Hip Dysplasia in Your Dog - A Complete Guide

If you’re thinking, “Help! My dog’s just been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, what should I do now?” Zoomadog has put together this Hip Dysplasia in Dogs - A Guide so that you can understand what you’re dealing with. 

It will talk you through the definition of hip dysplasia in dogs, the symptoms of hip dysplasia in your dog, and what treatment for hip dysplasia you should be considering for your dog.

Hip dysplasia is a progressive disease that can’t be cured. 

If your dog’s diagnosed with hip dysplasia, your priorities will be: 

• to slow the progression of the disease
• to help lessen the pain that hip dysplasia is causing your dog (osteoarthritis is an inevitable secondary condition of hip dysplasia, and also contributes to any pain your dog’s experiencing)
• to minimise the impact of the disease on your dog’s wellbeing, mobility, and quality of life. The right strategies can, in most cases, help with all of these objectives. 

What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Dog hip dysplasia is a common orthopaedic condition that affects dogs of any breed or age, although large breeds are particularly prone to developing it. Hip dysplasia can be very painful, and significantly affect your dog’s mobility. 

The word ‘dysplasia’ means abnormality of development. Hip dysplasia causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. 

When a dog has hip dysplasia, the ball joint at the head of the thigh (femur) and socket joint of the hip (pelvis) have developed incorrectly. This means they don’t fit together as they should. Normally, they fit together perfectly to enable easy and smooth movement.

In hip dysplasia, the socket might be too shallow, or the ball isn't fully formed. There might be hip ligament laxity too. Sometimes it's a combination of all of these. Hip dysplasia results in the joint being too loose. This causes joint instability, meaning that there’s excessive movement in the hip joint.

Some dogs respond very well to non-surgical treatments through weight management, controlled exercise, and a hip brace. If your dog improves with treatment, it’s possible for them to live a long and happy life. Surgery, if done at the right time, can also be very successful at eliminating the problems caused by hip dysplasia.

What are the early signs of hip dysplasia in your dog?

Hip dysplasia goes hand in hand with instability in the hip joint, when it’s moving excessively. This leads to pain, swelling, and, inevitably, arthritis. Inside the joint, there could be microfracturing of bone and cartilage surfaces, because they’re rubbing past each other. The hip stabilisers, which are too lax, could also have repetitive strain injuries. As the cartilage erodes, this ultimately results in the development of Canine Osteoarthritis, which makes movement in the hip joint very painful. 

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs usually start while they’re growing. Recognising the early signs of hip dysplasia means prompt intervention and improved quality of life for your dog.

Onset of clinical signs vary but it’s most commonly diagnosed between 6 and 12 months of age.  Symptoms can start from as young as four months of age. So, if you notice your puppy is displaying any of these signs, take them for a vet check-up.

Older dogs may develop it simultaneously with osteoarthritis as they get older. 

Hip dysplasia symptoms vary, depending on its severity. Inflammation levels, joint laxity and the length of time your dog’s been suffering from it, will also affect how symptoms present themselves. 

There are four levels of hip dysplasia:

The Most Common Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs you Should be Looking out For:

• Being reluctant to exercise 
• A wobbly or swaying gait
• A “bunny-hopping” gait (using both hind legs together)
• Stiffness, lameness, or limping, particularly in the hind legs
• Difficulty in getting up or lying down, as well as difficulty in going up or down stairs, or jumping
• Pain or sensitivity in the hip area
• Audible clicking or popping sounds in the hip joint
• A ‘grating’ feel in the joint during movement
• Sensitivity to being touched in the hip region during grooming or bathing
• Reduced range of motion
• “Skinny hips”, a sign of lack of weakness and reduced thigh muscle mass and/or noticeably enlarged shoulder muscles
• Signs of being in pain

What should I do if I think my dog has hip dysplasia?

Taking prompt action is key when you suspect hip dysplasia in your dog. If you see any of these signs, book an appointment with your vet. It might be a false alarm but, as with every condition, the earlier it’s managed and treated, the better.

Your vet will do a physical examination and X-Rays will be taken. Your vet will also possibly recommend blood tests to rule out other conditions. Generally, changes in the hip joint show up on the X-Rays, although that’s not 100% guaranteed. Your vet will then likely refer your dog to a specialist Orthopaedic surgeon.

