Skip to main content
MD
MedicalDictionary.comThe Free Veterinary Medical Dictionary
Medical Condition🐕 Dogsmusculoskeletal

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

🗣️ Pronounced:KAY-nyne HIP dis-PLAY-zhuh
In One Sentence (Plain English)

A polygenic developmental disorder of the hip joint leading to joint laxity, abnormal biomechanical wear, and secondary osteoarthritis.

Editorial Status: Verified from peer-reviewed veterinary sources (v1.0)
Updated: 2026-01-15

💬 In Plain English

Hip dysplasia is an inherited orthopedic condition where the hip’s ball-and-socket joint does not fit together smoothly. Instead of a deep, snug fit, the socket (acetabulum) is shallow and the ball (femoral head) is loose. As the dog walks and runs, this loose joint grinds and wobbles, causing cartilage wear, pain, hip stiffness, and progressive arthritis. Dogs often "bunny-hop" when running, hesitate before climbing stairs, and have trouble rising after resting.

🔬 Clinical & Technical Depth

For Vets & Technicians

Formal Clinical Definition

Complex polygenic developmental disorder characterized by coxofemoral joint laxity, incongruity, and subluxation, inevitably resulting in secondary degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) and acetabular osteophytosis.

Why Veterinarians Use It

Veterinarians screen for hip dysplasia using the Ortolani sign under sedation and standardized pelvic radiographs (OFA and PennHIP).

Clinical Context Encountered

Very common in large and giant breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers.

Clinical Reference Guide (Medical Condition)

Severity
Emergency StatusNon-Emergency Care
🚨 Red Flag Warnings (When to Contact an Emergency Vet)
  • •Sudden complete non-weight-bearing lameness on a hind leg in a dysplastic dog often indicates a concurrent cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear.

❓ Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian

Take these actionable questions with you to your next clinic visit or appointment:

  • 1What did the Ortolani examination and pelvic radiographs show regarding joint laxity?
  • 2Is my young dog a candidate for early preventative surgery like Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) or Double Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO)?
  • 3For mature dogs, is medical management (weight loss, NSAIDs, physical therapy) or surgical salvage (Total Hip Replacement or FHO) indicated?

Academic & Clinical References