Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia refers to the ball and socket joint of the hip not fitting together perfectly as they should. This can cause the wear and tear to the bones connecting at the joint and potentially lead to subluxation of the joint. Depending on the severity of the dysplasia, it can be managed through surgery or through conservative therapies such as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.

Your surgical options would generally either be a total hip replacement (THR) or a femoral head and neck excision, which is were the head of the femor (the ball of the ball and socket joint) is removed and scar tissue is allowed to form in its place. Generally, this second type of surgery will mean there is always a slight restriction in the movement of that joint, but whichever type of surgery you choose, hydrotherapy will allow for a better recovery by rebuilding muscle and range of motion in a low weight-bearing environment.

If surgery isn't the direction you want to go, you can manage hip dysplasia conservatively using hydrotherapy. This means restricting exercie while we slowly build strenght and a better range of motion in the tank and then eventually working our way back to as normal a routine as possible. Because in cases like this, the issue never really 'goes away' long term rehabilitation is ideal, however this can mean monthly sessions or six-weekly sessions to check up, everything is tailored to you and and your dog,