Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus 
 
Reset Website Accessibility
   
 Site Menus Section  Skip to page content 
   
 


Contact Us
 
Phone Number: 905-338-VETS(8387)

Fax Number: 905-338-6373

Email: uophreception@gmail.com

Make Appointment




 
 


Site Content: Skip to page footer 
   
Hip Dysplasia
 


Canine hip dysplasia (abnormal development of the hip joint) begins when the hip joint in a young dog becomes loose or unstable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, this instability causes abnormal wear of the hip cartilage and ultimately progresses to osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Signs of this condition are pain, reluctance to get up or exercise, difficulty climbing stairs, a “bunny-hopping” gait, limping, and lameness, especially after periods of inactivity or exercise.
 
Hip dysplasia most commonly affects large- and giant-breed dogs; however, smaller dogs can also be affected. Although genetics often play a role in this disorder, young dogs that grow or gain weight too quickly or get too much high-impact exercise are also at risk. Being overweight can aggravate hip dysplasia.
 
We can help prevent or slow this condition by monitoring food intake and ensuring that your dog gets proper exercise as he or she ages. We can also screen your dog for hip dysplasia, using one of two methods. The earlier we can diagnose hip dysplasia, the better the possible outcome for your dog.
 
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Certification:
 
We can x-ray your dog’s hips for hip dysplasia at 2 years of age. We will forward these radiographs to the OFA, where board-certified radiologists will evaluate and grade your dog’s hips for OFA certification. Correct positioning of your dog is essential for proper radiographic evaluation, so a general anesthetic is required to make the procedure less stressful for him or her.
 
PennHIP Method:
 
We can x-ray your dog’s hips using the PennHIP method for evaluating hip dysplasia in dogs, which can be performed much earlier (at 16 weeks of age) than OFA certification. Requiring a general anesthetic, it involves x-raying your dog’s hips in three different positions to measure how loose the joints are and determine the presence or likelihood of osteoarthritis. If you are a breeder, consider using this test to help you select good breeding candidates at a younger age. If your dog competes athletically, consider using this technique to evaluate the future soundness of your dogs or puppies.
 
Please call us to discuss your dog’s risk of developing hip dysplasia, to schedule a screening, or to discuss treatment options.


Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar 
  
Share
 

Emergency?
 
We will handle all kind of emergencies during business hours, but we recommend to contact emergency clinics such as "Mississauga Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital or Burgess Veterinary Emergency Clinic" during non-business hours.


Call 905-338-VETS(8387)


Like us on Facebook!


Our Team
 
Our veterinarians are dedicated to providing the best possible healthcare by getting to know you and your pet.


Meet Our Team


Are you a New Client?
 
Here at Upper Oakville Pet Hospital, we always welcome new clients and patients to our full service veterinary practice in Oakville, Ontario.


New Client Resources


In the News
 
 

 

 

 


Site Footer: Skip to top of page  
     
 © Copyright 2025 Veterinarians Oakville | Upper Oakville Pet Hospital | Powered by Lifelearn WebDVM®4 Veterinary Websites