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Overgrooming often appears as broken, fuzzy hairs - especially on the belly and inner thighs - and can stem from medical issues like parasites, allergies, or endocrine disease. Stress can also be a major trigger, but with proper diagnosis, most cases resolve successfully.

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Intervertebral Disc Disease causes spinal pain and mobility issues, especially in long-backed breeds, and requires prompt veterinary attention. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and careful home support, your involvement is key to helping your pet recover comfortably.

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Fri Jun 13 2025 17:01:29 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

Colorado Canine Orthopedics

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At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we deliver advanced orthopedic care for dogs and cats with innovative treatments, compassionate service, and an exceptional client experience, improving the lives of pets and their families.

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<span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Boarding, bathing, and daycare reservations can be made online via our webpage or by downloading the Blue Springs Pet Resort app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.</span><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Please note that our reservation system requires payment by credit card and we cannot accept other forms of payment for Pet Resort services.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Select your preference below and set up your account to get connected with us. ***Please create only one account per family.***</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">We look forward to seeing your pet soon!</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div>

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<p dir="auto"></p><div class="embed-script-block embed-script-block--video embed-script-block--align-center " data-type="embed-script" data-content="&lt;iframe 
  width=&quot;100%&quot; 
  height=&quot;400&quot; 
  src=&quot;https://player.vimeo.com/video/440730449&quot; 
  title=&quot;Video player&quot; 
  frameborder=&quot;0&quot; 
  allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; 
  allowfullscreen
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&lt;/iframe&gt;" data-title="Vimeo Video" data-embed-type="video" data-video-url="https://vimeo.com/440730449" data-width="100%" data-align="center" data-inline="false" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><iframe class="embed-script-output-frame embed-script-output-frame--video" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/440730449" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%; border: none; display: block;"></iframe></div><h2 dir="auto" id="heading-1"><strong>Overview</strong></h2><p dir="auto">Despite efforts by breeders and the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA), the prevalence of canine hip dysplasia is not decreasing. The problem and resulting clinical signs range from mild inactivity to severe pain, lameness, and immobility. Usually, clinical signs of canine hip dysplasia develop by one year of age but in some dogs, the signs become obvious later in life as osteoarthritis gradually worsens. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder often beginning in puppies as young as six months of age. Numerous successful treatments for hip dysplasia are available depending on the age and size of the patient and the severity of the problem.</p><p dir="auto">Many breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia, although it tends to be especially common in larger dog breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, and so on. Mixed breeds are also subject to hip dysplasia. Not even the toy breeds are spared, although frequency is lower in small dogs. Large dog breeds that have a relatively low incidence of hip dysplasia include the Borzoi, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Greyhound, and Irish Wolfhound.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://canineortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dog-with-ball-7ff5d886f69998cbea0dec7e8c5aeec6.jpg" flipx="false" flipy="false" width="200" align="center" inline="false"></div></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><h2 dir="auto" id="heading-2"><strong>Cause of Canine Hip Dysplasia</strong></h2><div class="embed-script-block embed-script-block--video embed-script-block--align-center " data-type="embed-script" data-content="&lt;iframe 
  width=&quot;100%&quot; 
  height=&quot;400&quot; 
  src=&quot;https://player.vimeo.com/video/440512344&quot; 
  title=&quot;Video player&quot; 
  frameborder=&quot;0&quot; 
  allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture&quot; 
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&lt;/iframe&gt;" data-title="Vimeo Video" data-embed-type="video" data-video-url="https://vimeo.com/440512344" data-width="100%" data-align="center" data-inline="false" style="width: 100%; max-width: 100%; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><iframe class="embed-script-output-frame embed-script-output-frame--video" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/440512344" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16/9; max-width: 100%; border: none; display: block;"></iframe></div><p dir="auto">The primary cause of hip dysplasia is genetic and results in a malformation of the hip joint. During development, the femoral head (ball) fails to fit well into the acetabulum (socket). In very young dogs (6-9 months) the joint is lax and the femoral head slides partially out, and back into the acetabulum. This is known as subluxation.</p><p dir="auto">Over time, the hip joint becomes arthritic because of these anatomical abnormalities. The joint capsule thickens and becomes inflamed, osteophytes (bone spurs) develop, cartilage erodes, the acetabulum begins to fill in with bone. These secondary arthritic changes can develop quickly; puppies with severe hip dysplasia can develop severe osteoarthritis before their first birthday. In cases where the femoral head stays somewhat within the acetabulum, and the dog lives without intervention, the arthritic changes continue to worsen over years. The hip metamorphosis video depicts this chronic gradual deterioration.