# 🦴 Hip Dysplasia in Dogs – Causes, Treatment & Surgery Options **Shivraj Pet Clinic | Pimple Nilakh, Pune**

Certainly! Here's the full blog article rewritten right here for your🐶 What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in medium to large breed dogs, where the **hip joint doesn’t fit properly**—causing instability, pain, and arthritis over time. Instead of a smooth “ball-and-socket” fit, the joint grinds and wears down.

**Breeds at higher risk include:**

* Labrador Retrievers

* German Shepherds

* Golden Retrievers

* Rottweilers

* Mastiffs

It’s usually **hereditary**, but factors like rapid growth, poor diet, obesity, or overexercise in puppies can worsen the condition.

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### ⚠️ Symptoms – How to Know if Your Dog Has Hip Dysplasia

Watch out for the following early signs:

* Difficulty standing or climbing stairs

* “Bunny-hop” gait when running

* Stiffness in the back legs after rest

* Limping or reduced interest in walks/play

* Muscle loss in the hind legs

* Audible clicking or popping from the hips

🩻 At Shivraj Pet Clinic, we confirm the diagnosis with **physical exam and X-rays** under mild sedation.

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### 🩺 Treatment Options at Shivraj Pet Clinic

We tailor treatment based on age, weight, activity level, and severity.

#### 🟢 Non-Surgical Management (Mild Cases):

* Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

* Joint supplements

* Weight control and special diets

* Physiotherapy & controlled exercise (especially swimming)

* Soft bedding & orthopedic support at home

These can offer good quality of life for mild to moderate cases.

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### 🛠️ Surgical Treatment – Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO)

For dogs with **moderate to severe hip dysplasia** or chronic pain, we recommend **Femoral Head Osteotomy (FHO)**.

#### 🔍 What is FHO?

FHO involves **removing the femoral head** (the “ball” of the ball-and-socket joint) to eliminate bone-on-bone contact. Over time, a **fibrous false joint** forms naturally, allowing the dog to move without pain.

#### ✅ Ideal For:

* Dogs under 25–30 kg

* Hip trauma/fractures

* End-stage dysplasia

* Dogs where hip replacement isn’t affordable or possible

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### 🏥 How FHO is Done at Shivraj Pet Clinic

At **Shivraj Pet Clinic & Lab, Pimple Nilakh**, we follow a strict surgical and safety protocol:

1. **Pre-operative blood tests and X-rays** to confirm suitability

2. Surgery performed under **gaseous anesthesia** for precision and fast recovery

3. Sterile operating suite with autoclave-sterilized instruments

4. Removal of femoral head using specialized surgical tools

5. Immediate post-op pain relief and antibiotics

6. Same-day or next-day discharge with recovery guidance

🐾 We closely monitor vitals throughout the procedure, and a vet is present until your pet wakes up safely.

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### 💪 Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery is usually smooth with the right support.

* Most dogs **start walking in 3–5 days**

* Full recovery in **4–6 weeks** with guided home care

* Regular physiotherapy speeds up muscle rebuilding

* Short leash walks, massage, and passive range-of-motion exercises help regain strength

📞 We stay in touch during recovery to guide your every step.

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### 💬 FAQs

**Is FHO painful?**

Not during or immediately after—our protocol includes pre-emptive and post-operative pain control.

**Will my dog walk normally?**

Yes! Most dogs walk pain-free and happily post-FHO, especially if rehab is done properly.

**Is FHO safe?**

Absolutely. When done by trained vets with proper tools—as we do at Shivraj—it’s one of the safest orthopedic procedures available.

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### 📍 Why Shivraj Pet Clinic?

Located in **Pimple Nilakh**, our clinic is equipped to handle routine and advanced surgeries. Our team combines experience with compassion and keeps you informed throughout.

📱 **Call us at 7756965169** to schedule a hip health consultation for your dog.

Let us help your pet get back on its feet—comfortably, confidently, and pain-free.

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