Therapy will be recommended based on each individual case. What Are Some Treatments for Hip Dysplasia? Veterinarians utilize x-rays to help confirm a diagnosis of hip dysplasia, and the severity of the joint laxity can be confirmed via an orthopedic exam.Įven though Goldens are very good patients, mild sedation is key to performing an orthopedic exam because dogs tend to tense up when the hip joint is flexed and extended.ĭuring this exam, a clicking sensation known as an Ortolani sign helps to confirm the diagnosis. This may occur in middle age or when the dog is a senior. In mild cases of hip dysplasia, dogs might not show any signs at all! But once osteoarthritis develops, some will start to show signs of pain. Dogs may avoid motions that cause pain like going up stairs or jumping. In some cases, a dog may favor sitting on one side of his hips instead of the other, or he may be slow to rise from a sitting position. Golden retrievers tend to be stoic breeds, and so typical signs of pain can be very subtle. Studies show that being overweight is a significant risk factor in the development of hip dysplasia. The diets are also created so that these puppies do not become overweight. Large breed puppy diets are formulated to contain the right blend of vitamins and nutrients so that painful growth spurts can be avoided. Dietĭiet can also play a major role in hip dysplasia development. These breeds have a much more rapid rate of growth than their smaller breed counterparts, and if growth is too fast, it can lead to joint instability. It is more likely to occur in large and giant breed dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, Labrador retrievers, and German Shepherd dogs. Genetics plays a large role in the development of hip dysplasia. What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Golden Retrievers? However, this only contributes to inflammation and joint pain in the future, a condition known as osteoarthritis. In an attempt to stabilize the joint, the body will try to grow extra bone in these areas. Just like in people, an unstable joint space can be a big problem for a dog. As a result, the joint is considered lax or unstable. The acetabulum (aka the “socket” part of the joint) may be shallow and does not provide sufficient femoral head coverage. When there is smooth bone and adequate coverage of the “ball” part of the joint (aka the femoral head), the joint is considered healthy.ĭogs with hip dysplasia develop an irregular hip joint on either one or both sides of the hips. Hip dysplasia is an orthopedic disorder that affects the ball and socket joints of the hips. What Are Some Treatments for Hip Dysplasia?.

What Are The Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia?.

What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Golden Retrievers?.

Xray of normal puppy hips