Health A-Z
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Owner and veterinary guidance with linked treatments and source citations.
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Species: Dog
Breeds Affected: Primarily large and giant breeds (e.g. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, Rottweilers, Old English Sheepdogs, Bulldogs)
Clinical review: Veterinary reviewer metadata is not available yet.
Guidance by audience
Use the global Pet owner/Vet toggle in the header. Each mode shows only what that audience needs.
For Pet Owners
Quick summary
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary malformation of the hip joint where the femoral head and acetabulum do not align properly, leading to joint laxity and, over time, degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Track appetite, hydration, stool/urine changes, energy level, and symptom pattern over time.
Red flags
Call your vet today: Persistent or worsening symptoms. Emergency now: Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain.
What to expect at the vet
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Prevention checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
For Veterinarians
Diagnostics
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Differentials
Differential diagnosis considerations are not available yet.
Treatment considerations
Conservative management includes weight control, controlled exercise, physical therapy, and NSAIDs. Surgical options (e.g. total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy) may be considered in advanced cases.
Follow-up strategy
Follow-up strategy is not available yet.
What To Do Now
Escalate care quickly if symptoms worsen, persist, or include emergency warning signs.
| Urgency | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Call your vet today | Persistent or worsening symptoms | Call your veterinarian the same day for guidance and exam scheduling. |
| Emergency now | Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain | Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. |
Prevention Checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
Treatments and Medication Links
Use these medication pages as a reference for options your veterinarian may discuss.
Detailed treatment strategy remains in the Vet view to avoid duplicate narrative blocks.
No linked medications are available yet.
Find a Vet Near YouFrequently Asked Questions
FAQ content is not available for this condition yet.
Data Sources
Last updated: February 16, 2026, 11:12 AM UTC
View source list
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Owner_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Canine+Hip+DysplasiaReference search for condition background. -
Triage · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Canine+Hip+DysplasiaClinical triage framing. -
Vet_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Canine+Hip+DysplasiaClinical workflow reference. -
Diagnosis · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Canine+Hip+DysplasiaGuideline discovery link. -
Prevention · public_health
https://www.cdc.gov/search/?query=Canine+Hip+DysplasiaPublic health discovery link. -
Treatment_overview · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Canine+Hip+DysplasiaTreatment guideline discovery link.
Revision History
View revision log
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structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:12 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:10 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 04:45 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-12 22:47 · etl
Related Media
Related media is not available for this condition yet.
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