Watching your dog struggle to climb stairs or rise from a nap can break your heart. Hip dysplasia affects countless dogs, causing them pain and reducing their mobility. While many cases can be managed with medication and lifestyle modifications, sometimes surgery becomes the best option for giving your furry friend relief and improving their quality of life.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, our team of UC Davis-trained veterinarians specializes in orthopedic care for pets suffering from hip dysplasia and other joint conditions. Our orthopedic expert, Dr. Tyler, performs advanced procedures that can dramatically improve your dog’s comfort and mobility when conservative treatments aren’t enough.
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia occurs when a dog’s hip joint doesn’t develop properly, resulting in a loose fit between the ball and socket. This improper alignment causes the joint to deteriorate over time, leading to arthritis, pain, and decreased mobility. The condition can affect any breed but is particularly common in larger dogs such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Saint Bernards.
The severity of hip dysplasia varies greatly from dog to dog. Some pets show minimal symptoms despite having the condition, while others experience significant pain and mobility issues. Genetics play a major role in hip dysplasia, but environmental factors like rapid growth, excessive exercise during development, and obesity can worsen the condition or accelerate its progression.
Signs Your Dog May Have Hip Dysplasia
Recognizing the signs of hip dysplasia is crucial for early intervention. Common symptoms include:
- Reluctance to rise, jump, or climb stairs
- Decreased activity or exercise intolerance
- “Bunny hopping” gait when running
- Lameness in the hind limbs, especially after exercise
- Stiffness when getting up
If you notice these signs, having your dog evaluated by a veterinarian with orthopedic experience is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
Non-Surgical Management Options
Not every dog with hip dysplasia requires surgery. Many cases can be effectively managed with conservative approaches, particularly for mild to moderate conditions or in older dogs where the risks of surgery may outweigh the benefits.
Weight management reduces stress on painful joints. Even a small amount of weight loss can significantly improve comfort and mobility. Low-impact activities like swimming and controlled leash walks help maintain muscle strength without excessive joint strain.
Physical therapy exercises strengthen supporting muscles, improve range of motion, and enhance joint stability. Anti-inflammatory medications help manage pain and reduce joint inflammation, while joint supplements may support cartilage health and slow the progression of arthritis.
When to Consider Surgical Intervention
While conservative management works for many dogs, certain situations indicate that surgery may be the better option:
Conservative Treatment Isn’t Providing Relief
If your dog continues to show signs of pain and reduced mobility despite proper management and medication, surgery may provide better pain relief and improved function.
Your Dog is Young and Has Severe Dysplasia
Younger dogs with significant hip dysplasia often benefit from early surgical intervention, which can prevent years of pain and progressive joint deterioration. Younger dogs typically have better surgical outcomes and faster recovery times.
Quality of Life is Significantly Affected
When hip dysplasia severely limits your dog’s ability to perform normal activities like walking, playing, or even getting up comfortably, surgery can dramatically improve quality of life.
Surgical Options for Hip Dysplasia
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Tyler is skilled in performing several surgical procedures for hip dysplasia. The best option depends on your dog’s age, size, severity of dysplasia, and overall health status.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
This procedure involves removing the ball portion of the hip joint, allowing the body to create a false joint made of scar tissue. It’s often recommended for smaller dogs or situations where cost is a major consideration.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Considered the gold standard treatment, total hip replacement involves replacing both the ball and socket with prosthetic components. This procedure most closely restores normal hip function and is particularly beneficial for larger, more active dogs.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
This preventative surgery is performed in young dogs (typically under 10 months old) with hip laxity but before they develop significant arthritis. It improves the hip socket’s coverage of the femoral head to prevent future problems.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Recovery from hip dysplasia surgery varies depending on the procedure performed. Generally, the first two weeks focus on pain management, restricted activity, and wound care. As healing progresses, physical therapy helps rebuild muscle strength and improve mobility.
Most dogs continue to improve for several months after surgery as muscles strengthen and they adapt to their new joint mechanics. Regular follow-up appointments help ensure optimal healing and identify any complications early.
Connect With Our Orthopedic Surgery Team
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, our family-owned practice combines advanced orthopedic expertise with compassionate care. Dr. Tyler specializes in advanced procedures, including TPLO for cruciate tears, MPL repairs for dislocating knee caps, and fracture repairs for broken bones, in addition to various hip dysplasia surgeries.
If your dog is showing signs of hip dysplasia or you’re wondering whether surgery might be the right option, our UC Davis-trained veterinary team is here to help. For more information about our orthopedic services or to schedule a consultation, call us at (916) 446-6154 or use our contact form.