The Orthopaedic surgeon will carry out a thorough assessment. This includes the ‘Ortolani’ test - a manipulative test for evaluating hip joint laxity. 

The ‘Ortolani’ test

The ‘Ortolani’ test started being used on human children in 1937. It’s considered the ‘gold standard’ early diagnostic test for hip dysplasia. Vets began using it on puppies in 1985. It’s been shown that if the Ortolani Sign is present, it confirms that the puppy will have hip arthritis by the time it’s 1 year old. This exam can be performed by many vets on puppies as young as 10 to 16 weeks of age.

Your dog will likely be heavily sedated, or even put under general anaesthetic, for this.  Additional diagnostic imaging might be recommended. X-Rays, CT and MRI scans are all done under general anaesthetic. At this stage, you’ll probably be given a provisional diagnosis. 

When the Orthopaedic surgeon has gathered all the information needed, you’ll be able to discuss a treatment plant.

What causes hip dysplasia in dogs?

There are a number of causes of hip dysplasia, including genetic and environmental factors. These include rapid growth, excessive weight gain, poor nutrition, hormones and genetic factors. It’s currently estimated that there are roughly 100 gene codes for hip dysplasia.

Environmental factors on their own are less likely to cause hip dysplasia. However, they can influence the likelihood that it'll develop in genetically predisposed dogs. 

These factors will also influence the level of severity at which it’ll develop. One very important factor is nutrition. A puppy's growth rate and weight have an effect on how the hip joints develop. So it's important to get nutrition right, especially for large-breed puppies. 

While the exact cause of hip dysplasia is not fully understood, these are currently recognised as contributing factors:

Genetics:

• Genetics play a significant role in the development of hip dysplasia. Dogs with a family history of the condition are more likely to inherit the predisposition. 

Most dogs who develop hip dysplasia inherit the condition from one or both of their parents.  It’s seen much more commonly in pedigree dogs than in cross-breeds. However, cross-breeds from pedigree parents are also at risk. 

Breeds known for a higher prevalence of hip dysplasia include large and giant breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Great Danes.

Because of the known genetic link, it’s possible to screen for hip dysplasia before two dogs are mated. Parents’ hip (and elbow) scores are worth checking before buying a puppy. Parents with poor scores will likely produce offspring with an inherited predisposition to developing hip dysplasia.

Joint laxity:

• Hip dysplasia involves abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to instability and laxity. This laxity can result from a genetic predisposition that affects the formation and structure of the joint, and because the ligaments that should be supporting the joint are weak.

Fast Growth/Excessive Weight Gain:

• Fast growth and excessive weight gain in puppies can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia. This is particularly relevant for large and giant breeds, as rapid growth can outpace the development of the joint structures.

Nutrition:

• Poor nutrition during a dog's early development, including an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus, may contribute to the risk of hip dysplasia. Providing a well-balanced diet appropriate for your dog's age and size is crucial for skeletal health. Dogs which are overweight while young are at an increased risk of hip (and elbow) dysplasia.

Environmental factors:

• Environmental factors, such as inappropriate exercise during a dog's growth phase, can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia. Over-exercising or doing high impact activities that put excessive stress on the hip joints, such as jumping or running on hard surfaces, will either increase the chance of hip dysplasia developing, or exacerbate the condition.

Hormonal factors:

• Hormonal influences, including sex hormones, can affect the development of hip dysplasia. For example, females may experience increased laxity in the hip joint during their estrous cycles.

Early detection, appropriate nutrition, controlled exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups are essential for managing and preventing hip dysplasia in dogs. 

Can I prevent my dog from developing hip dysplasia?

As hip dysplasia in dogs is often an inherited genetic condition, it can sometimes be impossible to prevent even when all the right lifestyle measures are taken. However, limiting the factors (e.g. overexercising, obesity etc) that contribute to its development can make a significant difference to the level of severity with which hip dysplasia presents.

