Clinical Signs of Canine Hip Dysplasia

Dogs with hip dysplasia can exhibit a variety of common clinical signs.

• Bunny hopping
• Reluctance to go for long walks or play or jump into the car
• Standing or walking with the feet close together
• Slowing down in general

These signs usually come on gradually. Dogs with acute, clear-cut lameness’s usually have a different problem, such as an ACL tear. Many dogs with hip dysplasia coincidentally also develop ACL tears that can go undiagnosed for long periods. The best way to differentiate between the two is to observe the sit pattern. Dogs with bad hips can sit perfectly. Dogs with bad knees (ACL tears) have difficultly sitting, are reluctant to sit on command and almost always sit to the side.

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