Hip Dysplasia - A description of the condition

Hip Dysplasia is a well known joint problem that is found among Labradors. It is a genetic disease and it can produce different degrees of arthritis over time. This can be extremely painful for your Labrador and in many cases owners have elected to put their lab down because of the terrible state of its hip.

This disease begins with cartilage damage that causes enzymes to be released into the joint. The enzymes are degradative and as they decrease the thickness and elasticity of the cartilage the hip struggles with movement.

Once the joint reaches this point the pain for the dog begins in earnest.

Seeing as this is an inherited condition it is difficult to predict when a dysplastic labrador will begin to show signs. Usually it does occur during the dogs later years, but there are several other key elements that can slowly trigger the pain. Think about how much exercise your Labrador is getting, how much weight its joints are taking and how the weather might be affecting it.