In particular, consider:

• Screening - If you’re thinking of buying a dog, ask to see the hip and elbow scores of both parents. In the UK, a hip score is when the hips have been x-rayed and graded by a panel of expert BVA vets. The lowest score is 0 and the highest is 53 - so for both hips the lowest score possible is 0 and the highest score possible is 106.  The lower the score, the better. Parents with poor hip scores are likely to have offspring with joint issues. You should get a puppy with parents who’ve got good scores according to the breed-specific statistics. 

Likewise, if you’re thinking about breeding, it’s recommended that you should only breed from parents who’ve both got hip scores below or close to the published breed median.

• Rate of growth in puppies - Controlling how fast your puppy grows can mean the difference between them developing hip dysplasia or not. When a puppy grows too fast, it means bones can develop at different rates. If different bones grow at different rates out of sync, that’s when problems occur (such as the ‘ball’ of the thigh bone not fitting properly into the hip socket). So puppies should be fed an appropriate diet and kept at a lean weight during their growing years. Don’t give in to the temptation to overfeed your puppy so that they become ‘big and strong’. Studies have shown that 70% puppies who were overfed then developed hip dysplasia. 

• Weight control - From puppyhood onwards, keep your dog at the right weight. A lean dog means that there’s no extra stress or pressure being put on the hip joints. Extra stress on the hip joints is closely connected to the development of hip dysplasia.

• Appropriate exercise - It’s generally understood that overexercising a puppy can lead to hip dysplasia. Not every vet agrees with this theory, citing a lack of evidence to prove it, but what is certain is that exercising your puppy the right amount is important for their health and wellbeing. Ask your vet for guidance on how much exercise your dog needs at each stage of their life, particularly energetic and playful breeds.

• Spaying / Neutering - Consider waiting to neuter your dog until they’re fully mature. Evidence suggests that spaying or neutering at a young age might lead to a higher incidence of hip dysplasia. This might be because hormones, or lack of, may influence ligament laxity.

• Joint Health Supplements - Joint supplements, particularly those which contain glucosamine, can be used for dogs that are from high-risk breeds as part of a programme to keep joints healthy. 

• Orthopaedic Bedding - Providing comfortable and supportive bedding helps reduce pressure on joints during rest.

• Regular Vet Check-ups - Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in managing hip dysplasia.

What breeds and ages suffer from hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia can develop in any breed of dog but large-breed and large mixed-breed dogs are more statistically predisposed to it.  Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Old English sheepdogs, Newfoundland, Rottweilers, and bulldogs are all high-risk breeds.
Dogs with hip dysplasia usually begin showing symptoms while they’re growing. Hip dysplasia in puppies can show up when they’re as young as 5 to 12 months old, but sometimes even as early as 4 months old. 

In other scenarios, clinical signs won’t be obvious until a dog’s older. Some dogs with a mild form of the condition won’t show signs until they’re much older however, and have developed arthritis of the hips. Bone gradually deteriorates over the years, until a dog is obviously symptomatic.

Treatment options: how can I help my dog?

Dog hip dysplasia treatment options vary, depending on the severity of the hip dysplasia and the level of pain your dog’s experiencing from it. Sadly, once a dog’s developed hip dysplasia, it can’t be reversed and so treatment and management is either surgical or non-surgical (conservative).

1. Conservative treatment
2. Surgery

Conservative Treatment:

• Weight Management - By keeping your dog slim and at a correct healthy weight, this reduces strain on the affected joint(s). 

• Limiting Activity - Limit the kind of activities your dog’s doing - for example, short, regular walks on the lead. Try to minimise as much as possible the amount of high impact jumping your dog does. For example, on and off the sofa, in and out of the car, or up and down the stairs, etc.

• Hip Dysplasia Braces for Dogs - Supporting your dog with a dog hip brace such as the Orthodog Hip Brace. These orthopaedic braces for dogs are designed to hold your dog’s hips firmly together, reducing pain and improving mobility. They give your dog the support and confidence they need in their everyday lives, as well as when out for a walk. Hip braces can help align the joints properly and control excessive range of motion which might be worsening damage to the joints.

