Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most common heritable orthopedic conditions in dogs, causing chronic pain and reducing quality of life. Prevention and early intervention are essential welfare priorities.
Dogs with hip dysplasia experience chronic pain that profoundly affects their ability to exercise, play, and engage in normal behaviours. Many suffer for extended periods before diagnosis because owners attribute reduced activity to aging rather than pain. Breeding reforms, early veterinary assessment, and accessible pain management are all critical to reducing the burden of this condition across the global dog population.