Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia, a disease of the hip joint that commonly affects large and giant breeds.
What Is Hip Dysplasia?
The hip joint is made up of a ball from the femur (leg) interlocking with a socket from the pelvis (hip). Dogs with hip dysplasia have poor conformity of this ball and socket, which causes rubbing and grinding of the joint instead of a smooth motion. This damages the cartilage and joint tissue over time, often leading to osteoarthritis and sometimes total loss of function of the entire joint.
Causes and Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia ⚠️
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease passed down from dog to offspring. Other factors can worsen this genetic predisposition, including:
Too-rapid growth rate
Certain types of exercise
Being overweight or obese
Lack of proper nutrition (especially as a puppy)
The most common symptoms include:
Limping
Shifting of weight to the front legs
Reluctance to jump
Loss of muscle in the back legs
Bunny-hopping
Difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying position
In some cases, your dog may not show any symptoms at all.
Managing Hip Dysplasia in My Labrador Retriever 🩺
Early detection is key to the most successful treatment. Things you can do to help prevent or manage hip dysplasia include:
Weight management
Proper nutrition
Exercise modification
Pain relief medications
Joint supplements
Surgery (in severe cases)