• Anti-Inflammatories & Painkillers - They can help reduce the pain which your dog might be experiencing with hip dysplasia. Gabapentin, Tramadal, or Amantadine may all be prescribed as dog hip pain relief. Dogs who are in severe pain may be given polysulfated glycosaminoglycan injections regularly. 

• Joint Health Supplements - Giving your dog a joint supplement, such as YuMove, to help slow the progression of arthritis and reduce any joint pain resulting from this. Omega 3 supplements have anti-inflammatory properties.

• Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy - A treatment plan will be designed for your individual dog, and will take into account any future problems that might develop. This plan will likely include exercises for your dog at home. Hydrotherapy means that the hips aren’t weight bearing and helps rebuild the weakened hind leg muscles. It also maintains cardiovascular health.

• Alternative Treatments - Stem cell therapy, laser therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), CBD oils, canine massage therapy, hyaluronic acid injections, PEMF beds, and acupuncture can all be tried to see whether they help manage your dog’s hip dysplasia symptoms and pain. Ask your vet if you’d like more information or their opinion on any of these options.

Post-surgical care often looks similar to conservative management.
If your dog does require surgery for their hip dysplasia, then much of their ongoing care post-operatively involves the same treatment as outlined above. Limited and controlled exercise, weight management, use of a supportive brace, anti-inflammatory painkillers and joint supplements to help support healthy joints and mitigate the onset of arthritis.

Hip Dysplasia Surgery

If your dog requires surgery, there are different types of operations. Some modify the hip anatomy. Some are to arrest the damage being done and are known as ‘salvage’ surgeries. Your dog’s age, condition, and lifestyle will determine what type of surgery is undertaken.

• Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) - Part of the pelvis is fused in order to alter growth, so that the location of the ball part of the ‘ball-and-socket’ hip joint is improved. Surgery is simple and involves electrical cauterization of part of the pubis (on the underside of the pelvis). Dogs must be a maximum of 5 months of age for the surgery to be effective. To be eligible,  mild-to-moderate laxity will have been confirmed using manipulative and radiographic tests. Dogs usually develop clinical signs when they’re at least 6 months old, so JPS is usually a prophylactic (preventative) surgery. Dogs treated by JPS have to be neutered at the same time.

• Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO) - Young dogs less than 10 months old (clinically immature) are usually the most suitable recipients of this surgery. The objective of the operation is to improve the function of the ball and socket joint by selectively cutting and modifying the pelvic bone and rotating the segments. As a result, the ‘capture’ of the ball by the existing socket is improved. A custom plate and screws are then used to fix bone segments into their new position. Healing of the bone takes approximately 4-6 weeks. TPO is only effective in dogs that have hip laxity. There can’t be any osteoarthritis or secondary bone remodelling. Suitability for this operation is assessed by a specific series of manipulative tests and radiographs. These tests are  performed by both experienced orthopaedic surgeons and advanced diagnostic imagers. Pre-surgery, it’s also recommended that arthroscopic examination confirms there’s no cartilage damage to the joint.

The technique has recently been refined so that the pelvis is only cut in two places  (double pelvic osteotomy) rather than three.

• Femoral head ostectomy (FHO) - It’s possible for both young and mature dogs to have the FHO operation, which is a salvage procedure. The “ball” of the femoral head is cut off. The body then creates a “false” joint and the pain associated with hip dysplasia is significantly reduced. This operation won’t restore normal hip function. Rather, its objective is pain management, because painful contact between the bones of the “ball” and the edge of the hip socket is removed. An FHO is often done when a total hip replacement (THR) isn’t possible, either for financial reasons or because an individual dog’s makes them ineligible as a candidate for the surgery. Clinical outcome isn’t assured and can be unpredictable. This is especially true for bigger dogs. Intensive physical rehabilitation is essential after this surgery to make it worthwhile, so that your dog’s able to return to a meaningful level of mobility and activity.

• Total hip replacement (THR) - This is the most effective canine hip dysplasia treatment. The entire diseased hip joint is cut out and replaced with plastic (“the socket”) and metal (the “ball”) implants. Hip function returns to a more normal range. This surgery also eliminates most of the pain and discomfort of hip dysplasia, because bony surfaces are no longer in contact with each other. There’s a high success rate for THR - up to 90-95% of dogs. Most will return to full levels of activity. 

