Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is the most common inherited musculoskeletal disorder in dogs. Although there are a few surgical options for managing CHD, most affected dogs are treated conservatively, with supplements and medicine for hip dysplasia in dogs. Get 10 tips for conservative management by learning about these non-surgical treatments of hip dysplasia in dogs from integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby.
Canine hip dysplasia is a congenital malformation of the hip joint(s) in dogs. Dogs with hip dysplasia can develop arthritis and joint pain. Surgical treatment for CHD may be the best option in some cases. But it is invasive, expensive, and sometimes requires a board-certified veterinary surgeon at a specialty hospital to perform.
For these reasons, surgery is not always the best choice for every dog. Sometimes conservative therapy is a better choice than surgery. Thankfully, according to a study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, three-quarters of dogs with hip dysplasia and secondary arthritis are able to live normal, comfortable lives with conservative care.
Diagnosis of hip dysplasia
The first step to understanding the goals of various treatments for hip dysplasia is to understand the condition itself. What causes hip dysplasia in dogs? Considering the underlying cause of canine hip dysplasia can help determine how to treat hip dysplasia, and help guide the treatment.
The hip joint is a “ball and socket joint.” In a healthy dog, the acetabulum (socket) fully covers the head of the femur (ball) to keep the hip securely in place. Dogs with hip dysplasia have malformed bones, preventing complete acetabular coverage. This causes laxity in the hip joint and can even predispose to hip dislocation.
Diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia typically starts with history, clinical signs, a thorough physical exam, and diagnostic tests such as X-rays and bloodwork.
Clinical signs of hip dysplasia
Clinical signs of hip dysplasia often begin at a young age and can be subtle. Sometimes the first indication is a “bunny-hopping” gait—which looks exactly like it sounds. The dog’s back legs stay together in a little hop as they walk or run. In a young dog without arthritis, this may be the extent of symptoms.
Other dogs don’t show signs until they are older. As dogs age, they can develop secondary arthritis, which causes pain and inflammation in the hips. Signs of arthritis caused by hip dysplasia can include:
- Difficulty or reluctance to rise
- Stiffness after lying in one position for a long time
- Loss of muscle mass in the rear limbs
- Shifting of weight to the front legs (to take pressure off of the hips)
- Limping (can be intermittent and shift from one leg to the other)
- Reluctance to run, climb, or jump
In the image below, the plastic model of a dog’s pelvis shows the difference between a normal hip and a dog’s hip with dysplasia and arthritis.
Your veterinarian may take X-rays to confirm a diagnosis of hip dysplasia
Your veterinarian will conduct a physical exam to help determine a cause for your dog’s lameness. He or she will look for signs of pain when moving the hips through a range of motion. They may also check for the Ortolani sign, an audible “clunk” sound when manipulating hips that are dysplastic (Note: Sometimes the Ortolani sign is not detectable in a tense patient—therefore, a sedated physical exam may be the next step).
X-rays are usually definitive for diagnosis. The X-rays below offer a comparison of dogs without and with hip dysplasia.
Treatment options for hip dysplasia in dogs
Treatment options for canine hip dysplasia fall into two categories: surgical and non-surgical. Since the subject of this article is focused on non-surgical options, I’ll only briefly touch on surgical treatment. Then I’ll launch into an in-depth look at managing hip dysplasia through medicine, supplements, alternative therapies, and more.
Surgical treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs
Surgical treatment may be the best option in some cases, particularly for young dogs without evidence of arthritis. The most commonly performed surgeries for hip dysplasia in dogs are juvenile pelvic symphysiodesis (JPS), triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), total hip replacement (THR), or femoral head/neck ostectomy (FHO/FHNO).
You can find excellent and concise information about each surgical procedure on the American College of Veterinary Surgeons’ website.
But surgical treatment can be costly with significant recovery periods, and I’m well aware that surgery is simply not an option for everyone. If surgery is not in your dog’s future, do not despair!
Non-surgical treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs
There are a plethora of medical treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs, including senior dog supplements, western medicine, and even some “non-conventional” medical management options. Although they do not cure the underlying biomechanical condition of hip laxity, the goal of treatment is to control inflammation and pain to improve mobility.
So what non-surgical treatment options are available for canine hip dysplasia? Let’s take a look at my top 10 tips for conservative management of hip dysplasia.
1. Weight management
My first tip, though not a “medicine,” may be more valuable to my patients (and to you) than potentially all the medication options for hip dysplasia combined. Your dog’s canine body condition score has a huge impact on joint health.
Simply put, the more your dog weighs, the higher the stress on his or her joints.
Larger dogs are more likely to develop hip dysplasia than smaller breeds, so even being “slightly” overweight can mean 10+ extra pounds placing stress on those hips.
In addition to the physical toll of carrying extra weight, fatty tissue produces inflammatory hormones that contribute to chronic inflammation. This chronic inflammatory state can worsen osteoarthritis in the hips.
