Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is abnormal development of the hip joint. The joint is loose during growth, and that looseness leads to progressive arthritis over the years¹². It is most common in large breeds but also occurs in small ones, and it is shaped by heredity, growth rate, nutrition and exercise¹. Selective breeding has been reducing it: an analysis of more than a million hip evaluations across 60 breeds found prevalence falling over time where breeders screened³.

In a senior dog the problem is the arthritis that dysplasia leaves behind. Signs are lameness that is worse after exercise, a bunny-hopping gait, reluctance to rise or jump, shifting weight to the front legs, and loss of muscle over the hindquarters¹².

Management follows the arthritis playbook: keep the dog lean, keep walks regular and moderate, give traction on slippery floors, and use pain relief prescribed by the vet. Surgical options exist and are a conversation for your clinic¹².

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your dog.

Sources

1. Hip Dysplasia in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed 2026-09-22.
2. Canine Hip Dysplasia. American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Accessed 2026-09-22.
3. Long-term genetic selection reduced prevalence of hip and elbow dysplasia in 60 dog breeds (Oberbauer AM, Keller GG, Famula TR). PLoS One 12(2):e0172918, 2017 (peer reviewed). Accessed 2026-09-22.