Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease of the hip joint. Without intervention, the disease will get progressively worse and create arthritis within the impacted joints. Hip dysplasia is a relatively common cause of limping, lameness, hind leg pain and arthritis in many dogs, especially medium and large sized dogs from Bulldogs to Saint Bernards. However, hip dysplasia can also impact small dogs.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia depend upon how severe the joint area malformation is and how far the disease has progressed. A dog with a moderate or severe case of hip dysplasia will, before he reaches a year old, be in pain, limp, walk with a swaying motion and/or have trouble lifting his rear after laying down. A dog with a mild case of hip dysplasia may show no symptoms for a long time until the abnormal wear and tear on the joints creates arthritis and pain when moving.

Hip dysplasia may be inherited, and the mode of inheritance is called polygenic which means caused by many genes as opposed to certain inherited conditions in which only one gene is responsible for the disease. Other factors associated with the development of hip dysplasia are environmental factors such as growth rate, diet and exercise. Owners should take care not to try to encourage their dog's growth by over-supplementation or feeding of inappropriate foods designed to enhance rapid growth. Your vet will be able to guide you as to the best food based on your dog's needs. Obesity is also thought to be associated with dysplasia as the extra weight taxes your dog's bones and ligaments. Finally, over-exercising or inappropriately exercising your dog, especially during his growth phase, is associated with the development of hip dysplasia. Be careful to make sure your dog is not running (especially on hard surfaces), jumping or leaping on and off furniture excessively.