Hip dysplasia in dogs

Is your dog stiff, reluctant to jump onto the sofa, or moving differently on walks? Hip dysplasia is one of the most common joint conditions affecting dogs, especially larger breeds. While it can be painful and progressive, many dogs can still enjoy a good quality of life with the right care and treatment.

Because hip dysplasia often requires ongoing treatment, medication, physiotherapy, or even surgery, it can also become expensive to manage. Taking out dog insurance before symptoms develop may help cover some of the costs associated with diagnosis and treatment.

What is hip dysplasia in dogs?

Hip dysplasia is a condition where a dog’s hip joint doesn’t develop properly. Normally, the ball and socket of the hip fit together smoothly, allowing easy movement. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the joint is loose or malformed, meaning the ball doesn’t sit securely in the socket. Over time, this abnormal movement causes wear and tear, inflammation, pain, and often arthritis in one or both hips.

Causes of hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia is mainly an inherited condition, meaning genetics play a major role. If a puppy’s parents carry genes linked to poor hip formation, their offspring are more likely to develop the condition.
However, environmental factors can also influence whether symptoms develop and how severe they become. These can include:

• Rapid growth during puppyhood
• Excess weight or obesity
• Overfeeding puppies
• High-impact or excessive exercise while joints are developing
• Poor muscle support around the joints

Commonly affected breeds

While any dog can develop hip dysplasia, it’s most common in medium, large, and giant breeds.

Breeds often associated with a higher risk include:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Rottweilers
• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• Newfoundlands
• Bullmastiffs

Dogs bred from parents with poor hip scores are also more likely to develop the condition.

Types of hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia can affect one hip (unilateral) or both hips (bilateral), with many dogs experiencing problems in both joints. Rather than distinct ‘types’, hip dysplasia is usually described by how severely the joints are affected.

The severity can vary considerably:

• Mild hip dysplasia may only cause occasional stiffness or discomfort
• Moderate cases often involve reduced mobility and developing arthritis
• Severe hip dysplasia can lead to chronic pain, significant joint damage, and difficulty walking.

Some dogs develop symptoms while they’re still young, while others may not show obvious signs until arthritis develops later in life.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs

Signs of hip dysplasia can develop gradually and may initially be subtle. Common symptoms include things like:

• Stiffness, especially after rest
• Difficulty getting up or lying down
• Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or exercise
• Lameness in one or both back legs
• A swaying or rolling gait
• Bunny-hopping when running
• Reduced activity levels or reluctance to walk
• Loss of muscle around the back legs and hips
• Pain or discomfort after exercise
• Some dogs may simply seem quieter or less playful than usual.

What to do if your dog shows signs of hip dysplasia

If you notice changes in your dog’s movement, mobility, or behaviour, book an appointment with your vet. Early diagnosis can help slow the progression and improve your dog’s comfort.

Your vet will usually start by discussing your dog’s symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination. They’ll assess your dog’s joint movement and check for signs of pain or stiffness, and may recommend imaging such as X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, more advanced scans like an MRI or CT may also be suggested to get a clearer view of the joints.

What age could you expect hip dysplasia in your dog?

Hip dysplasia is present from a young age because it’s linked to how the joints develop, but symptoms don’t always appear immediately. Some puppies begin showing signs when they’re between 6-12 months old, particularly in more severe cases, although some may show symptoms even earlier.

Others may not develop obvious symptoms until they’re adults, when arthritis and long-term joint wear start causing pain and stiffness. Older dogs may appear to suddenly develop mobility problems, but the underlying hip dysplasia may have been present for years.

How to manage hip dysplasia in dogs

Although hip dysplasia can’t be cured completely, there are many ways to help manage the condition and maintain your dog’s quality of life.

Management often includes:

• Keeping your dog at a healthy weight
• Providing regular, controlled low-impact exercise
• Avoiding excessive jumping or high-impact activity
• Using pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by your vet
• Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy
• Supportive bedding and non-slip flooring at home
• Muscle strengthening exercises where appropriate

Swimming and hydrotherapy are often recommended because they allow dogs to build strength without placing excessive strain on the joints.

Does pet insurance cover hip dysplasia?

Pet insurance can cover hip dysplasia, but it depends on the policy and when cover was taken out. Because hip dysplasia is often considered a hereditary or potentially pre-existing condition, some insurers may exclude it depending on your dog’s medical history and the policy terms.

This may happen, for example, if your dog showed symptoms before the policy started, or your dog was diagnosed before cover began. Always check your policy wording carefully and ask your insurer what is and isn’t covered before taking out cover. If hip dysplasia is a concern, you can ask specifically about this.

Hip dysplasia treatment options

Treatment for hip dysplasia depends on your dog’s age, the severity of the condition, their lifestyle, and whether arthritis has developed.

Non-surgical treatment

Many dogs can be managed successfully without surgery using things such as:

• Weight management
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Pain relief
• Controlled exercise plans
• Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy
• Joint support and lifestyle adjustments

Surgical treatment

In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to help improve your dog’s comfort and mobility. Options can include juvenile pelvic procedures in younger dogs, femoral head and neck excision (FHO), or a total hip replacement, depending on your dog’s age, condition, and overall health.

Your vet or specialist will discuss the most suitable option based on your dog’s condition and overall health.

When to speak to a vet

If you notice anything unusual in how your dog is moving or behaving, it’s always best to get them checked by a vet sooner rather than later. Speak to your vet if you notice your dog is seeming stiff or uncomfortable, struggling to get up or lie down, or starting to bunny-hop when they run.

It’s also worth getting them checked if they become reluctant to exercise or climb stairs, show signs of pain after activity, or you notice any changes in their usual mobility or behaviour. It’s especially important to seek advice early in young dogs showing mobility problems, as earlier management may help improve long-term outcomes.

If you’re getting a puppy from a breed prone to hip dysplasia, talk to the breeder about hip scores and speak to your vet about keeping your puppy’s joints healthy as they grow.