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to manage pain in humans and animals. When vets speak of medicine for hip dysplasia in dogs, this is generally a first-line treatment. NSAIDs approved for dogs include:
- Carprofen
- Meloxicam
- Firocoxib
- Deracoxib
- Grapiprant
By decreasing inflammation and relieving pain, NSAIDs can appear to work miracles in painful dogs. While these medications are considered safe, they do have side effects to consider. If your loyal companion takes NSAIDs regularly to manage osteoarthritis in dogs (OA) caused by hip dysplasia, your vet may recommend routine bloodwork to make sure their organs are handling the medications well.
(As an aside, I realize prescribing helpful medication is only half the battle. Many dogs, including my own, are reluctant to take pills. If your dog turns his or her nose up at medications, check out my five favorite tips, tricks, and techniques for what to do if your dog won’t take pills.)
3. Multi-modal pain management
If your dog is still painful despite the use of NSAIDs, your veterinarian may prescribe additional medication to achieve more complete pain management.
Multi-modal pain management (using multiple medications and therapies to treat a condition) addresses the pain at different places in the body where the pain signal is passed along.
For example, the pain signal travels from the hips to the spinal cord and then is processed by the brain. Medications can reduce the pain signal differently at each of those points, thus reducing the intensity of the signal of pain from the hips to the brain.
Some of the medications used for hip pain in conjunction with or in lieu of NSAIDs include:
- Gabapentin
- Amantadine
- Tramadol
Gabapentin
Gabapentin helps treat pain disorders by binding to overactive neurons, causing them to fire less frequently. This reduces the transmission of pain signals, similar to the way pregabalin (Lyrica) works to treat pain in humans. Gabapentin for dogs is probably the second most commonly prescribed traditional medication for hip dysplasia in dogs (behind NSAIDs).
Amantadine
Amantadine is an anti-viral medication that helps to reduce the pain associated with arthritis by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. In one study performed on dogs with osteoarthritis in the hind end, one group of dogs was given an NSAID alone while another group was given amantadine plus an NSAID. The group given both medications had a more dramatic improvement with their pain, as evidenced by increased activity levels, compared to the group given the NSAID alone. Be sure to check out my article on amantadine for dogs for everything you need to know.
Tramadol
The last medication that may help reduce pain associated with hip dysplasia in dogs is tramadol. Current research suggests that tramadol alone is likely insufficient to manage the pain associated with arthritis. However, tramadol may help with pain relief by raising serotonin levels and having mild effects on the opiate receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Therefore, it may be helpful in combination with other pain medications. For more information, please read my comprehensive article on tramadol for dogs.
4. Joint health supplements/nutraceuticals
I recommend oral joint supplements for virtually all of my hip dysplasia patients. Research is ongoing regarding joint supplements—how much they help, how much to supplement, how well-absorbed various formulations are, etc. However, most of the ingredients in joint supplements for dogs are well tolerated with few (if any) side effects, so there’s very little reason not to try!
The primary joint health supplements generally recommended are glucosamine and chondroitin. Although there may be conflicting data on how much benefit joint supplements provide, anecdotally I have seen huge improvements, especially when I start supplementing a dog at an early age.
Buyer beware!
As we know, hip dysplasia is the most common inherited musculoskeletal condition in dogs. It affects a lot of dogs. With that in mind, the market for the treatment of CHD is HUGE!
Joint supplements and “neutraceuticals” are not regulated by the FDA, and therefore are not subject to the strict testing and manufacturing requirements of the other medications we use. What this means is that basically any company can formulate a “joint supplement” and put it on the market for sale. There is very little oversight for making sure that the listed ingredients are even accurate!
Not all joint supplements are created equal.
If you do an internet search for “dog joint supplements,” you will be inundated with hundreds, if not thousands of options to purchase. Quality matters! Please consult your veterinarian before choosing a joint health product for your dog.
In addition to the compounds typically found in the active ingredient list, there are also other bioactive compounds that can be present in joint supplements. I’ll list a few here:
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
- Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)
- Various herbs—turmeric/curcumin, bromelain, boswelia, corydalis, and devil’s claw
- New Zealand deer velvet —one of my favorite ingredients for treating dogs with canine hip dysplasia
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation throughout the body, benefiting stiff, “creaky” joints. I routinely recommend this supplement for treating my hip dysplasia patients because it provides benefits with minimal side effects. The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for dogs are numerous.
6. Adequan injections for dogs with hip dysplasia
I’m also a huge fan of Adequan injections for treating dogs with hip dysplasia. Adequan Canine, a prescription polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG), works like oral joint supplements to keep the cartilage in your dog’s joints healthy and intact. However, because it is injected into the dog’s muscles, it penetrates much better than oral products. It doesn’t work for every dog, but I’ve seen some pretty dramatic results. For more information, check out my article on adequan for dogs.
7. Appropriate, gentle exercise
Gentle exercise is important for musculoskeletal health. However, studies on the type, frequency, and duration of physical therapy are ongoing in veterinary medicine. Some studies suggest that appropriate exercise (as opposed to exercise restriction) appears to be linked to lower lameness scores. I’m a huge believer in “use it or lose it,” so this seems logical to me.
