Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia can afflict many animals. Since it is also a problem in human the money for research was widely available and the canine hip dysplasia became a model for studying this genetic disorder in human. According to the studies, hip dysplasia is a very complex problem.

The world "dysplasia" mean "bad development". Many genetic factors are responsible for this bone deformity which can start as young as 2 week-old or only show up at 3 or 4 year-old. Sometime a dog can spend all it's life without much pain if the problem is not to serious. Sometime the problem only show when the dog get older.

Any dog showing even just a minor degree of hip dysplasia should be completely excluded from any breeding program, as this condition can get worse in future generations.


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After conception, the embryo's hip socket and the adjacent structure start to develop in the mother's egg. The formation of this structure is determine by the genetic code. The bone tissue start to develop at the 49th day after conception. Good development of the hip socket is dependent on many hereditary factors. Some breed are more prone to develop this bone disorder, such as Rottweiler, German Sherperd, Golden Retriever and many other, especially in large breeds.

The consequences of this bone lesion are numerous; swelling, pain, possible rupture of the nerves, synovitis, damages to the adjacent tissues, bone will eventually brake apart in small pieces and the femur's head will get flat as illustrated in the x-ray to the right.

According to the studies, 3 factors are responsible for this disease:

  • Heredity is the main factor, and can involve many genes
  • Good nutrition is of prime importance to avoid or minimize this problem.
  • Good exercise is also important and overweight animals may have more risk to develop hip dysplasia.

It is recommenced to buy a dog only from a reputable breeder who is only breeding certified dog with good hip development. Every responsible breeders will be pleased to show their dog's certificate if asked.

The only way to find out if your animal have hip displasia is to have your dog x-ray. If a dog jump high or run with no problem, it does not mean it's hip are good. Some dogs with severe hip displasia can jump and run as if they had good hips, but can later stop walking.

The only way to eliminate this problem in dog is to breed only dogs that have been certified to be free of this disease. Breeding one good dog with one dog with dysplasia will still bring the problem in the puppies.