How to prevent hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia is considered one of the most common orthopedic diseases in dogs, especially in medium-large and giant breeds.
The disease consists of an abnormal development of the hip joint: the head of the femur and the cavity of the pelvis do not fit together perfectly, causing instability, cartilage wear and often osteoarthritis over time.

Most predisposed breeds

Among the most predisposed breeds are:

• Great Dane
• bobtail
• Border Collie
• Labrador Retriever
• German shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Rottweiler
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• English setter
• Hound
• St. Bernard
• Cane corso
• Terranova

It can also appear in small dogs, but is less frequent.

Cause

The main factors are:

• genetics (the most important),
• growing too quickly,
• overweight,
• unbalanced nutrition in puppies,
• excessive or inappropriate exercise during growth.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms include:

• difficulty getting up,
• “hopping” gait,
• extra
• execution of the “rabbit” run (the dog hops with its hind legs),
• pain when walking and after physical activity,
• reluctance to run or climb stairs.

Diagnosis is made through a veterinary examination and X-rays: early diagnosis (recommended as early as 15-18 months of age) can be crucial. Mild cases can be managed with weight control, physiotherapy, and medications; more severe cases may require surgery.

Prevention

Aside from any checkups, for breeds most at risk of hip dysplasia, these are the recommendations for preventing the disease. 

1. Choose breeders who do screening
   • Parents should have formal x-rays of the hips and elbows.
   • This is the most effective preventive factor because the hereditary component is very strong.
2. Monitor your weight from an early age
   • Being overweight greatly increases the stress on your joints.
   • In large breed puppies, gradual growth is better than “too fast”.
3. Specific nutrition for large breed puppies
   • Feeds formulated for large breeds help control calcium, phosphorus and energy.
   • Avoid “do-it-yourself” calcium supplements without veterinary advice.
4. Moderate and regular exercise
   • Walking, swimming and controlled movement are good.
   • To be limited during growth:
     • repeated jumps,
     • continuous stairs,
     • intense runs on hard surfaces,
     • too explosive activities.

Read also: 

• How to take care of your dog
• How to care for your dog during the summer
• How to care for your dog after the holidays