Dog & Cat HospitalCalabasas

Patient Education

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common inherited skeletal conditions in dogs — but with the right intervention at the right time, many affected pets live full, comfortable lives.

Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition in which the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint don't fit together properly. Instead of a tight, smooth articulation, the joint is loose, allowing abnormal movement that grinds away cartilage and, over time, triggers progressive arthritis (osteoarthritis). It affects primarily dogs, with certain large and giant breeds carrying a significantly elevated genetic risk, though small breeds and cats can be affected too. The spectrum runs from a mildly loose hip caught on a screening radiograph to a severely malformed joint that causes near-constant pain in a young dog. Treatment options depend heavily on age at diagnosis — some surgical corrections only work in young, growing animals — making early detection genuinely valuable.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs vary widely with age and severity. Young dogs (often 4–12 months) may show:

  • Reluctance to run, jump, or use stairs
  • A "bunny-hopping" gait at the trot — both hind legs swing forward together rather than alternating
  • Crying when rising from rest
  • Visible swaying or "loose" hindquarters

In adult and older dogs, chronic arthritis from long-standing hip dysplasia tends to dominate:

  • Progressive hind-limb lameness, often worse in cold weather or after rest
  • Muscle loss (atrophy) over the thighs and hindquarters
  • Stiffness that loosens with mild exercise but returns after a long nap
  • Reluctance to be touched around the hips
  • Decreased activity and play interest

Causes & Risk Factors

Hip dysplasia is multifactorial — genetics set the stage, but several factors influence how severe the joint abnormality becomes:

  • Genetics — German Shepherds, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and many other large breeds have the highest prevalence
  • Rapid growth in large-breed puppies — overfeeding calories and calcium accelerates skeletal growth in ways that outpace joint development
  • Excess body weight at any age — multiplies the abnormal mechanical forces on an already loose joint
  • Exercise type in puppyhood — high-impact exercise on immature joints (repetitive ball-chasing, stair-running) is associated with worse outcomes in genetically predisposed pups
  • Environmental factors — slippery flooring in growing pups contributes to abnormal gait and joint stress

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How We Diagnose It

Hip dysplasia is confirmed with radiographs, but a physical exam is the first and often most informative step.

Orthopedic examination — We assess gait, perform an Ortolani sign test (feeling for the "clunk" of a loose hip reducing into the socket), evaluate range of motion, and note any pain response on extension. A positive Ortolani in a young puppy is a strong indicator of laxity.

Digital radiographs (X-rays) — Pelvis and hip films are taken with the legs extended to evaluate joint conformation, the degree of subluxation (partial dislocation), and the amount of secondary arthritic change. For young dogs being evaluated for preventive surgery, we may take positioning views to assess joint angles.

Timing matters — Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS), a minimally invasive preventive option, must be performed before 20 weeks of age. Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) is performed in young dogs before significant arthritis develops, typically under 10 months. Identifying laxity early expands the surgical menu considerably.

Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on the dog's age, the degree of joint laxity and arthritis, and the owner's goals.

Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) — A minimally invasive procedure performed in puppies under 20 weeks that causes the bottom of the pelvis to fuse, redirecting the acetabulum to better cover the femoral head as the dog grows. Very effective in young at-risk puppies.

Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) — Three cuts in the pelvis allow the socket to be rotated to a more favorable angle, creating a tighter fit. Best results in dogs under 10 months with good cartilage and minimal arthritis.

Femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) — Removes the femoral head and neck entirely, allowing a fibrous "false joint" to form. An excellent option for small-to-medium dogs, cats, and larger dogs when other options aren't feasible — it reliably eliminates the bone-on-bone pain of severe arthritis.

Total hip replacement (THR) — The gold standard for larger adult dogs with painful hip dysplasia and advanced arthritis. A prosthetic ball and socket replicate normal joint anatomy and function. Performed by a board-certified surgeon.

Medical management — For dogs that aren't surgical candidates or whose owners choose conservative care: veterinary NSAIDs, monoclonal antibody pain therapy, weight control, omega-3 supplementation, and controlled low-impact exercise. This doesn't repair the joint, but it can maintain meaningful quality of life in milder cases.

Screening and Early Action in Calabasas

If you have a large-breed puppy from a line with known hip dysplasia, early screening is worth the conversation — the window for preventive procedures like JPS closes at 20 weeks. For adult dogs showing hind-limb stiffness or reluctance to exercise, pelvic radiographs often reveal a treatable cause. Our surgical team at Dog & Cat Hospital Calabasas handles the full spectrum of hip conditions, from early preventive procedures to FHO for dogs where the arthritis has progressed. Book an appointment and we'll determine which option makes sense for your pet's age, size, and joint health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can a dog live a normal life with hip dysplasia?
Many dogs with hip dysplasia live full, active lives — particularly when the condition is caught early, managed with appropriate treatment, and kept to a healthy weight. The severity of the dysplasia and the degree of secondary arthritis are the main determinants of long-term quality of life.
2What happens if hip dysplasia in dogs is left untreated?
Without management, the abnormal joint mechanics continue grinding away cartilage, and arthritis progresses steadily. Dogs become increasingly lame, lose muscle mass over the hindquarters, and experience chronic pain that meaningfully reduces their quality of life. Early medical or surgical intervention slows that trajectory.
3At what age can hip dysplasia be diagnosed in dogs?
An experienced veterinarian can detect hip laxity (looseness) as early as 8 to 16 weeks using physical exam techniques. Formal radiographic diagnosis is typically performed at 6 to 18 months, though signs of secondary arthritis on X-rays may not appear until the dog is older.
4Is hip dysplasia surgery worth it for a dog?
For many dogs — especially younger ones with good cartilage — surgery is the most effective way to meaningfully improve long-term comfort and function. The specific procedure (TPO, FHO, total hip replacement) matters; we recommend the approach most suited to the individual dog's age, size, and joint status.
5Is my senior dog too old for hip surgery?
Age alone is not a contraindication. An FHO can be performed at any age and often provides significant relief for older dogs suffering from severe arthritic hip pain. We assess overall health with pre-surgical bloodwork and tailor anesthesia to the individual patient.
6How much does hip dysplasia surgery cost for a dog?
Costs vary considerably depending on the procedure — a juvenile pubic symphysiodesis, a triple pelvic osteotomy, an FHO, and a total hip replacement are very different operations. We provide a written estimate at the surgical consultation so you can make an informed decision.
7Can I prevent hip dysplasia in my puppy?
You can't change genetics, but you can reduce severity: feed large-breed puppies a large-breed-specific diet that controls caloric density and calcium intake, keep them lean, limit high-impact exercise during the first year, and provide secure footing indoors. Choosing parents with OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health clearances reduces hereditary risk.
8Does hip dysplasia affect cats too?
Yes, though far less commonly than in dogs. Cats with hip dysplasia are often managed medically or with FHO when pain is significant; their smaller body weight means many affected cats remain relatively comfortable with conservative care.

Related

ProceduresFemoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)ProceduresTriple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)ProceduresJuvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)

Worried about your pet's hips?

From early screening in puppies to FHO and total hip replacement in adults, our surgical team offers the full range of hip dysplasia interventions in Calabasas.

Book an Appointment