Hip dysplasia is a common but potentially painful condition that occurs mostly in larger breed dogs, including English Bulldogs. It stems from a malformation of the hip joint. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. When the femoral head or “ball” does not fit properly into the socket, it is referred to as hip dysplasia. The condition typically presents itself in young dogs between 3 and 12 months of age.
Hip dysplasia can be mild, moderate, or severe. In mild cases, hip dysplasia can be asymptotic until later in the dog’s life, causing mild arthritis. In these cases, the condition may be treated with anti-inflammatory medication. In more severe cases, the hip will slip out of socket or develop severe arthritis, causing crippling pain. In these cases, surgery may be indicated.
Here is an x ray of a 10 week old English Bulldog with severe hip dysplasia. Note the virtual absence of hip sockets:
Some symptoms of hip dysplasia are limping, dragging, or weakness in the hind legs. Difficultly standing up, stiffness after rest, or reluctance to stand or be active are also common signs of hip dysplasia.
The first step in diagnosing hip dysplasia in your bulldog is taking him to the vet, preferably an orthopedic specialist. These professionals go to school an additional 4 to 6 years and are the best equipped to give you a definitive diagnosis and prognosis. The only way to definitively diagnose hip dysplasia is through physical examination and x ray. Orthopedic specialists are the most adept and qualified to take and read these x rays.
There are many treatments for hip dysplasia depending on the severity of the condition. Some forms are controlled by diet and medication, others by injection, and some by surgery. Some dogs do well losing a few pounds, putting on some muscle, and taking a medication like Rimadyl or injecting Adequan. Those are the lucky ones. Interestingly, bulldogs are NOT candidates for total hip replacements because they do not make prosthetic for the unique bulldog leg because it is near impossible to duplicate so an FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy) or a TPO (Triple Pelvic Osteotomy) would likely be indicated. A JPS (Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis), which is a preventative surgery and helps 90%+ of cases, can also be performed if the dog is under 16 weeks old.
Hip dysplasia can a difficult problem but bulldogs benefit from being front heavy so their back legs do not do much of the heavy lifting, which means they are good candidates for surgeries to correct hip issues typically recommended for smaller dogs.
There are many variables in the diagnosis and treatment of hip dysplasia but it is a condition that should be taken care of as soon as possible because it can lead to crippling arthritis and cause other orthopedic problems if left untreated, such as torn ligaments in the knee.