Dog arthritis can often develop in the hip joint, which consists of a ball 
and a socket that connects a dog’s hind legs to its pelvis. This hip joint is supported by a combination of ligaments, connective tissues, cartilage and joint fluid which allow the ball joint to rotate freely within the socket. When this ball and socket connection is loose (also known as subluxation or laxity), the hip can become arthritic and deformed in a condition known as hip dysplasia.
and a socket that connects a dog’s hind legs to its pelvis. This hip joint is supported by a combination of ligaments, connective tissues, cartilage and joint fluid which allow the ball joint to rotate freely within the socket. When this ball and socket connection is loose (also known as subluxation or laxity), the hip can become arthritic and deformed in a condition known as hip dysplasia.What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia refers to the abnormal growth or development of the hips. It is a condition that usually affects large and giant breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes and Saint Bernards. While dogs of all ages can suffer from hip dysplasia, it is a condition that often develops at an early age, although the signs may only start to show in adolescence, between 6 to 18 months of age.
If left untreated, hip dysplasia will eventually lead to potentially severe arthritis.
Cause of hip dysplasia
The following factors seem to increase the risks of developing this condition:
Genetics: Studies suggest that hip dysplasia in a parent will most likely be seen in the offspring as well, prompting the selective breeding of dogs to reduce the incidence of this condition.
Nutrition: Excess weight and obesity appear to increase a dog’s chances of developing dog hip dysplasia. Feeding either too much or too little calcium can also affect the proper development of the hip joint. Overfeeding is known to cause rapid growth of puppies, a risk factor in hip joint abnormalities.Exercise: Over-exercise and activities that subject the joint to a lot of force also increases your dog’s risk of developing hip dysplasia.
How hip dysplasia works
Hip dysplasia is a laxity of the joints, muscles and ligaments surrounding the hip. This brings about abnormal wear and tear of the joint, subsequently causing arthritis or pain in the area.
Signs of hip dysplasia
The following may indicate a problem with the hip joint:
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altered gait when walking or running
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restricted movement or extension of the rear legs
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difficulty in climbing stairs
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limping
Most dogs will only begin to show obvious signs when they are older or when dog arthritis sets in but when you take your dog for regular veterinary checkups, your vet will routinely check for early signs. The condition can be properly diagnosed through physical examination, x-ray, and special tests like the Penn-HIP system.
Treatment options
Surgery: Hip dysplasia is best treated early in life to prevent the onset of painful arthritis which will affect your pet’s mobility and quality of life. A variety of surgical procedures are available ranging from correction of hip alignment to hip replacement, often with good results, especially on younger dogs.
Medical management: Most dogs that do not undergo surgery maintain a medical treatment plan that combines weight management, exercise, supplements, and pain relief medication to slow down the progression of dog arthritis although the looseness of the joint still remains.
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Tags: Causes of Dog Arthritis, dog arthritis, dog arthritis medication, Dog Arthritis Symptoms, dog arthritis treatment, Dog Hip Dysplasia, dog joint health, dogs arthritis, Pain Relief for Dogs
My mother is an equine massage therapist with chiropractic knowledge as well, and she has actually worked on a couple of German shepherds with hip dysplasia. It’s a shame that this happens to good dogs. Consider chiropractic methods and an inexpensive, non-invasive, pleasurable way to help your dog.
Does arthritis seem to occur more frequently in larger dogs? I own two Havanese but they are the first dogs I have ever owned so I have no background on this. Thanks.
Yes, larger dogs are more susceptible to arthritis. Factors affecting the development of Dog arthritis are age, obesity, size, and breed. While poor diet, lack of exercise, or even too much exercise can also attribute to the disease. My blogs have a complete array on how to prevent & manage Dog arthritis, so feel free to look around. Thanks
I had a dog that needed hip replacement surgery. It cost an arm and a leg, but it was worth it.
That's great. The surgery has come a long way in recent years. Was he old or young, big or small?
Well, I prefer natural arthritis cures. Balanced diet really helps me with this issue. I try to consume more salmon simply because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which is ideal for fighting arthritis.
I am all for natural cures….Omega 3s are helpful but not ideal by themselves, at least in severe cases of dog arthritis. To just focus on natural treatments or to use just one tool like Omega 3 fatty acids will leave you without a number of very helpful and proven treatment tools. If you prefer natural arthritis cures then I guess you could say I prefer evidence based cures and multi-modal treatment. The concept of multi-modal treatment is the very core of this blog and put simply it means using lots of things, in as small a dose as you can, to get the most benefit with the least side effects (and all these tools backed up by science).