Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition caused by malformation of the hip joint: because the joint is loose, the femur moves excessively, producing pain and wear. It mainly affects large and giant breeds — German Shepherd, Labrador, Great Dane, St Bernard — and without treatment it worsens over time. Weight control and moderate daily exercise are the two most effective measures.
Key facts:
- What it is: a hereditary malformation of the hip joint (a shallow acetabulum and a deformed femoral head).
- Breeds: large and giant; very uncommon in small breeds.
- Signs: intermittent lameness, difficulty getting up, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, hind legs held close together, loss of thigh muscle.
- Treatment: medical (supplements, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy) or surgical, up to a total hip replacement.
- At home: weight control, moderate daily exercise, a proper bed, non-slip rugs, ramps.
- Breeding: dogs with dysplasia should not be bred from.
Dysplasia is one of the commonest skeletal malformations in dogs. It cannot be cured, but it can be managed — and with the right care many dysplastic dogs live comfortable, active lives for years.
What is hip dysplasia?
It is a hereditary condition caused by malformation of the hip joint. In a normal hip, the head of the femur fits snugly into the acetabulum. In a dysplastic hip, the acetabulum is too shallow and the femoral head is misshapen: the joint is loose, the femur moves excessively, and that produces pain and progressive wearing of the tissues.
Which dogs get it?
Mainly large and giant breeds: German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Great Dane, St Bernard. It can appear in medium breeds but is very uncommon in small ones. It is chiefly a condition of pedigree dogs, though it can occur in crossbreeds if both parents carry the tendency. Dogs with dysplasia should be kept out of breeding so that they do not pass it on.
What causes it?
Genetic and environmental factors combine. Genetic predisposition to joint laxity is the foundation. On top of that sit nutrition (rapid weight gain, particularly in puppies between 3 and 10 months, obesity, and diets deficient in calcium or other minerals), poor muscle mass in the limb, and exercise: genetically susceptible dogs have a higher incidence if they are exercised intensely at an early age.
What are the signs?
It can begin to develop in puppies as young as five months and worsen with age, or it may not show until the dog is geriatric. In most cases it becomes apparent in adult dogs. The usual signs: reduced activity, difficulty getting up, reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs, intermittent or persistent lameness in the hindquarters that is worse after exercise, hind legs held too close together, loss of muscle in the thigh, and pain in the hips.
How is it treated?
Both surgically and medically, and the choice depends on the dog’s size, age, function and the severity of the joint degeneration. Among surgical options, the most extreme is total hip replacement with a prosthesis, which is expensive. Medical treatment is usually the more practical route: it combines oral supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and other products. Your vet will decide which is appropriate and will draw up a tailored exercise programme.
What can I do at home to ease the pain?
Weight control is fundamental — quality food in the right quantity for the dog’s size, breed and activity, and fewer treats. Moderate daily exercise (swimming, walking, a treadmill) maintains muscle mass and hip movement; it is essential that it is daily, not just at weekends. Physiotherapy reduces joint stiffness.
Beyond that: apply a warm compress for 15 minutes twice a day; give a gentle circular massage around the hip (stop if it seems to irritate); provide a proper bed, away from cold and damp; put rugs or towels on slippery floors; and make daily life easier with a ramp for getting into the car or out of the house. Your vet may also prescribe a painkiller.
Frequently asked questions
Which breeds get hip dysplasia?
Mainly large and giant breeds: German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Great Dane and St Bernard, among others.
Can hip dysplasia be cured?
No, but it can be managed. With weight control, moderate exercise, physiotherapy and medication, many dogs live comfortably for years.
What exercise suits a dog with dysplasia?
Moderate and daily: swimming, walking or a treadmill. Avoid intense, occasional exercise.
How can I ease the pain at home?
Warm compresses twice a day, gentle massage, a proper bed, non-slip rugs and strict weight control.
A total hip replacement is one of the most expensive procedures in veterinary medicine. Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) reimburses 100% of the vet bill up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 excess, at any vet you choose, provided it is not a pre-existing condition — which is why cover should be arranged while the dog is healthy. See the policy terms.
