Hip dysplasia is one of the most common developmental orthopedic conditions in dogs, causing progressive pain that requires active management throughout the dog's life.
Hip dysplasia causes a progression from exercise intolerance and stiffness in young dogs to chronic, often severe arthritic pain in older animals. Dogs who have lived with inadequately managed hip dysplasia for years may show profound lameness and muscle atrophy that represents years of accumulated suffering. The welfare obligation begins at diagnosis: immediate implementation of weight management, appropriate exercise, and analgesic support, combined with honest discussion of surgical options in young dogs where early intervention provides the best long-term outcomes.