Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most common and welfare-significant orthopaedic conditions in dogs. Prevention through breeding selection, and multimodal management once diagnosed, are key to improving affected dogs' lives.
Hip dysplasia welfare spans prevention and management. In prevention, OFA and BVA hip screening programmes have been shown to reduce hip dysplasia prevalence in breeds that consistently screen — breed clubs that mandate screening before registration create the strongest incentive. Puppy management matters: avoiding over-exercise, overfeeding for rapid growth, and slippery surfaces during the first 12 months reduces the expression of genetic risk. Once diagnosed, pain management is the welfare priority — dogs with controlled pain maintain good quality of life even with radiographically severe disease. Weight management reduces hip loading dramatically; hydrotherapy maintains muscle mass without joint impact. Surgical intervention is most effective early in life — TPO and JPS correct joint mechanics before secondary arthritis develops. Total hip replacement offers excellent outcomes in skeletally mature dogs with advanced disease. End-of-life quality of life assessment should focus on daily pain scores and mobility, not radiographic appearance.