Canine hip dysplasia is a common inherited orthopedic disease causing chronic pain. Breeding programmes, early detection, and multimodal management significantly improve welfare outcomes.
Hip dysplasia causes significant, often under-treated chronic pain in affected dogs. The condition is strongly heritable, meaning responsible breeding practices can substantially reduce prevalence over generations. Hip scoring schemes identify dogs suitable for breeding with lower risk of passing dysplasia to offspring. Early diagnosis before clinical signs develop allows conservative management including weight control, physiotherapy, and controlled exercise that slows progression. Surgical options including juvenile pubic symphysiodesis in young dogs and total hip replacement provide excellent long-term welfare outcomes when indicated. Multimodal pain management combining NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and joint support significantly improves quality of life for affected dogs.