I’m very excited that canine rehabilitation practitioners and facilities, offering therapies such as underwater treadmills for dogs, are becoming more prevalent. To locate a certified rehabilitation practitioner near you, go to the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians’ website.
8. Acupuncture and laser therapy
Acupuncture for dogs and laser therapy for dogs are alternative treatments that have shown a great deal of success in managing dogs with hip dysplasia. They can certainly be used individually (one or the other), but I find that they have a synergistic effect when used together to treat dogs with painful hips.
I have acupunctured hundreds of hip dysplasia patients over the past two decades, often using electroacupuncture to increase the effect, with very positive results.
Acupuncture causes endorphin release (the body’s natural opioids) into the bloodstream to ease pain and relax the dog. It also helps relax the muscles of the lower back and hind end, which are under abnormal stresses from the dog’s chronic compensation.
I tell new clients that we should be able to determine within three visits if acupuncture will be a worthwhile part of the dog’s treatment plan, and we often see improvement after the first visit.
Laser therapy was used in people for decades before making the jump into veterinary medicine. Lasers emit light that penetrates into the tissues. The light increases blood flow to that part of the body, facilitating healing. Because today’s lasers are so powerful, treatment lasts for mere minutes. Dogs tend to tolerate it very well.
9. CBD oil for dogs with hip dysplasia
An area of growing interest in human and veterinary medicine has been the use of CBD oil for dogs. Cannabidiol (CBD) differs from Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) because it binds to receptors associated with decreasing pain and inflammation in the body. It does not bind to the receptors in the brain that cause the effects that are associated with THC—such as getting “high.”
In various recent veterinary studies, dogs treated with CBD oil have shown improvement in the pain scores reported by their owners. Also, they have shown improved mobility compared to dogs treated with a placebo.
Early research looks promising regarding using CBD oil for pain management in dogs. However, recommending and prescribing CBD oil is a legally grey area for veterinarians at the moment and laws vary state by state.
Just like with supplements, there is currently not a lot of regulation of CBD products for animals. Please do not give your dog any OTC medication or supplement, including CBD oil, without first consulting your veterinarian!
10. ToeGrips® dog nail grips
Dogs with hip dysplasia often struggle to rise from and walk on slippery floors. ToeGrips® dog nail grips help dogs who slip and slide on slick floors with both their footing and confidence. The nonslip grips fit snugly on dogs’ toenails to restore traction on hardwood floors and smooth surfaces.
ToeGrips can make a huge difference in comfort and mobility for dogs with hip dysplasia.
For one senior dog’s ToeGrips transformation story, please read ToeGrips® for Senior Dogs: Bigsby’s Success Story.
Hip dysplasia has many treatment options
Finally, you know your dog better than anyone. If your dog with hip dysplasia is painful (as evidenced by him or her being less active and less interactive with the family), talk with your veterinarian about options.
Pain is the number one inhibitor to quality of life for my canine patients. If you’ve had a dog that has suffered from hip dysplasia, you probably know how painful the condition can become without proper treatment. Improving a dog’s physical and mental well-being through pain management brings my clients and patients relief and brings me great joy as a veterinarian.
When it comes to treating the pain in dogs associated with hip dysplasia, multimodal therapy is best. In other words, some combination of the 10 tips for treating hip dysplasia you found in this article will yield the greatest success. Dogs may respond differently to different products and therapies, expressing a type of individual variation, much like humans.
As always, working closely with your veterinarian is critical to the best outcome for your dog.
Do you have questions about treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs?
Please comment below.
I just started giving my 3 1/2 year old dog Nutramax Cosequin DS Joint Health Supplement. I noticed stiffness in the right hip after sleeping and hopping/favoring the leg while moving around. This started the past couple of months after some hikes with elevation and frisbee play (he jumps to catch the frisbee). He weighs 75 – 80 pounds. I have not yet had an x-ray for diagnosis.. I wanted to get him started on supplements right away. He is a mix breed – shepherd/pit/boxer. Is it ok to give the deer velvet (Encore Mobility) in conjunction with the Nutramax Cosequin? Thanks in advance for your help.
Best,
Christi
Hi Christi,
I am sorry your boy is starting to have some issues with joint stiffness and pain. I think staring the Cosequin was a great idea, and I hope it will provide some comfort to your pup. I am not aware of any issues when combining deer antler velvet with Cosequin or other joint supplements. Many of my clients have their dogs taking both of these supplements with great success. Wishing your sweet boy all the best and keep up the good work!
My golden retriever is 10 months old and has bilateral hip dysplasia. His symptoms were pretty vague (sits a lot and pants, doesn’t jump, right leg tends to rotate in when he walks). He doesn’t limp at all, but my gut told me something was wrong (he’s my 4th golden). Vet confirmed hip dysplasia with x-ray. I have him on Carprofen, Gabapentin and Dasaquin. We’re trying to research other options besides surgery, so your article was helpful. My question is whether Stem Cell therapy, bovine colostrum or PRP might help longer term.
Thanks in advance for your expertise.
