Hip dysplasia is one of the most common hereditary orthopaedic conditions in dogs, causing progressive joint pain, reduced mobility, and significant quality of life compromise without appropriate management.
Hip dysplasia causes progressive, often severe welfare compromise. Young dogs may show pain, reluctance to exercise, and a characteristic bunny-hopping gait. As secondary osteoarthritis develops, chronic pain significantly impairs quality of life. Weight management is the single most important conservative welfare intervention — even modest weight loss in affected dogs dramatically reduces pain scores. Pain management using NSAIDs, joint supplements, and physiotherapy maintains quality of life in mild to moderate cases. Surgical options provide lasting welfare improvement in severe or progressive disease. Breeding screening programmes reduce the birth rate of severely affected dogs.