Tell us about hip dysplasia!

What you as a pet owner needs to know about hip and elbow dysplasia?

I attended a seminar once on hip and elbow dysplasia and the specialist gave a good talk on the subject.  You see their is a lot of things that circulate the internet about how a dog gets it, but the truth is its probably not quite what you think.

I have spoken to endless veterinarians in my time also on the subject. 

Although there is a genetic element it's more to do with what we do with our dogs. Generally from what we understand is that hip/elbow dysplasia could not be down to a gene from mum and a gene from dad.  It could in fact be polygenic which means multiple genes come together to create it.  Im not saying it is poly genetic but it could be.  So far research has been inconclusive as to the one hundred percent reason why its happened.   If for example its poly genetic, it will be impossible to understand how suddenly it has appeared, hard to pin point down.    More often than not the bigger picture shows it can be what the owner has done to their dog.  So what do you need to know to help limit the chances of it.  

 The advice is this!

Do nothing outside the realms of normal with your puppy.  A dog is a puppy then junior and not considered an Adult until 18 months of age.  Therefore if you are doing things in the extreme with your dog as a puppy then you are going to damage the joints.  So what do the experts consider outside the realms of normal?

1. Doing agility before the age of 18 months, jumping.
2. Letting your puppy jump off the sofa
3. Letting your puppy to run beside you whilst on a bicycle. 
4. Letting your puppy to run beside you when you are jogging.
5. Letting your puppy to walk mountains.
6. Letting your puppy to jump off steps.
7. Poor diet.
8. Large boned breed of dog must not be run too young.

Surely this can not be correct as our puppy seems ready to run beside us at six months?
Sadly yes it is correct. A puppy may seem fully grown on the outside but on the inside the bones have not fused, the joints maybe soft and wide apart and the pure stress can then cause cartilage problems, and bone growth issues.  You need to stop and take things more steady.  Under no circumstances should any puppy / dog be over exercised before 18 months and you are asking for problems if you do let your dog do the things above when it is young. 

Their is no point getting back to the breeder of your dog and complain when your puppy has been over exercised, over run, over jumped, and has had a poor diet.  Yes common sense is required. 


So remember your puppy should be allowed to play, to be trained, to have small walks, but defiantly not run beside you whilst you're jogging or biking.  You are asking for problems.  Please use common sense.