Hi Margaret,
I am sorry your young pup has received this difficult diagnosis. He is lucky to have you advocating for his health and well-being. I am not sure which one of the therapies you mentioned would be best for his specific situation. I strongly recommend you think about a consultation with an orthopedic specialist. They should be able to offer expert advice and guidance on how to proceed. It also would be a great idea to talk with a veterinary rehabilitation professional. Hoping you can find a way to give your sweet boy relief and ensure he continues living his best life. Praying for healing and many happy years ahead.
I have a 4 year old, 130 lbs Rottweiler with pretty advanced hip dysplasia. He’s in great shape, strong, not an ounce of fat on him. We try to limit his running and jumping, so we do a lot of swimming to burn his energy. He has a very pronounced limp already on his right side – X-rays show that’s the bad hip. We very much want to avoid surgery, so we’ve got him on Dasaquin and salmon oil every day but it’s not making much difference with his limp. We can add Gabapentin if necessary but wanted to know if he can take the Encore Mobility plus the Dasaquin and fish oil? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Hi Carrie,
I am sorry your Rottweiler is having issues with hip pain so early in life. Yes, Encore Mobility is safe to give with both of the supplements you mentioned and with Gabapentin. I hope you will quickly see improvement in your pup’s comfort level and mobility with the use of our product. If you have any other questions about Encore Mobility, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert customer care team at: [email protected]
Also, here is a link to another article with more information about ways to help control joint pain: Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
Hoping you can find the answers you need to ensure your sweet boy continues living his best life. Take care and keep up the good work!
I have a 5 yo, 25lb Boston with Addisons. on Prednisone po and Percorten injections for past 2 yrs. Now exhibits right hind leg bunny hop. is there any compatible pain meds. He is still active, walks, some zoomies. I know Nsaids are are no go with Prednisone.
Hi Sharon,
I am sorry your pup is having these issues with his leg. There are several options for pain medications that are compatible with steroid administration. Supplements can be a great option as well. The first thing you need to know in order to choose the right treatment is what is causing the bunny hopping to begin with. I encourage you to reach out to your vet and start the process of getting a diagnosis. They can help guide you toward the appropriate treatment and offer advice on how to keep your boy feeling his best. Take care and good luck!
Would you know if Grizzly Hip & Joint Supplement (liquid) is a good product for apparent hip dysplasia/arthritis in a senior male malamute?
I’m hoping you will email me directly?
Thank you very much..
Hi Steve,
I am not familiar with that brand and don’t have any firsthand experience to be able to speak of its effectiveness. I did look the product up online and reviewed the ingredients. It contains some good stuff, but I am not sure if the amounts are therapeutic. It lists krill oil but doesn’t mention the breakdown of DHA or EPA that is found in the krill oil. Those would be beneficial to know. If you are wanting to try it for your pup, I think it would be fine. But as always, I would have you double check with your vet before starting a new supplement.
we used this with our .mini Aussie and saw great results! we used the pellets but I don’t think they offer those anymore.
My dog is 12 1/2 giant breed, Brody is lab and Great Dane mix. He has had problems with liver enzymes for many years and for the past three years I have been giving him Denamarin. A few years ago I had the vet X-ray his hips. He told me one was fine and the other was deteriorating. So now he takes phycox max, B complex with electrolytes (for the past few years) and recently Galliprant. Is there anything I should eliminate or add? Lately he looks like he is losing weight and is struggling to get up.
Hi Marie,
I am sorry your big guy is having trouble with his hips. There are so many ways to fight arthritis pain, the problem may be narrowing the list down to what you want to try first. If the Galliprant is not controlling the pain well on its own, it might be time to add on another medication such as gabapentin or amantadine. The supplements you are using are great, but I would recommend you talk to your vet about adding in one that contains deer antler velvet (one of the ingredients in Encore Mobility). I will attach links to other articles that discuss pain management options in more detail. I would also encourage you to think about alternative therapies such as laser, acupuncture, PEMF, etc. Hoping you can find the right combination of treatments to provide your boy with comfort and relief. Best wishes and keep up the good work!
1. Deer Antler Velvet: The Science Behind the Supplement
2. Natural Pain Relief for Dogs: 13 Methods
3. Hip Support for Dogs: 7 Solutions
4. How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs: The Ultimate Guide
Hi there….I have a 14 yr old welsh terrier with hip dysplasia. He’s been on Rimadyl since 2013 but switched to Galliprant mid 2023 because his kidney levels were elevated. He had lab work done this week and his kidney values have increased. Can you share your thoughts about the using the drug Librella that was recently approved in the US (Oct/Nov 2023)? When i read user reviews there are some pretty scary stories out there so im hesitant to try it. Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated.
On a side note, i recently purchased toe grips for my dog and hope to get them on him this week. Im excited to see how he does.
Thanks!
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for giving ToeGrips a try! Let me know what you think about them. And if you have any issues or concerns don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert customer care team for support. As far as Librella goes, I have mixed emotions. I have seen patients go from so painful they couldn’t walk to up and running around like a puppy. I have also heard reports from my colleagues that they have had patients go from painful to completely unable to walk due to neurological complications/effects. I think this drug has its place, but we still don’t have clear information on all its potential side effects. I do know that it says it should not be used in patients with any previous neurological issues. So, I would avoid it in dogs with spinal pain, IVDD, neuropathy, etc. Hoping you can find the right combination of therapies to offer your senior guy the best quality of life. Best wishes and good luck!
