{"id":17,"date":"2020-05-18T21:12:12","date_gmt":"2020-05-18T21:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvetspecialists.org\/blog\/?p=17"},"modified":"2020-12-21T21:31:41","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T21:31:41","slug":"common-signs-of-canine-hip-dysplasia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvetspecialists.org\/blog\/common-signs-of-canine-hip-dysplasia\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Signs of Canine Hip Dysplasia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canine hip dysplasia<\/a><\/strong> is a common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs of all sizes and breeds. The condition is, however, more prevalent in medium to large breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. Although the prevalence is much lower, cats may also be afflicted with hip dysplasia.<\/p>\n

Instead of the ordinary \u201cball and socket joint\u201d in which the \u201cball\u201d (head of the femur) fits tightly in the \u201csocket\u201d (acetabulum) on the pelvis side of the joint, hip dysplasia causes abnormal joint laxity or looseness. The condition can, over time, lead to inflammation, pain, abnormal wear of the joint surfaces, and lameness.<\/p>\n

The cause of this is multifactorial. Genetics, diet, hormonal influence, and environmental factors are all believed to contribute to the development of canine hip dysplasia. However, without abnormal DNA, the other factors are likely to have minimal to no influence on the condition\u2019s development.<\/p>\n

Canine Hip Dysplasia Symptoms<\/h2>\n

Dogs with hip dysplasia often begin exhibiting symptoms by one year of age \u2013 some as early as six months \u2013 although they may be subtle at the onset. While there may not be any noticeable limp or holding of the leg up off the ground, at least at first, common symptoms include:<\/p>\n