Not So Hip to be Square

A guide to canine hip dysplasia

BY EMILY VOLMAN 

My husband and I were warned early in the life of our German Shepherd mix that she had hip dysplasia. While not severe enough to warrant surgery, we were told she would probably show signs of arthritis earlier than other dogs. But since we didn’t know much more than that, we went about our lives as usual. We enrolled our pup in agility classes. We threw the ball for her to chase for hours. Even the high jump into our sports utility vehicle was daily routine. We had no idea we were doing more harm than good.

At the age of eight, she started to noticeably slow down. Her running slowed to a walk. Lying down took a little longer. Stairs became the enemy. She was too young, we thought, to be so disabled. Luckily, we discovered many options to put the pep back in her step.

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