written by Janie Knetzer |  

Prominent signs of Canine Hip Dysplasia are displayed in some dogs at an early age. In such cases surgery is a viable option to eliminate this debilitating ailment and stop its progression into arthritis.

But in many instances, the symptoms are not observed until the dysplasia turns severe. By that time the options become restricted and complicated. Although this disease is common in larger dog breeds , smaller as well as mixed breeds are also susceptible to it. The disease can be genetically transmitted and if two affected dogs are bred together the progeny is also prone to be inflicted.

There are some symptoms which indicate that a dog may be a victim of hip dysplasia. If any one or two of these symptoms are observed, it is recommended that a clinical diagnosis be performed.

1. Bunny hopping- Rather than using one hind leg at a time, the dog uses both his hind limbs to hop – bunny hopping. This kind of hopping especially takes place when the dog is going up the stairs or running.
2. Side-sitting – This is also known as slouch, lazy sit, or simply frog-sit. In a seated posture the position of the dog’s legs is improper, nearby the body, and bent. Either one or even both the legs might come out at the front or those might be slack at a specific side.
3. Sway walking – This is also known as a free walk. During walking the posterior portion of the dog sways sideways as the hips become loose.
4. Strange lying posture – When the canine is laid on his abdomen, the limbs come out straight in a sideways direction or at the back of the dog. On certain occasions normal dogs also lay down by putting their limbs behind, but for a dog suffering from hip dysplasia this is always noticeable.
5. Limping - Your dog might limp on one leg and especially any one of the hind legs is used. They might even use the hind legs in an alternate manner.
6. Quiet Puppy – Puppies suffering from pain due to hip dysplasia have a tendency to be extremely docile and quiet. They don’t often frolic or cause ravage in the house as many normal puppies do. After these afflicted puppies come back from their walks or games they fall asleep for a significant period time.
7. Inability to jump – These dogs do very little jumping including jumpin on their owners due to excitement or happiness some other dogs. Additionally, they tend to stretch themselves upwards on to any furniture for support.
8. Overdeveloped chest and underdeveloped hind legs – This ca...