Dysplasia refers to a deformity that occurs during development. With that in mind hip dysplasia refers to the abnormal development of the hip joint as the dog grows. 

Dogs with hip dysplasia “are born with morphologically normal hips.” (Fitzpatrick Referrals,2023b) but as they grow, the soft tissues surrounding the joint, which usually provide stability, become loose and allow abnormal movements to take place. These movements deform the ball and socket of the hip joint giving way to a secondary condition at the joint, osteoarthritis, which affects all dogs which suffer from hip dysplasia. 

Cause and progression 

It is understood that hip dysplasia is an inherited condition and therefore certain breeds are more likely to be affected such as the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, and Bernese Mountain Dog. The condition is more common in larger breeds but can affect a dog of any size. 

However, there are certain risk factors which can influence the condition like, obesity, trauma during development (an injury/accident or continuous daily trauma such as running up and down the stairs, jumping on and off the sofa), poor nutrition, inappropriate exercise (e.g., repetitive ball chasing at a young age) or it can be caused by osteoarthritis which causes deformity of the hip joint. 

When hip dysplasia is identified incidentally, for example if the dog has been x-rayed for the purpose of a hip score for breeding, non-surgical management may be recommended as the dog is asymptomatic. Non-surgical management includes weight management, pain management (usually with NSAIDs), a change in exercise and physical therapy. Although this may provide relief and manage the condition in the short term, the condition is progressive, and the joint will continue to deteriorate.

There are a number of surgical options available depending on the severity of the dysplasia, where a surgeon may decide to modify the existing hip joint or even look to perform a total hip replacement. 

Onset & symptoms 

The onset of the condition begins with the soft tissues around the joint becoming lax and thus not supporting the joint properly. Early symptoms of the disease will be related to this whereas as the disease progresses, the symptoms are more telling of joint deformation and symptoms related to the secondary osteoarthritis. Symptoms include;

• Crepitus
• Taking time or having trouble going from sit to down or vice versa 
• Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping on/off the sofa
• Appearing stiff 
• Sitting with splayed hips 
• Unwillingness to exercise 
• Pain response when touched around the hips 
• Irregular gait
• Lameness in the hindlimbs 
• A reduced range of movement around the hip joint 
• Hypertonic muscles of the forelimbs caused by overcompensation 
• Muscle wastage in the hindlimbs 
• Change in behaviour e.g., may be more reactive/aggressive. 

How massage can help

Massage can help dogs with hip dysplasia by; 

• Targeting areas of overcompensation/hypertonic muscles, particularly the muscles of the hip, hindlimb and supporting back muscles, in turn reducing pain. 
• Strengthen and maintain tone in muscles which are not being recruited by incorrect activation patterns (due to the dog avoiding using the hip in a normal manner to avoid pain) 
• “Reduce inflammation around the coxofemoral joint due to the lymphatic drainage achieved during massage” (Lenton,2018a)
• Improve flexibility from constricted muscles 
• Tackle secondary sources of pain such as trigger points in the fascia or pinched nerves 
• Reduce inflammation by assisting with circulation of fresh blood, nutrients and lymph.
• Reduce the effects of stiffness 
• Improved disposition, due to reduction in pain 

Information sourced from

Lenton, N. (2018) Hip dysplasia, Canine Massage Therapy Centre. Available at: https://www.k9-massage.co.uk/conditions/orthopaedic/hip-dysplasia/ 

Courtnell, S. (2021) Hip dysplasia – why does massage help?, Canine Massage Guild. Available at: https://www.k9-massageguild.co.uk/hip-dysplasia-why-does-massage-help/ 

The Kennel Club (2023) BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Screening Scheme, The Kennel Club. Available at: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening/hip-dysplasia-screening-scheme/ 

The Kennel Club (2023) Hip dysplasia in dogs, The Kennel Club. Available at: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/ 

Fitzpatrick Referrals (2023) Hip dysplasia, Fitzpatrick Referrals. Available at: https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/hip-dysplasia/ 

Canna-Pet (2022) Hip dysplasia in dogs: Causes, treatment & more, Canna. Available at: https://canna-pet.com/articles/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/