</p><h2 dir="auto" id="heading-3"><strong>Clinical Signs and Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia</strong></h2><p dir="auto">Usually, clinical signs of canine hip dysplasia develop by one year of age, but in some cases the signs become obvious later in life as osteoarthritis gradually worsens. Clinical signs in young dogs (about one year of age) with hip dysplasia can be quite variable. Lack of willingness to play, lying down after short periods of exercise, showing pain when playing or when getting up and down and walking with a stiff gait are common. Occasionally a popping noise, or a palpable “click” are present. Clear-cut lameness may be present but is less common.</p><p dir="auto">Older dogs will often have decreased muscle mass, stand with the rear feet close together (as if walking a tightrope) and be reluctant to go for walks, jump onto the couch or into the car, etc. Crepitus (a grinding feel) can occasionally be felt by placing a hand over the hip(s) while the dog is slowly walking.</p><p dir="auto">Physical examination and hip palpation may aid in the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. However, standard radiographs (X-rays) are needed to confirm the diagnosis. The following images represent radiographs of a dog with normal hips (figure 1) and of a dog with moderate to severe hip dysplasia (figure 2).</p><p dir="auto">PennHIP® radiography has been found to be the best predictor of future hip arthritis development in young dogs. PennHIP® radiography can be performed as early as 4 months of age whereas the traditional X-ray technique for hips is not certifiable until 2 years of age.</p><p dir="auto">PennHIP® radiography can identify young puppies with hip dysplasia that might benefit from early surgical intervention (see JPS discussed below).</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1768333339673-2fe3003d-c876-4740-9e93-6c90b765b12e-10.jpg" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><h2 dir="auto" id="heading-4"><strong>Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia</strong></h2><p dir="auto"><strong>Conservative, Non-surgical Treatment Options:</strong><br>Treatment options for dogs with hip dysplasia depend on age, size of the patient and severity of the clinical signs. Many dogs with mild hip dysplasia can live with the problem fairly well with conservative management. Weight and pain management are often the key components of conservative management. Pain management usually involves some form of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as carprofen. Pain medications like gabapentin may also be beneficial. These medicines may be needed either daily or intermittently depending on the severity of the problem. Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in pain relief.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Glucosamine and other holistic oral products may be helpful in cases of mild hip dysplasia. Such products may result in subtle improved comfort, but they do not repair or rebuild cartilage as some folks suggest. The same is true for similar injectable products (polysulfated glycosominoglycan). Stem cell therapy and platelet rich plasma (PRP) are the latest non-surgical treatment proposed by some veterinarians. Bone marrow or fat derived stem cells may improve comfort for a limited time by mediating inflammation do not repair or rebuild cartilage despite claims by some stem cell companies. Platelet rich plasma is another new regenerative therapy being used for hip dysplasia, and while cartilage repair/regrowth is highly unlikely, recent studies suggest PRP may be an effective tool in the pain management toolbox.</p><p dir="auto"><strong>Surgical Treatment Options:</strong><br>Dogs with moderate to severe clinical signs and anatomical mal-formation are candidates for surgery. In general, 4 surgical options to treat canine hip dysplasia are currently recommended depending on the dog’s age, weight, severity of the disorder and signs clinical signs.</p><p dir="auto"><strong>Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)</strong><br>JPS is a newer, less invasive procedure involving fusion of the growth plate within the pelvis and is indicated in dogs less than 5 months of age (figure 3). Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis alters the pelvic development with the ultimate result of the ball and socket fitting more “tightly,” therefore, decreasing the potential amount of future hip arthritis. Also, compared to other more traditional surgeries for hip dysplasia, JPS is less invasive, less costly, and is an easier recovery. Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis should not be thought of as a definitive cure for hip dysplasia, but can significantly improve hip joint conformation and lessen the long-term affects of hip arthritis.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1768333352570-d1048407-0d06-40f0-a113-49db5b1ae61d-10.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><strong>Double Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO)</strong><br>DPO is appropriate for young dogs under 8-9 nine months of age. Double pelvic osteotomy involves making two osteotomies (bone cuts) in the pelvic bones, reorienting the acetabulum over the femoral head and securing the osteotomy with a bone plate (figure 4).</p><p dir="auto">Numerous factors are considered when deciding which patients will benefit from a DPO. Patient selection criteria must be adhered to for good outcome. Potential patients should be less than eight months of age, have no osteoarthritis, the femoral head should be normal in size and shape and the femoral head should fall into place within the acetabulum on palpation without excessive force or angulations.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1768333713811-0ac32db8-ed70-41bc-8b09-6869889fe5fa-10.png" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><strong>Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)</strong><br>FHO is best suited for cats and small dogs (figure 5). Femoral Head Ostectomy involves removal of the femoral head (ball) from the joint. Scar tissue forms between the remaining bone and socket (acetabulum) forming a “false joint”. The primary advantage of the FHO is lower cost, since no implants are needed.</p><p dir="auto"><strong>Total Hip Replacement (THR)</strong><br>THR is the ideal treatment for medium to large breed dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia. Ideally, these patients should be approximately one year of age or older. No upper-end age restrictions exists, but geriatric patients may have a more difficult recovery and higher complication rate.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"><div style="text-align: center;" class="image"><img height="auto" style="" src="https://cms-uvc-prod-asset.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/1772050845582-8ed3f6eb-cef5-4e92-8eaa-d4f752c227cf-10.jpg" flipx="false" flipy="false" align="center" inline="false"></div></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto"></p>

