Instructions
Learn your dog's breed history. A number of health problems may be associated with its breed. Research these and find out how common hip dysplasia is. Large breeds including golden retrievers, German shepherds and rottweilers are prone to the condition.
Observe the dog's gait. Dogs should have a smooth, even motion when walking. If the dog appears to be hopping or putting an unusual amount of weight on his front paws, this can be a sign of hip dysplasia. As the hip moves about it causes pain, so dogs will naturally attempt to stabilize the joint by putting weight elsewhere.
Monitor your dog's mobility. Hip dysplasia can be particularly painful after a period of inactivity, such as sleep. Make a point of observing your dog's mobility first thing in the morning. Difficulty standing, reluctance to stretch and weakness in the hind legs are potential signs of hip dysplasia.
Monitor your dog's behavior. The pain of hip dysplasia can cause your dog to alter its regular routine. Reluctance to climb the stairs or to join in with play can indicate hip dysplasia. If the dog sits when it would normally stand, this can be a result of hip dysplasia as it attempts to relieve the back legs of weight.
Gently touch the back legs. During a period of rest, gently move your dog's back legs by holding the shin and slowly pulling and pushing the limb. The dog may display signs of discomfort at this if the hips are not correctly functioning.
Get a hip score X-ray. The most conclusive way of telling if your dog has hip dysplasia is to book a veterinary appointment. The vet will examine the dog and may order a hip score test to confirm. The hip score X-ray allows the vet to examine the formation and position of the hips.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Has Hip Dysplasia?
The dog's hip joint is like ours; it consists of a ball and socket. If the socket is too shallow, the ball doesn't fit snugly and moves during motion. This is known as hip dysplasia, unfortunately a relatively common condition in large breeds. It is a painful and debilitating condition that can severely limit a dog's mobility. Hip replacement surgery is the most common treatment for severe hip dysplasia. In order to help a dog with hip dysplasia, it's important to spot the signs early.