Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints don't fit together properly and become unstable. Hip dysplasia causes pain, swelling, stiffness and eventually arthritis. Dogs with hip dysplasia usually begin showing symptoms while they are growing (at around 5-6 months of age).
How do I know if my dog is in pain from hip dysplasia?
Weakness and pain in the hind legs are the usual clinical signs. The dog appears wobbly and is reluctant to rise from a sitting or lying position. Some dogs will limp or be reluctant to climb stairs. These signs can be seen in puppies as early as a few months old but are most common in dogs one to two years of age.
Do dogs with hip dysplasia have pain?
If left untreated, dogs with hip dysplasia usually develop osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). Dogs with hip dysplasia commonly show clinical signs of hind limb lameness, pain, and muscle wasting (atrophy).
How do I make my dog comfortable with hip dysplasia?
Provide a soft sleeping area, such as an orthopedic foam bed. Lay rugs down on slippery floors to help your dog avoid slips and falls. Utilize ramps to help your dog avoid climbing stairs whenever possible. Your dog's mobility might benefit from physical therapy, including stretching and hydrotherapy.
Is hip dysplasia in dogs painful to the touch?
Pain when touched in hip or pelvis area. A change in behavior: reluctance to rise/difficulty rising, unwillingness to play or climb stairs, exercise intolerance, reduced activity levels.
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