Lab Hip Problems

Labrador retrievers are prone to developing hip and elbow problems, according to the My Dog Breed website. Hip dysplasia, a condition that causes pain and swelling in the dog's joints, is a painful and debilitating medical problem that can affect puppies as well as adult Labradors. A veterinarian can treat your dog's dysplasia through either medical or surgical interventions.

  1. Hip Dysplasia

    • Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball at the top of your dog's femur, or leg bone, does not fit correctly into his hip socket. The Pet Place website indicates that this condition can lead to osteoarthritis as the disease progresses. Hip dysplasia is more common in large breed dogs, such as golden and Labrador retrievers, but some smaller breeds are prone to developing the condition as well.

    Causes

    • Hip dysplasia can occur for a number of reasons. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to developing the condition, but other factors besides genetics and heredity can play a role. Puppies that are given free choice food, or the opportunity to eat whenever they feel hungry, are more prone to developing hip dysplasia later in life than dogs who eat portion-controlled meals on set schedules, according to Pet Education website. Overweight or obese dogs can develop hip dysplasia, particularly in those breeds that are already susceptible, because it is hard for their joints and muscles to carry the extra body weight.

    Symptoms

    • Dogs with hip dysplasia may act as if it is difficult for them to stretch or flex their back legs. They may have problems climbing stairs or become unwilling to engage in regular physical activities such as walking, running or playing. They may also walk or run with an unusual gait. In advanced cases, the dog may experience the loss of muscle tone and may have difficulty standing up or lying down.

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian can diagnose hip dysplasia by performing a physical examination. She may be able to feel the looseness in his joints by stretching and extending his back legs. In addition, your veterinarian may conduct an OFA or a PennHIP test. The OFA test is performed while the dog is sedated. An X-ray is taken and the dog's hips are compared to a set of standard measurements. Another hip test called the PennHip can be used on puppies as young as 16 weeks. The dog's hips are extended and multiple X-rays are taken to determine how much displacement is between the femur and joint. These tests can be used to determine the presence and the severity of the dog's dysplasia.

    Treatment

    • Anti-inflammatory medication such as corticosteroids can be used to bring down the swelling and reduce the pain associated with the disorder. The condition can be treated surgically. Joint supplements may help to minimize your dog's discomfort.