Hip dysplasia in dogs

Recognise the signs

• Bunny hopping gait — the dog moves both hindlimbs together rather than alternating, especially when running
• Reluctance to exercise, climb stairs, jump into cars, or rise from lying
• Stiffness after rest — particularly apparent first thing in the morning or after lying still for a period; often improves with gentle movement
• Swaying or rolling gait when walking
• Muscle wastage of the hindquarters — loss of muscle mass over the rump and thighs as the dog subconsciously shifts weight forward
• Broad-based hindlimb stance — feet placed wider than normal
• Pain reaction when the hips are extended or rotated — dog cries out, snaps, or turns to look when hips are handled
• Reluctance to be touched around the hips or lower back
• Clicking sound from hip joints when moving
• In young dogs (4–12 months): sudden onset of hind limb lameness (juvenile hip dysplasia pain); in older dogs: progressive insidious arthritis pain

First aid steps

1. 1. Book a veterinary appointment — hip dysplasia cannot be confirmed without physical examination and X-rays (radiographs).
2. 2. Restrict high-impact activity — avoid running, jumping, rough play, and sustained stair climbing. Short, calm lead walks on level ground are appropriate.
3. 3. Provide comfortable, supportive bedding — memory foam or orthopaedic dog beds reduce pressure on joints. Avoid cold, hard floors.
4. 4. Control body weight strictly — excess weight dramatically worsens pain and joint loading. If the dog is overweight, begin measured portions and discuss a weight loss plan with your vet.
5. 5. Do not give human pain relief — ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin are toxic to dogs. Never self-medicate with human NSAIDs.
6. 6. Assist the dog with steps or into vehicles using a ramp or dog steps to avoid pain and injury.
7. 7. Keep the dog warm — cold and damp conditions worsen arthritic pain. Use a dog coat if needed outdoors in winter.
8. 8. Photograph or video the abnormal gait to show the vet — this is very helpful for assessment.

While transporting to the vet

• Hip dysplasia does not require emergency transport.
• Use a ramp or assist the dog into the vehicle — do not allow jumping.
• Line the boot or back seat with non-slip bedding.
• Support the dog's hindquarters when lifting if necessary.

When it can usually wait

• Mild stiffness after rest in a dog already diagnosed and managed — mention at next scheduled appointment if not worsening.
• Occasional reluctance to exercise without other signs — book a routine appointment.
• Mild bunny-hopping gait in a young large-breed puppy — book a routine appointment within the next week or two, but this is not an emergency.

Common causes

• Genetic predisposition — the primary cause; hip dysplasia is highly heritable in predisposed breeds
• Abnormal development of the hip joint during rapid growth (4–12 months of age) — the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) develop incongruently
• Excessive or inappropriate exercise during the growth period — particularly repetitive impact exercise in young, large-breed puppies
• Overfeeding and rapid weight gain during puppyhood — promotes faster growth and increases stress on developing joints
• Nutritional imbalances during development — excessive calcium supplementation in large breed puppies worsens joint development
• Environmental factors — slippery floors, excessive stair climbing, or jumping in young puppies
• Secondary osteoarthritis develops progressively as joint incongruity causes cartilage damage and remodelling

What the vet will need to know

• Age of onset of signs and whether symptoms are progressive
• Breed and body weight
• Exercise history — type and intensity throughout life
• Diet history — including any calcium or supplement use in puppyhood
• Any previous X-rays or hip scoring
• Current medications including any pain relief tried
• Which activities cause most difficulty — stairs, rising, jumping?
• Any other joints affected?

Aftercare

• Weight management — the single most impactful intervention; every extra kilogram significantly increases load and pain on affected joints.
• Controlled, appropriate exercise — regular, moderate, low-impact exercise (swimming, hydrotherapy, lead walks) maintains muscle mass which supports the joint. Muscle mass is protective.
• Hydrotherapy — underwater treadmill or pool sessions are highly beneficial; buoyancy reduces joint load while allowing muscle building. Many UK veterinary physiotherapy centres offer this.
• Veterinary physiotherapy — specific therapeutic exercises and massage improve mobility and muscle condition.
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) — vet-prescribed (e.g., meloxicam, carprofen, grapiprant) are the mainstay of pain management; regular blood monitoring is required for long-term use.
• Joint supplements — omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), green-lipped mussel (Pernanol, YuMove), and glucosamine/chondroitin may provide modest benefit; evidence is stronger for omega-3s.
• Gabapentin or amantadine — may be added for neuropathic pain component.
• Surgical options for severe cases: Triple/double pelvic osteotomy (TPO/DPO) for young dogs with no arthritis; Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) for very young dogs; Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) — removes the femoral head to eliminate bone-on-bone pain; Total hip replacement (THR) — highly effective, restores near-normal function, increasingly available at referral centres in the UK.
• Regular veterinary reviews to adjust pain management as the condition progresses.

Prevention

• Breed from hip-scored parents — BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme provides a score (lower is better); breed from dogs below the breed median score.
• Feed large and giant breed puppies a diet specifically formulated for large breeds — these have controlled calcium and phosphorus levels and lower energy density to promote slower, steadier growth.
• Do not supplement calcium in growing large-breed puppies.
• Keep puppies lean during growth — you should be able to feel but not see ribs.
• Limit high-impact exercise in growing puppies: avoid repetitive jumping, sustained running on hard surfaces, and long stair climbing until skeletal maturity (approximately 12–18 months depending on breed).
• Provide non-slip surfaces in the home during puppyhood.
• Consider a puppy check X-ray at 16 weeks (PennHIP method available in UK) for high-risk breeds to detect early laxity.
• Maintain lean body weight throughout life — this is the most powerful modifiable factor in managing pain.

Breed-specific notes

• German Shepherd Dog — very high prevalence; BVA hip scoring essential before breeding.
• Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever — high prevalence; among the most common breeds presenting with hip dysplasia in the UK.
• Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Great Dane, St Bernard — high risk large/giant breeds.
• French Bulldog and Bulldog — higher prevalence than average despite smaller size.
• Border Collie and Springer Spaniel — moderate risk; often overlooked as dysplasia is more commonly associated with giant breeds.
• BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme breed median scores are published on the BVA website — check the specific score for your breed when assessing breeding stock.

Frequently asked questions

Related topics

• Managing arthritis in dogs