Hip Dysplasia

Body function:

Skeletal & Joint

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Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease affecting many different dog breeds. It causes the ball and socket of the hip joint to grow at different rates, resulting in loose hip joints. The condition tends to affect large dogs at a higher rate.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Akita, American Eskimo Dog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Basset Hound, Beagle, Belgian Tervuren, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Bouvier Des Flandres, Boxer, Briard, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, French Bulldog, Cairn Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Chihuahua, Shar Pei, Coton De Tulear, Dachshund, Miniature Dachshund, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, English Cocker Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Wire Fox Terrier, German Wirehaired Pointer, Irish Wolfhound, Italian Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Komondor, Maltese, Toy Manchester Terrier, Mastiff, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Papillon, Pekingese, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pomeranian, Small Poodle, Pug, Puli, Rat Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Shiba Inu, Shih Tzu, Shiloh Shepherd, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Tibetan Terrier, Vizsla, West Highland White Terrier

A brown dog is sitting on its hind legs with its front paw raised. The dog is looking up at the camera with a hopeful expression.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There is no known cure for hip dysplasia. Pain may be managed with medications. Joint supplements, injectable chondroprotectors, weight management, and moderate exercise may also help.

Symptoms

Signs of hip dysplasia typically appear between 1 and 2 years of age, though they can appear as young as 3 months old. They include weakness and pain in the hind legs and instability when rising from a seated position. Over time, hip dysplasia can lead to degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.

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