I just purchased the joint supplement.. my German Shepherd female is 5 years old and suffers from hip dysplasia. I have her on gabapentin and carprofen and I’m looking to wean her off of the medication. do I give this supplement in addition to her medication?
Hi Sharon,
I just wanted to make sure I am understanding correctly. The supplement you are referencing, is it Encore Mobility? If so, yes it can be safely administered to dogs with carprofen and gabapentin. You may find that Encore Mobility works well in conjunction with these medications rather than just using one or the other by itself. I am hopeful you will start to see an improvement in your dog’s comfort level soon. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance!
Thank you for this article. In the last six months two of my Cardigan Welsh Corgis have been diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia. My boy seems to be having more of an issue with it than my girl. This is what I am doing. I know it is a lot to read but I am hoping you will. I started off trying a holistic vet and after 2 months I did not see much of an improvement, so I went back to my regular vet. The holistic vet was doing Ozone/ Prolozone Therapy. Even though I am not doing this therapy anymore I still am using the Osteo, Body Soar, Neurotrophin, and Cholodin meds he prescribed. See below. FYI if you are wondering why the holistic vet put him on Neurotrophin and Cholodin it is because Jaggers back leg shakes some time. My regular vet says it is because he is in pain.
My boy is on GlycoFlex Plus 1 x day (over the counter). https://www.vetriscience.com/glycoflex-174-plus.html
Vets prescribed:
Osteo Tru Benefits (https://vrshealth.com/joints)
ORIGINS 5-IN-1 DOG SUPPLEMENT, POWDERED Origins 5-in-1 Dog Supplement, Powdered Food Topper for Active Dogs – https://roguepetscience.com/products/origins-canine-5-in-1?variant=39866141835335
Herb called Body Soar (https://www.vetacupunctureatl.com/uploads/5/9/8/9/59894191/bodysore.pdf)
Neurotrophin PMG 2 x day. (https://www.standardprocess.com/products/neurotrophin-pmg)
Cholodin 1 x day (https://www.allivet.com/product/cholodin-canine/26819.html)
Vetprofen 50 mg of 1 x day
Gabapentin 100mg 2 x a day
I take him swimming twice a week. This seems to help him a lot. I have also purchased the light pads that has visible red light and near infrared light modules (Equine – Canine Light Therapy — According to “Gospel”…Equine Light Therapy®-Canine Light Therapy). He gets that twice a day right now. I am also doing massages and stretches once a day. On the day we do not go swimming I take him walking around my property. It is about 1500-1700 steps. I was doing this twice a day, but it has gotten cold and has been raining a lot.
I know that is a lot, but I want to do everything I can for him. One question I have is how much Glucosamine can you give him? He is approximately 32 lbs. I am afraid if I add anything else it might be too much, or maybe I am not giving him enough. I have been working close with my regular vet and today we talked about possible adding CBD oil.
I appreciate any input you have on this! Thank you for reading and hopefully responding. 😉
Darleen
Hi Darleen,
I understand your concern for your boy and his struggles with hip dysplasia. Your pups are very lucky to have you advocating for their health and wellbeing. Since I have not examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific recommendations on supplements and dosages. I think it would be best to ask your vet what your dog’s maximum allowed dosage of glucosamine would be. They can take into account all the supplements you are currently giving and what might be in the food your pup eats every day. I am certain your dogs are living their best lives. Keep up the good work!
Hello. Right now my dog is taking carprofen and gabapentin for hip dysplasia. He only has one leg in the back. His Hip dysplasia is not real bad but when we took him to Sedona with us I don’t know what happened but he suddenly had trouble walking and lifting up. With physical therapy, glucosamine injections, joint supplement, Carprofen and gabapentin he is showing good improvement. But I don’t want to keep him on anything for a long period of time if it could hurt his liver or kidneys. Is gabapentin dangerous long-term just like carprofen? Is gabapentin effective by itself? I will also find a quality omega-3 as you suggested. I look forward to your response. Thank you.
Hi Bobbi,
I am sorry your boy is struggling with rear limb pain. I think you are doing just about everything you can to help improve his comfort level and quality of life. He is lucky to have you advocating for his health and wellbeing. Gabapentin is effective by itself but, in my experience, works better if combined with other medications. In general, it is considered to be safer for dogs with liver or kidney issues than other pain medications. Here is a link to another article with more detailed information about this medication: What is Gabapentin for Dogs?
I hope you can find the right combination of treatments that provide the benefits your pup needs without the risks of side effects in the future. Best wishes to you both!
My doctor gives cortisone injections in my knees to manage knee pain.so I was wondering if cortisone injections would work on my 4y/o gsd to manage discomfort from hip dysplasia?
