develop the condition if unlucky in the genetic draw 🎲.

2️⃣ Nutrition

Overfeeding or feeding too rich a diet during growth can accelerate joint problems. Large-breed puppy diets are specifically formulated to promote steady, not rapid, growth 📉.

Tip: Keep your dog lean—extra weight increases strain on developing joints.

3️⃣ Hormones

Spaying or neutering before bone growth is complete can alter skeletal development. Studies suggest dogs neutered before 5.5 months may have a slightly higher risk of hip dysplasia ⚖️.

4️⃣ Exercise

Excessive or high-impact activity in young puppies (<3 months) may increase risk. Moderate play and walking are fine—but avoid intense stair climbing or jumping at this age 🚫🪜.

🩺 Deciding When to Treat Hip Dysplasia

Factors to consider:

• 📆 Your dog’s age
• 🦵 Current symptoms (lameness, pain)
• 📈 X-ray results and progression of arthritis
• 🐕 Activity level and lifestyle
• ⚖️ General health and other conditions
• 💰 Financial ability to pursue surgical options

Most dogs start with medical management. Surgery is considered when pain or mobility worsen despite conservative care 📋.

💊 Medical (Non-Surgical) Treatment Options

• 🔹 Joint supplements (glucosamine, omega-3s)
• 🔹 NSAIDs and pain relief (vet-prescribed)
• 🔹 Laser therapy or acupuncture
• 🔹 Stem cell and biologic therapies (in select cases)
• 🔹 Controlled physical therapy or hydrotherapy
• 🔹 Weight management—always important!

Medical treatment can keep dogs comfortable and active for years—especially when symptoms are mild to moderate 🐾.

🔧 Surgical Options

Surgery is considered when medical management fails or for young dogs with severe dysplasia.

1️⃣ Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)

• 📆 For young dogs <12 months old
• 🔧 Realigns the hip socket to better support the femoral head
• ✅ Requires no arthritis to be present at time of surgery

2️⃣ Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)

• 💰 Less expensive than other surgical options
• 🦴 Removes the femoral head, allowing a false joint to form
• 🔹 Works well in small dogs & cats, or highly active medium dogs

3️⃣ Total Hip Replacement (THR)

• 🔩 Replaces the hip with a prosthetic joint
• 📈 Best long-term function for medium and large breeds
• 🧠 Most expensive option—performed by specialists only

Your vet or orthopedic surgeon will guide you toward the best option based on size, age, and level of disability.

📋 Key Reminders for Owners

• ⚠️ Treat the dog—not the X-ray. Mild-looking hips can cause pain, and severe-looking ones might not.
• 🧠 Always rule out other causes of lameness (e.g., cruciate ligament tears, spinal issues)
• 📈 Monitor signs over time and adapt the treatment plan as needed

📲 Ask A Vet for Personalized Guidance

Hip dysplasia can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Visit AskAVet.com for:

• 🧠 Second opinions on treatment or X-rays
• 📋 Pain management and supplement plans
• 🦴 Surgical referrals and post-op recovery guidance

📱 Download the Ask A Vet App and chat directly with licensed veterinarians like Dr Duncan Houston—anytime you need answers 🐾.

💚 Final Thoughts

Hip dysplasia is a common but highly manageable condition. With proactive care—whether medical or surgical—many dogs enjoy a long, pain-free life full of tail wags, walks, and play 🐶❤️.

If your dog has been diagnosed or you're just noticing signs, reach out today at AskAVet.com to get expert support and create a plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs 🦴.