Puppies 16 weeks – 6 months.
One of the first ways to recognise hip laxity in a puppy is to see how they sit.
Puppies typically are very roly-poly in the first few weeks and seem quite uncoordinated. This is perfectly normal. But as they grow, watching for this easy – to – spot postural adaptation (the sloppy sit) may be the first sign that you see with a puppy with Hip Dysplasia (or hip laxity).
I noticed Manuka sitting with poor puppy posture at 10 weeks, and found severe hip dysplasia when we took X-rays at 17 weeks with the PennHip screening method.
Notice Manuka’s splayed hips and hocks together
Her distraction view X-rays using the PennHip method show the ‘laxity’ or looseness of her hips is severe.
Another typical marker is the ‘hip sway’. Puppies with hip dysplasia look like they are on a catwalk. Any hip movement outside the line of the chest indicates hip sway. The hip sway is a result of unusual muscle recruitment for hip flexion through the lumbar spine or lower back.
More severely loose hips may also be evident in that your dog struggles on walks and sits down frequently. The puppy ‘strike’ is a sign that something is up….most puppies will love to get out and about on a walk – the world is an exciting place!!
At faster paces, or going up stairs you might also notice that the back legs work together – this is a ‘bunny hop.’
Puppies that are ‘super chilled’ and don’t play a lot, may also give you a hint that something may be a problem.
Young Adult Dogs 8-18 months
Sometimes you can have a normal posture but other compensations. This handsome young man has an obvious hip sway and severe laxity.
Young adult dogs with hip dysplasia or hip laxity will find longer exercise periods challenging. They may not want to play with other dogs for long – or you may see them opt out of play with other groups of dogs.
You might also notice a lameness develop in the back legs, often at the end of a longer walk, especially long beach walks.
A typical ‘hip sway’ is often visible as muscle groups begin to compensate for poor hindlimb strength.
You might also notice that your dog is reluctant to jump into the car, or onto the lounge or the bed.
If your dog is reluctant to get up after exercise, is stiff for a few steps and then improves, it may be worth getting them checked by your vet.
Young adult dogs will also bunny hop at faster paces or going upstairs.
Older dogs with arthritis.
This is a ‘bunny hop’ gait
The most typical sign of hip dysplasia (arthritis) is pain on rising or getting up from rest.
Winter is often the first time you notice your older dog having difficulty. It may be a missed jump, or that creaky start to the day that gives you the hint that something is wrong.
Over time, your dog will tend to use their front legs to take their bodyweight and to ‘pull’ themselves forward, instead of being propelled from behind. This gives them bulk in the front end and a skinnier back end, due to muscle wastage.
And as the pain of arthritis sets in, the older dog may slow down on walks, and you’ll notice them sore after longer walks and outings.
WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU NOTICE YOUR DOG WITH ANY OF THESE SIGNS?
Having your vet check your dog is a great place to start. Xrays are the most obvious diagnostic tool for vets to assess your dog’s hips.
But don’t despair if your dog has a diagnosis of hip dysplasia.
There are lots of things you can do to help.
Managing your dog’s weight is crucial. A lean body weight over a lifetime reduces the development of arthritis.
A structured exercise program can support joints and provide strength and mobility to keep your dog moving and living their best life.
Join my dog, Manuka, and become one of the growing crew of dogs overcoming mobility problems and the pain of hip dysplasia by registering for the Hip Health Project.
We are currently seeking participants in our research project, investigating the power of massage and exercise therapy as a treatment for Hip Dysplasia.
The program is six months long. There are videos and written instructions to assist you on your learning journey and the program can be delivered in person (through consultations) or online. The information we collect can help to change to course of this disease in the puppies of the future and empower the next generation.
Are you in?
