My Dog Is Too Old / Too Risky For Hip Dysplasia Surgery. What Are The Non-Surgical Options?

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a very common, painful orthopaedic condition, where the ball at the top of thigh bone (femur) doesn't sit well in socket of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition. Although some breeds are more vulnerable to it than others - e.g. rapidly growing large breeds - any dog can develop it. 

If your dog is unable to have surgery for whatever reason, be it because they are too old or frail or perhaps for personal financial reasons, then conservative or non-surgical options as treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs need to be explored instead.

Non-surgical treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs include:

• Weight control – By keeping your dog slim and at a correct and healthy weight this reduces the strain on the affected joint(s)
• Limiting the kind of activities your dog is doing – For example short, regular walks on the lead. Try to minimise as much as possible the amount of jumping your dog does. Try to limit or stop your dog jumping or climbing on and off the sofa, in and out of the car or up and down the stairs etc.
• Supporting your dog with a specialised hip brace - Although a brace will not cure your dog of hip dysplasia, it can give your dog the support and confidence they need while out walking or in their day-to-day life. See our selection of hip braces here https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-hip-braces
• Anti-inflammatories and painkillers - Can help to reduce the pain which your dog can experience with hip dysplasia. These will be prescribed by your vet
• Giving your dog a joint supplement - Help slow the progression of arthritis and reduce joint pain resulting from this. See our selection of joint care products here https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/arthritis
• Keeping your dog’s environment warm - Warmth's important for alleviating joint pain from osteoarthritis in hip dysplasia. It's also important that your dog has a comfortable bed, which will support their joints, see our orthopaedic dog bed here. Providing a well-padded and warm bed will help alleviate some of the pain associated with osteoarthritis.

If surgery isn't an option for your dog and their hip dysplasia, you need to discuss your options with your vet. Your dog’s quality of life must always inform your decisions on what is most appropriate

Read more about Dog Hip Dysplasia Causes, Prevention and How to Help at home https://zoomadog.co.uk/collections/dog-hip-dysplasia-braces-signs-and-treatment