Individual care · Veterinary consent
Hip dysplasia
A developmental difference in how the hip joint forms, which often leads to arthritis.
What it is
In hip dysplasia the ball and socket of the hip do not fit together snugly. The resulting looseness means the joint is worked in ways it was not designed for, and arthritis frequently follows. It is diagnosed by your vet, and management ranges from weight and exercise control through to surgery.
What you might notice
- A bunny-hopping gait, with both hind legs moving together
- Difficulty getting up, particularly from a hard floor
- Standing with the hind legs unusually close together
- Reluctance to jump, or to put the front paws up on something
- Visible loss of muscle over the hindquarters, while the shoulders look heavier
These are things owners commonly describe. They are not a diagnosis, and several of them overlap with other conditions — only your vet can tell you what is actually going on.
How massage may help
That last sign is the one worth explaining, because it shows what massage is for. When the hind end is sore, dogs pull their weight forward onto the shoulders and chest. The hindquarters lose condition while the front end becomes overdeveloped and tight. Shanice works with the muscles taking that extra strain, and with the hind limb muscles still doing their best, to keep your dog as comfortable and even as possible alongside veterinary care.
Talk to Shanice about your dog
A diagnosis is only one part of the story. Two dogs with the same condition can need quite different care, depending on their age, temperament, routine and what they love doing. Share your dog’s veterinary history when you enquire and Shanice will talk through whether massage is appropriate for them.
Treatment complements your dog’s veterinary care, takes place in your own home, and requires signed veterinary consent.
Enquire about a session