Hi Guadalupe,
That’s a great question. Joint injections are not readily performed in veterinary medicine. There is always a risk of introducing bacteria into the joint along with the needle and causing a bigger issue than the one we are trying to treat. Also, it is difficult to get a dog to hold still for this type of procedure so anesthesia would need to be used. Ultimately, there are much better medication and treatment options available for dogs with hip dysplasia.
Dr Buzby I love this article and love he comments. Most informative thing I have found. I have an 8 yr old am staff that I’ve had since the day he was born. Rockey is my life and has saved me more than once being my emotional support dog. Now it’s my turn to repay him. 2 weeks ago he was attacked by another dog when we went for his potty walk. I was bitten and I thought his injuries were only the initial bite on his head from the other dog. A few days later he began walking funny and I could see he was hurting so I rushed him into his vet. The vet did a range of motion test on him and found it was limited so he put him on an SAID carprofen.. we went home and within 4 days he was barely able to walk so I rushed him back to his vet. The vet did a radio graph and found hip dysplasia. I was mortified. He sent us home and he is still just on the SAID but I added glucosamine msm and Cbd oil. Once a day. Now he’s still messed up and getting worse. His hind foot kinda rolls back and he collapses. When he goes down he will sit there leg out and look at me like WTH mom! He scrapes the top of his nails on the ground because he can’t lift his foot very well and his back end goes sideways when he does walk. Ok so he is also 100 lbs and is a big boy not really fat but his structure is good sized. He has lost 5 lbs so far and I’m going for at least another 5 lbs. it kills me heart to see him like this and know he’s in pain and the confusion in his eyes when he tries to walk. What do I do to help him? Would a brace be in order for him? Is there any miracle for my babyboy?
Hi Thoris,
I understand your concern for Rockey and these new mobility issues. It sounds like he is on the correct medications to treat the hip dysplasia, but since the symptoms have not improved, I am concerned there may be something else compounding the issue. I recommend you talk to your vet and discuss your concerns. They may want to add on an additional medication, or have you schedule a consult with a veterinary neurologist just to make sure the symptoms are not related to a nerve issue. Once a neurological problem is ruled out, your pup may benefit from physical therapy/rehabilitation. Ultimately, you know your dog better than anyone and should keep advocating for his wellbeing until his quality of life is restored. I hope you can find the help he needs to live his best life. Wishing you both many happy memories together in the future.
but the best could be injection to work quickly and give the remedy of physical assessment of the case of back vertebrate column
Our 4 year old German Sheppard mixed breed was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. The vet put her on Gabapentin and a NSAID (forgot the name) and suggested a cosequin/MSM supplement. So far she has responded. However, she was very insistent on stem cell theraphy. This of course is very expensive and may or may not work. I’m thinking another opinion is reasonable. My son is ready to jump in full force. He said the vet said without it she wouldn’t be walking in 12-15 months. Any opinion?
Hi Tina,
I’m sorry to hear that your dog recently got diagnosed with hip dysplasia. It sounds like your vet is doing a great job of trying to come at the pain and inflammation from several angles with the NSAID and gabapentin and also thinking about supporting joint health with a joint supplement. I don’t have any personal experience with stem cell therapy but have heard varying opinions as to its effectiveness on some of my veterinary forums. Some vets seem to think it can be very helpful. Out of that group of vets, some did mention that they find that stem cell therapy is primarily effective when paired with rehab and that case selection can make a big difference in the success rate (i.e. it isn’t right for all dogs and isn’t always a fire and forget procedure). Other vets recommend sticking with more traditional therapies and saving the money that would have gone to stem cell therapy for hip surgery (FHO or total hip replacement). At the end of the day, it is your decisions as there isn’t a clear cut answer. However, for your peace of mind, I think that it might be a good idea to seek a second opinion before committing to stem cell therapy. Perhaps you can consult with a rehab vet or orthopedic specialist if there is one in your area. To be clear, I am not saying that your vet is wrong to suggest stem cell therapy. I merely wanted to put in a plug for the benefit of a specialist’s opinion before deciding on an expensive therapy like this. I hope you are able to find some good solutions that keep your pup happy and comfortable for as long as possible.
Hi, i have a male golden retriever who is 2 yrs old. the other day he slipped while playing and then started limping. we gave him a generic pain killer and got his x-ray done,only to discover that he has hip displasia in both his hip joints. Ever since we have been wondering what really to do. We have already put him on a controlled diet as he is 39 kgs and his ideal weight should be 32 kgs. We have also started him on a supplement called CONDROVET FORCE HA.
I was just wondering if my pet will always have a problem running, walking and in general would he never be able to play around again. As of now he is a little lazy but is always looking forward to his ball fetching game and hide and seek games. he is extremely fond of running and fetching the ball….should I be indulging him in such plays or not is what I want to understand. What are the different sort of play activities I could engage him in and what are the things I should avoid. Please advice.
Hello!
