Hip Dysplasia in Dogs — Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Current ARCHVET hours (updated daily)

Winchester — 824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (669) 230-5034: open every day 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, drop-offs 8 AM to 10 AM. Santa Teresa — 6207 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119, (408) 224-5700: open every day 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific. ARCHVET is not a 24-hour hospital and is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.

Current wait status — Winchester urgent care

Winchester is open now for drop-offs. Live wait estimates begin at 9:30 AM Pacific.

Updated 8:40 AM Pacific. This estimate refreshes every 10 minutes during operating hours.

• Winchester urgent care and emergency: open 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, seven days a week, including holidays. Closed 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Santa Teresa general practice and urgent care: open 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, seven days a week.
• Walk-ins are accepted at both locations when capacity permits. Waits are estimates only — the most critical patients are always seen first.
• For a live estimated wait, call Winchester at (669) 230-5034.

What Is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly — the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) don't fit together snugly. This causes joint instability, abnormal wear, chronic inflammation, and eventually arthritis. It's one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, affecting an estimated 15–20% of all dogs. While genetics play the largest role, rapid growth, improper nutrition, and excessive exercise during development can worsen the condition.

Breeds Most Commonly Affected

Large and giant breeds have the highest incidence: German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Bulldogs, and Mastiffs. However, hip dysplasia can occur in any breed — including medium and small breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels. Dogs can show signs as early as 5–6 months of age, though many don't develop obvious symptoms until they're mature adults when arthritis sets in.

Recognizing the Symptoms

In puppies and young dogs: bunny-hopping gait (using both hind legs together), difficulty rising from rest, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, decreased activity level, and narrowed stance in the hind legs. In adult dogs: progressive hind limb lameness (worse after exercise or rest), stiffness especially in the morning or after lying down, muscle wasting in the hind legs, audible clicking from the hip area, difficulty getting into cars or onto furniture, and shifting weight to the front legs.

Diagnosis at ARCH Veterinary

Diagnosis requires physical examination (checking for pain, range of motion, joint laxity) and radiographs (X-rays) of the hips. At ARCH, our in-house digital X-rays provide immediate, high-quality images. For more complex cases, our CT scanner provides 3D imaging of joint anatomy — invaluable for surgical planning. We evaluate hip X-rays using the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) criteria and may recommend PennHIP evaluation for breeding dogs or young dogs with suspected dysplasia.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Weight management: maintaining an ideal body weight is the single most impactful intervention — reducing joint stress significantly. Pain management: NSAIDs (carprofen, meloxicam), gabapentin for nerve pain, and joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids). Physical therapy: therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy to build muscle support around the joint. Activity modification: controlled leash walks, swimming, and avoiding high-impact activities (jumping, rough play). Joint injections: Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) injections may help slow cartilage degradation.

Surgical Options

Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS): for puppies under 20 weeks — alters pelvic growth to improve hip coverage. Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO): for young dogs without arthritis — repositions the socket for better coverage. Femoral head ostectomy (FHO): removes the femoral head, allowing the body to form a fibrous pseudo-joint. Total hip replacement (THR): the gold standard for severe dysplasia — replaces the entire joint with metal and plastic components. Your ARCH vet will refer to a board-certified surgeon for advanced procedures when indicated.

Advanced veterinary care in San Jose

ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.

Frequently asked questions

Can hip dysplasia be prevented?

Genetics are the primary factor, but you can reduce risk by: feeding large-breed puppy food (controlled calcium and calories), avoiding excessive exercise during growth, maintaining lean body weight, and choosing breeders who screen parents with OFA or PennHIP testing.

At what age do dogs show signs of hip dysplasia?

Some dogs show signs as early as 5–6 months. Others don't develop symptoms until arthritis sets in at 3–7 years of age. If your large-breed puppy shows any gait abnormalities, early screening can identify dysplasia before arthritis develops.

How much does hip dysplasia treatment cost?

Non-surgical management (medications, supplements, physical therapy) typically costs $75–$200/month. FHO surgery costs $2,000–$4,000 per hip. Total hip replacement costs $4,000–$7,000 per hip. Your ARCH vet will discuss all options and help you find the most appropriate approach for your dog and budget.