Hip Dysplasia: Those Hips Don’t Lie
Ever see a dog walking down the street strutting their stuff and shaking their hips? While at first, you may think they are trying out for the next Beyoncé music video. The truth is that this type of gait may represent underlying orthopedic disease. The classic “swaying hip” or “bunny hop” gait is associated with hip dysplasia, the most common cause of arthritis in dog hips. Hip dysplasia is due to abnormal growth and development of the hips, causing the ball and socket joint to have a poor fit which leads to “laxity” or a looseness in the joint; and then arthritis. This condition is most common in our large, stocky, and fast growing breeds, but smaller breeds may also be affected. Various genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors can cause the development of “loose hips”.
Dr. Diaz, a member of our primary care team, recommends that if you see your pup shaking their hips like Shakira, a quick trip to the vet could be key in curving development of arthritis.
Those Hips Don’t Lie.
More information on hip dysplasia can be found here.
Dr. Diaz graduated from the University of Florida and joined Friendship in 2015. Dr. Diaz completed her internship at Friendship in 2016 and has been a staff doctor ever since. Her professional interests include shelter medicine and international outreach.
* Featured image courtesy of Pets News and Views.