It is always difficult when our beloved pets are diagnosed with something like hip dysplasia when they seem so young and healthy. Sorry to hear you are facing this with your Golden. It sounds like you are on the right track with working on getting him to an ideal weight and starting him on a joint supplement. Without being able to see his x-rays and know the extent of his hip dysplasia, I can’t say for sure what sorts of things are safe or not safe for him to do as far as play activities or how his disease will progress. The good news though is that many dogs with hip dysplasia can still live happy lives and continue to romp and play (but sometimes with modifications or limitations). For exercise, the general recommendation is to continue low impact exercise to build and strengthen muscles, maintain fitness, and keep our pups feeling happy and fulfilled. If your golden likes to swim, this can be a great way for him to get some exercise (and have fun!) because the buoyancy of the water takes some weight off the joints. To figure out what specific exercises/activities would be best for him, I would recommend consulting with a veterinarian who specializes in rehabilitation and/or orthopedics. He or she can evaluate your dog’s x-rays and examine your dog then give you an idea of his long-term outlook and the ways you can help him maintain as much mobility and comfort as possible.
Since you mentioned that you were working on weight loss for your pup, I wanted to share these three articles with you that you might find helpful:
Your Dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS): Find Your Dog’s Number in 3 Easy Steps
How to Help a Dog Lose Weight (Without Losing Your Mind)
Is My Dog Overweight? Your 7 Most Weighty Questions Answered
Best of luck as you navigate this diagnosis with your sweet pup. I know it can be difficult, but I think with a second opinion from a rehab vet, you can find a plan that help you feel confident you are doing the right things for your pup and that gives you many happy years of fun together.❤
Very informative article. One of the key tips of the 11 treatment tips that I found really helpful is to massage your dog. Of our 6 dogs we have two dogs experiencing dysplasia (one 13 and the other 14) and the the 13 year old lab had severe swelling from inflammation around his right front and back legs and neck that was very bad and constant heavy breathing. I tried hand massage but where I found the most success was using a hand held body massager. I have one lab who couldn’t stand on his own at all. After 3 days of deep massage around the joints of the two legs and neck (and the rest of his legs and back) that he could not move and he is now walking, standing and able to squat to relieve himself. This was combined with Encore Mobility. During the massage he is so grateful and his eyes actually roll up in his head when I hit the sweet spots. Once I have finished his 20 to 30 minute massage he falls into a deep, deep sleep for a few hours. His progress over the past 3 days is unbelievable (we were considering putting him down because he is a heavy 100 lb lab and hard to help him). I even massage our 14 year old mixed lab who is experiencing early signs of dysplasia, same results and goes into a deep sleep after the massage and results are much, much improved movement in his rear legs. Unbelievable!!!!!! Just an FYI the massager I use is a WAHL with speed adjustment. I use it on its lowest setting and the 4 finger like pronged massaging head. Thanks for the tips Dr. Buzby
Robert Meyers
Hi Robert.
Wow! That is a wonderful testimonial and I am so happy that your lab has made a near miraculous recovery with the combination of massage and Encore Mobility. What an amazing, life-saving transformation! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. I hope that your dogs continue to love and benefit from their massages and that they can keep living their best life for as long as possible. ❤
My half Golden Retriever and half Chow (humane society) turns 10 years old in February. She’s been favoring her right front leg. Almost two weeks ago I took her to the vet…it was her back left knee that she didn’t want to be moved. She was put on a NSAID…no improvement. She had x-rays yesterday and has moderate hip dysplasia in both hips…the one thing I’ve always been afraid of. She’s still on the NSAID and is also on a joint supplement and Tramadol (50mgs)…two tablets every twelve hours. I’m still very shaken with this diagnosis and because I am terminally ill, I am wondering how long I can keep her comfortable. Luckily she is not overweight and for a while I can take her for short walks. She has never given me any clue that she’s in pain…even when she had a broken tooth and the nerve was exposed. She didn’t change her behavior or eating. How do I know that the meds aren’t working and we can’t keep her comfortable? It’s easy for me to tell my doctor about my pain..I can’t tell her vet what she’s feeling and I’m clueless on a “time table” for her.
I’m so sorry to hear about your beloved dog’s mobility struggles and your own terminal illness, Laryn. Your dog sounds like a sweetheart and it is clear how much you care about her. Thank you for your good, heartfelt questions. The good news is that hip dysplasia is a very manageable disease, and there are many avenues you can explore to keep her happy and comfortable – potentially for years to come. It sounds like your veterinarian has done a great job of diagnosing and managing her orthopedic issues so far. I know she is already on one joint supplement, which is great, but I would encourage you to also add in my New Zealand deer velvet and green lipped mussel supplement, Encore Mobility. This product works a bit differently than other joint supplements, and I have seen first-hand its remarkable effects, which is why I love to recommend it to my patients. For more information on Encore Mobility and to read an account of how it made a world of difference in the quality of life for one of my patients with hip dysplasia, check out my blog post, The Best Supplement for Joint Pain in Dogs is Not Just About Joints. I would also urge you to continue to continue to work closely with your veterinarian because they have examined your dog and will have a better idea of her comfort level. It does sound like she is very stoic, which can make it hard to determine what her pain level is. In a broad sense, changes in attitude, posture, appetite, mobility, and engagement in daily life can all indicate pain, but you will want to observe her carefully and work with your veterinarian to determine the specifics of her pain assessment. You know your dog well and have her best interests in mind, so I am confident that you will be able to help her navigate this journey.