Living with a Dog with Hip Dysplasia

• Quality of life - It’s essential your dog’s quality of life is good. In particular, the osteoarthritis that accompanies dog hip dysplasia, can be excruciatingly painful. If your dog’s mobility is being compromised, it might be time to consider a wheelchair. A dog wheelchair takes the weight of a dog’s pelvis so that it’s not having to bear too much weight, while still allowing the rear leg muscles to activate. This allows dogs to regain their mobility and independence, without putting stress on the hip joints. Being mobile will contribute to your dog’s well being and overall enjoyment of life.

Generally, well managed hip dysplasia shouldn’t impact your dog’s life expectancy. Dogs with hip dysplasia can generally expect to live long and happy lives. However, if you’re worried about quality of life, discuss everything with your vet. This questionnaire asks the right questions to help you assess your dog’s quality of life.

• Emotional support for owners (facebook sites) - Many dog owners are caring for dogs with hip dysplasia. Support groups online can provide a wealth of information and support. You’ll find people who’ve already been through what you’re going through and will have ideas, tips, and tricks on how to deal with the challenges. 
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogswithhipdysplasia/ - run by a physiotherapist and focused solely on conservative management
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninehipdysplasiasupport/ - run by a physiotherapist and focused solely on dogs recovering from hip dysplasia surgery
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/1412067702452517/posts/3736108743381723/?notif_id=1709402693464654&notif_t=group_post_mention&ref=notif - is a general support group run by owners of dogs with hip dysplasia.
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/1746052355456532 - a general support group for dogs with arthritis, which commonly accompanies hip dysplasia as a secondary condition
• https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/hip-dysplasia-any-advise.23836/  - a breed specific forum

• Further Reading:
• Dog Owner’s Guide to Hip Dysplasia
• My Dog Has Hip Dysplasia but Lives Life to the Full
• Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide for Dog Owners
• The Canine Rehab Hub website

Adapting your dog’s environment 

There are adaptations you can make to your home to ensure that your dog with hip dysplasia is as comfortable as possible, and minimise the likelihood of any injuries associated with the hip dysplasia occuring.

• Orthopaedic dog bed - Keep your dog comfortable while they’re resting or sleeping, by ensuring that their bed provides good joint support
• Non slip socks or put down floor rugs - If you have wooden or slippery floors it makes it harder for your dog with hip dysplasia to get up because they have less purchase. As the hip dysplasia weakens the muscles of their rear end, they also have less control over their back legs. This means their rear legs can also slide and splay out sideways, potentially causing them pain and discomfort.
• An adjustable dog ramp - If your dog is keen on being on the sofa, or sleeping on your bed, a ramp means that they can get on and off easily without the impact on their hip joints of jumping up and down.
• A rear-lift harness - Lifting a dog with hip dysplasia in and out of the car is so much easier on both you and your dog with a rear lift harness. They’re also useful for helping your dog up if they need to go outside to do their business but find it a struggle to get up from lying down. The Help ‘Em Up Harness is particularly popular.
• Snuffle mats - If your dog is used to being more active and is finding life a little boring because of exercise limitations that come with hip dysplasia, try a snuffle mat or other enrichment toy to keep them mentally stimulated.

Zoomadog Case Studies:

Zoomadog has helped many dogs with hip dysplasia. The following products are all helpful for dogs with varying levels of hip dysplasia. If you’re unsure about what your dog needs, please contact us by phone or email us at woof@zoomadog.co.uk

• Non Slip Socks - These will give your dog purchase on slippery floors. Anti Slip socks will help your dog get up from lying down and will also prevent their back legs from splaying out and potentially causing more injury to the dysplastic hip.
• Supplements - There are many joint supplements on the market. Zoomadog stocks those that contain premium ingredients and have successful track records.

• Winstons Joint System 100% Natural Dog Joint Repair is a popular supplement made of natural ingredients. 

• Winstons Pain Formula is a natural formula that can be taken alongside prescription pain medication and then, as it starts to take effect - because it’s natural it can take a few weeks for visible improvement in pain - you can then start to taper off the prescription medication. 

