The information provided on this web site is for informational purposes only. At no time should any information found on this web site replace the advice of your veterinarian. You should refer to your veterinarian before giving any dosage for the medication listed. Whenever in doubt, seek advice from your veterinarian.

    Hip dysplasia is a painful and sometime crippling disease that can cause a dog's hip to weaken, and deteriorate over time. It stems from the head of the femur not fitting properly in the socket correctly. Hip dysplasia can range from mild to severe causing crippling arthritis in the hip(s).

Although more prominent in male dogs both male and female bulldogs can develop this disease. Diet, weight gain, and rate of growth can contribute to the onset of hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia has been found in older dogs (what we would call geriatric) and in puppies as young as four months.

Signs of possible hip dysplasia

• Abnormal gate (refer to bulldog standard for normal gate)
• Staggering
• Leg lameness
• Discomfort when attempting to lay down or stand up
• Reluctance to run or jump
• Difficulty going up or down stairs

Recommendation

When selecting a puppy, find out the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) hip score for the sire and dam. You should be looking to purchase offspring from parents whose hips have been evaluated and scored good to excellent.

Don't let your bulldog get overweight!!! Exercise and proper diet will help keep the weight down which in turn keeps excess weight off the hips.
 

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