Colorado Canine Orthopedics offers expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for canine hip dysplasia, a common genetic joint condition causing pain and mobility issues in dogs. Tailored surgical and non-surgical options help reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. Contact us today to protect your dog's hips and keep them active.

Hip Dysplasia

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This is what we do every day so we are able to provide the best Orthopedic care for your pet.

Advanced techniques mean most of our patients can go home the same day after surgery!

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We perform CT scans, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, fluoroscopy, & arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

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<p>Pet Insurance is different than human insurance. With any appointment or surgical procedure, payment in full will be collected at the time of service and the client would send that information to their Pet Insurance provider for reimbursement.</p>

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At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating canine ACL tears with advanced orthopedic techniques. Our board-certified surgeons bring decades of experience to every case, helping dogs of all breeds recover faster and return to active lives. Learn more about our approach and schedule your dog's consultation today to get them moving comfortably again.

ACL Tears

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the optimal treatment for dogs with ACL tears.

TPLO

Colorado Canine Orthopedics, located in Colorado Springs, offers expert canine total hip replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore mobility for dogs with hip dysplasia or chronic joint issues. Performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons using advanced techniques, most pets regain full function and return home quickly after surgery.

Total Hip Replacement

Colorado Canine Orthopedics provides expert diagnosis and advanced surgical treatment for medial patella luxation in dogs. Learn about symptoms, causes, grading, and corrective procedures designed to restore knee stability, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Trusted canine orthopedic specialists delivering comprehensive care for patellar luxation in Colorado.

Patella Luxation

Canine elbow dysplasia is a hereditary developmental joint condition that causes abnormal bone alignment and cartilage wear, leading to forelimb lameness, pain, limited range of motion, and osteoarthritis in medium to large breed dogs. The service page highlights advanced diagnosis and surgical and non-surgical treatment options to manage this condition and improve canine mobility.

Elbow Dysplasia

Canine shoulder disorders include juvenile osteochondritis dissecans, athletic injuries, tendinopathies, medial shoulder instability and bicipital tendon issues in dogs, with diagnosis by exam, imaging, ultrasound or arthroscopy and advanced treatments to restore mobility and reduce pain at Colorado Canine Orthopedics.

Shoulder Disorders

Colorado Canine Orthopedics provides expert care for dogs with fractures and dislocations. Our board-certified surgeons use advanced imaging and proven surgical techniques to repair broken bones and joint injuries, relieve pain, and restore mobility. We create personalized treatment plans to help your dog heal safely and return to an active life.

Fractures and Dislocations

Arthroscopy at Colorado Canine Orthopedics offers advanced minimally invasive joint surgery for dogs using a tiny camera and tools to diagnose and treat conditions like ligament tears, cartilage damage, and dysplasia. This precise procedure improves diagnosis, reduces recovery time, and enhances joint health.

Arthroscopy

At Colorado Canine Orthopedics, we are able to perform spinal surgery on many small breed dogs. There may be cases that need to be referred to a neurologist, but we will always recommend what is the best choice for your dog's well being and prognosis. 

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Hip Dysplasia