Can congenital hip dysplasia in dogs be fixed?

Congenital hip dysplasia in dogs can’t be entirely “fixed,” but it can be managed or improved with various treatment options. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further joint damage. Here are the most common approaches:

1. Lifestyle and Non-Surgical Management

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the load on the dog’s hip joints, easing pain and slowing joint deterioration.
• Controlled Exercise: Low-impact exercises like swimming help build muscle around the hip joint without putting excessive pressure on it.
• Joint Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 supplements support joint health and reduce inflammation.
• Braces and Supports: Hip dysplasia braces stabilize the joint and can help relieve pain during activity.

2. Medications

• Pain Relief: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers prescribed by a vet can help manage discomfort, especially for older dogs.
• Joint Injections: In some cases, veterinarians may recommend injections like hyaluronic acid to improve joint function.

3. Surgical Options

• Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS): Performed on young puppies, this surgery promotes proper hip development and may prevent severe dysplasia.
• Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO): For young dogs with mild to moderate dysplasia, TPO reshapes the pelvis to improve joint function.
• Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): Removes the head of the femur to reduce pain, especially effective in smaller dogs.
• Total Hip Replacement: A more extensive procedure, this replaces the hip joint and is highly effective for severe cases in larger dogs.

Long-Term Outlook

While hip dysplasia can’t be reversed, early intervention, lifestyle adjustments, and appropriate treatments can greatly improve a dog’s quality of life. Regular vet checkups help monitor joint health and adjust treatments as needed.