Depending on patient compliance and size, we might also do what's called an Ortolani manoeuvre – this involves having your dog lie on his back with his thighs being moved outward looking for a clunk. If your dog has any of these symptoms, one of the first things we'll do during an examination is extend the hind legs backward to assess for pain on hip extension. reluctant to climb stairs or get up into car/onto furnitureĭon't expect a dog with hip dysplasia (or any other chronically painful condition) to yelp or cry in pain.bunny-hopping when running or going up stairs.an abnormal gait (swivel or hip wiggle).What are the symptoms of hip dysplasia?Ī dog with hip dysplasia may show one or more of these signs: The diagnosis of hip dysplasia is usually made either because the dog is showing symptoms or as a result of hip scoring. How do I know if my dog has hip dysplasia? While you can't change your dog's genetic code, you can help prevent or reduce the severity of hip dysplasia by being aware of these other factors. The other factors that we know about (there are probably lots that we don't) are nutrition, exercise and hormones. But carrying the gene doesn't definitely mean hip dysplasia will occur. To clarify – only dogs that have hip dysplasia genes can develop hip dysplasia. In an extensive study by the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals, among dogs born between 2011–2015, the number one and two spots for breeds with hip dysplasia were Bulldogs and Pugs. Note that I said 'traditionally' – things are changing. Traditionally, these have been large breeds: Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard and Samoyed. Since genetics are involved, we see hip dysplasia more commonly in certain breeds. It can skip generations – meaning your puppy can develop hip dysplasia even if his parents had good hips but they were carrying hip dysplasia genes. The genes for hip dysplasia are passed down from parent to offspring. This means there is more than one gene involved and it is caused by a number of other factors as well. In science speak, hip dysplasia is what's known as a polygenetic multifactorial disease. Hip dysplasia is a nature and nurture disorder – it's due to a combination of genetic and other factors.