Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition characterized by misalignment of the dog's hip. This condition can lead to arthritis, as the hip bones rub together. It usually occurs more frequently in large and older dogs, although puppies and young dogs are sometimes affected as well. There are several symptoms that you can see in all dogs, both puppies and adults, and specific changes in the behavior of older dogs. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Elderly Dogs
Step 1. Observe your dog when he moves and see if he “hops like a rabbit”
Dogs whose hip hurts take shorter steps and tend to keep their hind legs further forward than their stomach. As a result, the dog appears to be hopping just like a rabbit, bringing the hind legs back together and jumping instead of walking as usual. Check if your dog:
- He often rotates his hips as he walks.
- Bring your hind legs together and jump like a rabbit.
- Limp or make other abnormal movements.
- Stumble easily.
Step 2. See if your dog is having trouble getting up or lying down
The pain caused by hip dysplasia can worsen after the dog has spent time lying down. This is particularly the case in the morning, after a night's sleep. As a result, you may notice that the dog:
- He hesitates to lie down if he is standing.
- It is harder to get up from lying down.
- In the morning, or when it's cold, it feels stiffer.
Step 3. Check your dog's activity and see if it decreases
Reduction in physical activity is one of the most common signs of pain caused by hip dysplasia. Over the years, all dogs calm down, however a decrease in movement should not occur until the animal's advanced age. If your dog is not sick or overweight, he should maintain more or less the same level of activity from the age of one year to maturity. Look for the following symptoms:
- Lack of interest in physical activities, such as walking.
- He lies down instead of moving around the garden.
- He gets tired more easily when he plays chase the ball.
- He prefers to sit instead of walking during walks on a leash.
Step 4. Listen for clicking sounds when the dog moves
The term "creaking of the bones" is perfectly suited to a dog suffering from hip dysplasia. In fact, when the dog moves, you may notice a creaking noise, caused by the unblocking and relaxation of the bones. Check if you hear this sound when:
- The dog gets up after lying down for some time.
- Walk.
- He runs.
Step 5. Observe if the dog does not want to go up the stairs
You may notice that the dog suddenly struggles more or hesitates when it comes to climbing stairs. The reason is that hip dysplasia makes the legs stiffer and the dog is unable to control them as in the past; consequently, once simple movements such as climbing stairs or walking uphill are more strenuous.
Step 6. Check your dog for rashes if he licks excessively
Inactive dogs that struggle to move tend to get bored. To pass the time they lick each other. If you notice your dog licking more than usual, check for rashes or shedding. In particular, check:
- Hips.
- The hips.
- Legs.
Step 7. Observe if your dog has calluses or irritation on the body caused by pressure
Inactive dogs often develop sores or calluses in areas of the body that have to withstand greater pressure and where there is less hair. The problem gets worse if the dog is always lying on hard floors. Check the following areas:
- Elbows.
- Tips of the hips.
- Shoulders.
Step 8. Touch the hind legs to see if the dog has lost muscle mass
When the dog uses his hind legs less, he is likely to lose muscle mass, a condition called "atrophy". Touch the dog's hind legs to check for the following characteristics:
- You can feel his bones more easily.
- Less muscle definition and tone.
- The hips are sunken.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Young Dogs and Puppies
Step 1. Observe your puppy to see if he is having difficulty moving
If your puppy suffers from hip dysplasia, the first symptoms will manifest around 5-10 months of age. In particular, you may notice that dogs have a harder time moving and walking than other puppies. Symptoms to observe:
- Take shorter steps or have a slower pace.
- He joins his hind legs together and uses the front ones more so that he can jump like a rabbit.
Step 2. Check if the puppy has a harder time getting up after play
Puppies obviously like to play; however, care should be taken to see how they behave after the game. A puppy suffering from hip dysplasia tends to lie down longer and behave as if he does not want to get up after the post-game rest. The reason is that his hips became stiff after the lack of movement.
Step 3. See if your puppy or young dog hesitates before jumping
If the puppy suffers from hip dysplasia, he is likely to try to avoid jumping on sofas, on your legs, etc. This is because his hind legs are not as strong as his front ones, and when he strains to use them he feels pain.
Try to invite the dog to get on the sofa; if you see that he wants to jump but does not, or if he tries and groans in pain, then he may be suffering from hip dysplasia
Step 4. Observe if your dog has a wobbly or staggering gait
As previously explained, puppies and young dogs suffering from hip dysplasia have a harder time moving than others; as a result, your dog develops a staggering walk which can be described as follows:
- Limp.
- It zigzags.
- Stumble often.
Step 5. Observe the puppy as he stands and see if he is putting more weight on his front legs
Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia tend to stand with their hind legs forward, so that the front ones support most of the weight. Consequently these will be more developed than the hind legs. When the dog is standing:
- Check if the hind legs are slightly forward.
- Touch the forearms and check if they are more muscular than the hind legs, which will be more bony.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing the Development of Hip Dysplasia
Step 1. Take your dog to the vet for a checkup if you notice symptoms of hip dysplasia
If you notice any symptoms, speak to your vet immediately and have your dog examined. There are various treatments to prevent the worsening of hip dysplasia, as well as supplements and medicines that relieve pain.
- Talk to your veterinarian before giving supplements to your dog. Some natural supplements can help your dog regain strength in his bones. These include: omega-3s, anti-oxidants and ligament supplements.
- Your vet may prescribe medicine for your dog. Make sure you know the correct ways and times of administration.
Step 2. Have a healthy diet that helps strengthen your dog's bones, but don't overfeed him
Studies have shown that obese dogs are more prone to hip dysplasia. Ask your vet for advice on the best diet to follow, or follow the directions on the food package. Your dog could become obese if:
- Eat more than the recommended daily allowance.
- Consume high calorie snacks but don't move enough.
Step 3. Make sure your dog gets light exercise every day for short periods
Moderate physical activity is used not to worsen the dog's physical condition. In particular, swimming is a perfect activity to keep your dog healthy by relieving pain. Divide the dog's physical activity into short daily sessions.
For example, take two walks of 10 minutes each and then let the dog swim for 10-20 minutes, rather than giving him a long walk for half an hour
Step 4. As a last resort, talk to your vet about surgery
There are several surgical procedures to correct your dog's dysplasia. However, the intervention will depend on several factors, such as the age of the dog, its weight and its size. Some examples of surgeries include:
- Triple pelvic osteotomy, which is performed on puppies.
- Total hip replacement, recommended for dogs suffering from degenerative arthritis or chronic hip dysplasia.
