Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. Understanding the spectrum of disease and management options helps maintain quality of life for affected dogs.
Hip dysplasia causes chronic progressive pain that affects quality of life from young adulthood through the rest of the dog's life. The instability of early dysplastic joints causes pain that worsens with activity and gradually transitions to osteoarthritis-driven chronic pain in middle and old age. Dogs with significant hip dysplasia show exercise intolerance, difficulty rising, and reluctance to climb stairs that represent genuine daily suffering. Without appropriate management, the welfare consequences are severe and cumulative. Effective pain management, weight control, and appropriate surgical intervention when indicated can maintain good quality of life.