Hip Dysplasia

the abnormal development of the hip joint

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly. Instead of moving smoothly, the joint is loose and unstable, which causes abnormal movement, pain, and joint damage over time.

It’s most commonly genetic and affects growing puppies—especially large breeds—but any dog can be affected. Weight, rapid growth, over-exercise, and poor nutrition can also contribute.

This condition can vary from mild, which can be managed conservatively by strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip to support the joint. Or can be severe, where surgical intervention is required.

Physiotherapy can make a significant difference to dogs living with hip dysplasia—whether it's part of conservative management, pre-surgical preparation, or post-operative recovery.

A tailored physiotherapy plan can:

Help manage and reduce pain
Prevent and correct compensatory issues and movement patterns
Improve strength, especially of the musculature surrounding the hips to support joint stability and function

This is achieved through a combination of manual therapies, electrotherapies, and targeted remedial exercises designed to rebuild and maintain muscle mass around the hips.

Fill out the contact form below if you need help for your dog with hip dysplasia.

Physiotherapy Intervention

Common Surgeries:

Total hip replacement (THR)

The entire hip joint is replaced, the 'ball' or femoral head is replaced with a metal implant and the 'socket' is replaced with a metal / plastic implant and attached to bone via cement or cement less options.

Triple or double pelvic osteotomy (TPO)

Modification to the existing hip joint to improve functioning. Three or two cuts are made around the bone (depending on which surgery) where the 'socket' is and then rotated to a way that best fits the 'ball' and screwed into place using screws and plates.

Femoral head and neck excision (FHNE)

This is a salvage procedure in cases where THR cannot be done where the 'ball' or femoral head and neck are removed, allowing a 'false joint' to form.

Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS)

Performed in dogs under 5 months where part of the pelvis is prematurely fused to alter the growth of the hip joint to improve functioning.