Hello mam,am from india,I had a pomerian of age 6yrs,she is a very healthy and family girl mam,but all of sudden she Can’t walk with her back legs,I think she is suffering with this hip dysplasia,am giving her treatment whatever is available at my place mam,does she recover or not mam, literally we are crying from past 10days….
Hello! I’m so sorry to hear your Pomeranian is having difficult walking. It is clear how much you care for her and want to do whatever you can to help her. Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is only one of many conditions that could cause a dog to become unable to walk on her rear legs, so without being able to examine her, I can’t say for sure if she will recover. I hope you are able to find a veterinarian where you are in India who can examine her and give you some more concrete answers about her long-term outlook.
My golden retriever Pyrenees mix just got diagnosed with Hip dysplasia. He was given consequin, novox, cefpodoxime, and the fish oil (he also has an infection, hit the antibiotic). My question is, what food should I be feeding him to help? Should I make is food? Best store bought brands?
Hi Kendra.
Sorry to hear about your dog’s hip dysplasia diagnosis. It sounds like you and your veterinarian have done a great job working on a management plan for him. In my experience, your dog’s body condition score (i.e. a hands-on assessment of your pet’s weight) matters more than the exact food you feed him because the potential benefits of feeding the best food in the world cannot overcome obesity’s negative effects. I would recommend you check out my blog post about body condition scoring, Canine Body Condition Score: Find You Dog’s Number and work with your veterinarian to create a plan to get your dog to an appropriate body condition score if his is currently too high. I would also recommend trying out a green-lipped mussel and deer velvet supplement such as Encore Mobility if you wanted to add another hip dysplasia management tool to your current arsenal.
Hi Dr. Buzby. My dog has hip dysplasia. At first he had hard time walking using his hind legs particularly left side. We took him to the vet right away and he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. The doctor gave him some medications and it’s been 1 week now but he cannot even stand up anymore. Any recommendations?
Hello Winnah, Typically dogs with hip dysplasia don’t go from the diagnosis to non-ambulatory (not walking) within a week. I’m definitely concerned. I would recommend either a recheck with your vet asap or a second opinion.
Hello Doctor Buzby. Our shih tzu had surgery for hip dysplasia last March 2 and was trying to walk for a couple of minutes at a time after 2 weeks and some therapy. Unfortunately because of the enhanced community quarantine in our place (I am from the Philippines), we cannot bring her out for therapy walk anymore. Now she’s not using her hindlegs again. She’s taking glucosamine as supplement. Any suggestions for therapy or medication, or can we have your thoughts on what happened why she is not using her hindlegs again? Thank you in advance. God bless and keep safe in this time of pandemic.
Hello, I’m so sorry to hear about your dog’s struggles. Just as with people, physical therapy is such an important part of recovery. I would do everything you could to get your dog to a veterinarian to determine why your dog’s progress has regressed (we need to make sure there’s not something else going on). And then, if your dog gets a clear bill of health otherwise, I’d try to figure out a home PT regimen. Maybe you could even work with a vet PT via Zoom? I would reach out to some online and ask if they are willing to work with you virtually during this time of quarantine. I can’t guarantee you’ll find one who’d do this, but I would certainly think it’s possible! Also, I would strongly recommend my deer velvet supplement for her. She’s a perfect candidate: https://shop.toegrips.com/products/new-zealand-deer-velvet-for-dogs-veterinary-formula. I hope this helps! ♥️
My senior dog was just diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Her doctor put her on the multi modal path. We noticed almost immediate improvement. The problem we are now having is our dear little girl does not like to take her meds! We are jumping through hoops trying to get her to cooperate. Any and all suggestions are most welcomed.
Hi Susan, Fantastic to hear that your dog is improving and that your vet is using a multi-modal approach for treatment! We have another blog post for your current problem. 😉
Hopefully you’ll find this helpful: https://toegrips.com/dog-wont-take-pills/ All the best to you both!
Hi, I have a 1 year old pitbull boxer mix and she was just diagnosed with hip dysplasia. I’m not sure if she is done growing yet and wanted to ask if there is anything you recommend to help with bone development? The deer velvet states its for elderly dogs.
Hi Gina.
It is always difficult when your pet gets diagnosed with a long-term orthopedic issue, especially when they are as young as she is. Encore Mobility (my joint supplement containing New Zealand deer velvet and green lipped mussel) won’t help with bone development, and neither will most other supplements, but I think it is still one of the best things you can do for her hip dysplasia management. It is one of my favorite supplements because I have seen it make a positive difference in the lives of so many dogs. The blog and products tend to have a bent towards senior dogs since many of our patients are seniors, but these products are safe and effective for dogs of all ages. I especially like the green lipped mussel component for young dogs because it is a great natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and fatty acids, so it would be a great product for her.
Most informative and most thorough article I’ve read on non surgical treatment for hip dysplasia for dogs so far. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Janette! I’m so glad you found it helpful. I invite you to subscribe to our blog to continue to read our weekly articles on dog health with a nitty gritty veterinary perspective.