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We specialize in helping neuro and senior dogs (and cats) improve their independence with daily activities so they can continue living their best lives
We offer Canine Physical Therapy and Wellness in Edmond and the OKC metro, focusing on
"Putting the pep back in your pup's step"
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a condition of the hip in which the ball-and socket joint do not fit properly together, so instead of the bone providing the joint support the ligaments around the joint have to try to hold it together but are not designed to do so. Overtime, the continuous abnormal movement and instability of the hip joint can result in loss of cartilage, arthritic and boney changes, loss of mobility and general pain.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms are often very mild at first and progress over time but some of the common early signs are
Running with a "bunny hop"
Loss of muscle tone in the hind limbs (atrophy)
Lameness of the hind limbs
Stiffness in the hips when standing
Stiffness in the hips when walking, running or playing
Decreased desire to participate in walking or playing
Please note that these signs and symptoms do not confirm hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian will perform an exam which will include observation of your dog walking, palpation, special tests and x-rays. This will assist in confirming diagnosis and ruling out other causes of hind limb weakness in order to determine the appropriate course of action.
Canine PT and
Hip Dysplasia
Your veterinarian will help you determine if surgery or conservative care is right for your pup. The most common surgery to correct hip dysplasia is a femoral head ostectomy, FHO, where they remove the head of the femur (the ball part of the joint) and the body will develop a structure of scar tissue along with the muscle surrounding the joint to provide support. A total hip replacement is also another common surgical option, a veterinarian will discuss which surgery, if any, is warranted for your dog based on age, and severity of the condition. With or without surgery, a program developed with and supervised by a certified canine rehabilitation therapist can make a meaningful difference in your dog's recovery.​​
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No matter the treatment route your dog is going through, canine rehab can help promote tissue healing, provide a progressive strengthening program, and assist in normalizing gait (walking) mechanics. Pain management is typically the first goal with or without surgery, then promoting weight bearing of the limb.
During our evaluation, we determine what exercises should be done and walk you through the exercises.
No matter which treatment route your dog is on there are a few other things that can make a huge impact in the management of hip dysplasia. A healthy diet and weight can help reduce the load the joint has to carry, joint supplements support the joint's health, such as fish oils and glucosamine chondroitin, sessions of acupuncture or dry needling, use pain medications when necessary, as well as daily exercise and progressive strengthening. A certified canine rehabilitation therapist can help guide you through long term management, strengthening exercises and provide manual therapies to improve your dog's quality of life. Home modifications can also offer simple and safe changes to make your dog's environment easier on their joints such as providing more surfaces with traction such as rugs on hard floors, orthopedic dog beds for comfortable rest time, as well as ramps to reach the couch.
The Underwater Treadmill may be something that you've seen online or heard about from your vet as the key for recovery, but that is just one of many tools and may not be appropriate for your pup. While it does have it's benefits, there are other factors and techniques that may be better suited for your pup. Additionally, research does not support that it is better than for improving strength than regular exercise for animals. You can learn more about underwater treadmill and the body weight support system we utilize at our clinic. Click Here to read more about it.
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