CASE STUDY: Elderly Labrador with Arthritis: “I have to say that I have found this company extremely helpful with the diagnosis and treatment for my elderly lab with arthritis… The products have helped us no end, and the supplements (Winstons) have given our boy a new lease of life…. Thank you to the Zoomadog team for helping him in his older years.”

• YuMove Joint Care + is a higher strength formula of YuMove’s best selling joint supplement. This strength supplement isn’t available to buy on Amazon or other retailers. 
• Flexerna Omega 3s Omega 3 oil are anti inflammatory, as well as being good for your dog’s coat and skin. Flexerna Omega 3s use green lipped mussel oil for full efficacy.

CASE STUDY: Dog with bilateral hip dysplasia: “Best product!! My dog has bilateral hip dysplasia and this has helped her tremendously!!! Great product !!!”

• Glycan Aid HA Glucosamine and Hyaluronic Acid for dogs: Trials have shown that Glucosamine can positively affect dogs with joint pain and osteoarthritis. This supplement has both glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, another substance that’s believed to help with joint pain through lubricating and cushioning the joint.

CASE STUDY: Kim the Dog: “Just dropping you a note to let you know that Kim is doing great on your Glycanaid supplements! The stiffness and weakness in her back legs are almost gone. I would recommend these to anyone whose dog suffers from joint problems, I will be using them on both my dogs now.”

• Hip Dysplasia Brace for dogs - Dog hip braces are designed to draw and hold the femurs back into the hip sockets, as well as giving support to your dog’s lower back. They’re helpful as part of a conservative management plan, or pre- and post-surgery. If your dog’s having hip surgery, consult with your vet about when’s the appropriate time for your dog to start using a hip brace.
• Balto Life - Dog Hip Dysplasia Brace This dog hip brace is suitable for all degrees of hip dysplasia, and can also help with osteoarthritis in the hips. The brace is designed to reduce pain by exerting compression on your Labrador’s hips. Made of breathable, washable material.
• Orthodog Dog Hip Brace This hip brace for dogs stabilises your dog’s hips and lower back area. If your dog likes swimming, as many do, they can swim wearing this brace. Just make sure you rinse it afterwards with lukewarm water and a gentle detergent, and drip drying it (don’t put it in the dryer).

CASE STUDY: Labrador with hip dysplasia and arthritis: “Absolutely fantastic for my 12.5 years old Labrador which has hip dysplasia and arthritis, it’s given him a new lease of life. Thank you.”

• Wheelchair - wheelchairs are amazing for giving your dog back their independence and mobility. As long as your dog has two strong, good front legs, and a desire to keep seeing the world, then a wheelchair can be transformative for a dog with severe hip dysplasia. 

Dog Wheelchair: You will need to give us your dog’s weight, back leg length (measured as if your dog is standing normally - not fully extended - this measurement can be taken with your Labrador lying down) and your dog’s ATR (armpit to rump measurement). See the diagram below:

CASE STUDY Dotty the labrador: “Our 14 year old Labrador who has arthritis in his spine and is losing the use of his back legs, took to it very quickly.  We have been walking him using a harness for the last year so he is very strong in his front end which I think has helped…We are building up to a 10 minute walk slowly, but signs are good that it will help him walk a bit further and help our backs too!”

Conclusion

Hip dysplasia can pose significant challenges for dogs, affecting their overall well-being and mobility. However, treatment, either surgical or conservative, can keep dogs with hip dysplasia comfortable into old age. 

Recognising the symptoms, seeking appropriate treatment, and implementing preventive measures are essential for managing this condition. Conservative management, including orthopaedic hip braces for dogs as a non-invasive pain relief solution, will improve the quality of life for a dog with hip dysplasia. 

You can make a significant difference to your dog’s experience of hip dysplasia by taking the correct steps to manage the condition - with a focus on reducing pain, halting the progression of it, and maintaining your dog’s mobility and quality of life.  Even simple changes, like ensuring your dog is at the right weight, and getting non-slip socks if you have slippery floors, can make life much easier for a dog with hip dysplasia.

Working closely with your veterinarian and staying proactive in your dog's healthcare will make a meaningful difference in preventing or managing hip dysplasia.