Signs of hip dysplasia in dogs
Hip dysplasia in dogs and their parents can eventually lead to crippling, lameness and arthritis of the joints. Hip dysplasia is affected by environmental factors.
Hip dysplasia is a medical condition in which a hip socket does not cover the ball part of the upper thighbone. This makes the hip joint to become dislocated. Most people and their dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia have the condition from birth.
Larger breed dogs are more susceptible to hip dysplasia.
Signs of hip dysplasia in dogs:
- Decrease in activity
- When standing, the back legs unusually are close together
- Decreased range of motion in the hips
- Hind-limb lameness
- Dog seems to be in pain
- Increase in shoulder muscle mass caused by the increased burden of avoiding weight on back legs
- Joint movement causes grating
- Loss of thigh muscle mass
- Noticeable pain
- Avoidance of climbing stairs, jumping or running
- Swaying gait or “bunny-hopping”
- Difficulty getting up
Discuss with your veterinarian if you think your dog may have something wrong.
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