Dog hip dysplasia is a condition that causes the joints in the hip to form abnormally. It can lead to loose joints in the hip, which make moving difficult and painful. The condition can affect any dog, but it is more prevalent in large breeds such as; Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers.

Symptoms

Learning the symptoms is extremely important, especially if your dog is genetically predisposed to the condition. Signs to look out for and to notify your veterinarian immediately of include;

• Limping in one or both rear limbs.
• Difficulty Walking
• Pain in the hip area.
• Trouble getting up from a lying or sitting position.
• Avoidance of usual activities such as playing, running, or going for walks.
• Inability to jump or walk up stairs.
• Wasting of the muscles near the hip area.
• Shoulder muscle growth due to the extra weight being placed on the area.

Causes

Some of the causes include;

• Genetics - Most dogs with hip dysplasia genetically inherit the condition. However, environmental factors can also play a role in the development of the disease.
• Obesity - Dogs that are overweight have to carry more weight on their hip joints, which can cause hip dysplasia from wear and tear. The extra weight also increases the chances of hip-related injuries.
• Nutrition - Excess calcium in the diet has been linked to hip dysplasia in puppies. This is because too much of the mineral causes the growing process to speed up and doesn't allow the bones to form properly.

Diagnosis

A physical exam and x-rays are essential for diagnosis. During the physical portion, your veterinarian will perform some manual evaluations to check your canine's hip. Your veterinarian will then scan the radiographs for any abnormalities.

Treatment

Most veterinarians use a combination of pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, weight management, and supplements to manage hip dysplasia in canines. Hip replacement surgery is also an option for some dogs.

Prevention

There is no way to completely prevent hip dysplasia in dogs. However, there are things you can do to minimize the chances of your dog being affected by the condition. Some of these things include;

• Maintaining your dog at a healthy weight.
• Feeding your large breed puppy a special dog food designed for larger dog breeds.
• Get your dog tested by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of America) before breeding him. This does not guarantee that the puppies will not develop hip dysplasia, but avoiding breeding in dogs with the condition does minimize the risks.