How Rehabilitation Can Help Dogs with Hip Dysplasia

Dr Jenna, BAnVetBioSci DVM MANZCVS (Canine Rehab & Sports Medicine) CCRP - 9th September 2026

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions affecting dogs, particularly larger breeds. While hip dysplasia cannot be reversed once significant joint changes have developed, there are many ways we can help affected dogs stay comfortable, mobile and active. Rehabilitation can play an important role in managing hip dysplasia; whether your dog has undergone surgery or is being managed conservatively.

What is hip dysplasia?

Canine hip dysplasia is a developmental condition in which the hip joint does not develop or fit together normally. Instead of the ball of the femur fitting securely within the hip socket, there is excessive looseness or laxity within the joint.

This abnormal movement places increased stress on the structures of the hip and can lead to progressive damage to the cartilage and development of osteoarthritis.

Hip dysplasia is influenced by genetics, growth, nutrition and body condition. Although it is more common in large and giant breed dogs, any dog can be affected.

Signs can include:

  • Hindlimb lameness or stiffness

  • Difficulty getting up or lying down

  • Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs

  • Reduced exercise tolerance

  • A "bunny-hopping" gait, particularly when running

  • Muscle loss over the hindlimbs

  • Pain or discomfort around the hips

Some dogs with hip dysplasia show few obvious signs despite having significant changes on X-rays, while others can experience substantial pain and mobility problems.

Management options for hip dysplasia

Management depends on your dog's age, severity of hip laxity and arthritis, clinical signs, lifestyle and overall health. This may involve surgery, conservative management, or a combination of approaches.

Surgical treatment

Several surgical procedures may be considered depending on the individual dog:

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS)
JPS is an early intervention performed in very young puppies with hip laxity. It alters the growth of the pelvis so that the hip socket provides better coverage of the femoral head as the puppy grows. It is most effective when performed at a very young age, before significant joint damage has developed.

Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO)
DPO and TPO are procedures used in immature dogs with hip laxity but without significant established osteoarthritis. The pelvis is surgically cut and rotated to improve coverage of the femoral head and improve hip stability.

Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy (FHO)
An FHO involves removing the femoral head and neck. Rather than attempting to restore the normal hip joint, the procedure removes the painful contact within the joint and allows a functional "false joint" to develop from the surrounding soft tissues.

Rehabilitation is particularly important following an FHO to encourage appropriate use of the limb, maintain range of motion and develop the muscle strength required for good function.

Total Hip Replacement (THR)
THR replaces the damaged hip joint with prosthetic components, aiming to restore a more normal hip joint function. It can be an excellent option for appropriately selected dogs with severe hip disease and pain.

Not every dog is a candidate for every procedure, and surgical decisions should be made in consultation with one of our rehabilitation veterinarians, and, where appropriate, a veterinary orthopaedic surgeon.

How can rehab help after surgery for hip dysplasia?

Surgery addresses the underlying structural problem, but rehabilitation helps your dog recover and make the most of the surgical result.

The rehabilitation program will depend on the procedure performed and your dog's individual needs, but may include:

  • Managing pain and swelling

    • Rehabilitation can incorporate appropriate pain-relieving strategies alongside medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Keeping your dog comfortable is important for allowing them to participate in their recovery.

  • Maintaining joint mobility

    • Depending on the procedure and stage of healing, carefully selected range-of-motion exercises can help maintain mobility and minimise stiffness.

  • Rebuilding muscle strength

    • Dogs with hip dysplasia often have significant hindlimb muscle weakness before surgery. Following surgery, muscle loss can become even more pronounced during periods of restricted activity. A progressive strengthening program helps rebuild the muscles supporting the hips and hindlimbs.

  • Improving balance and coordination

    • Proprioceptive and balance exercises can help your dog regain confidence and control when using the operated limb.

  • Gradually returning to normal activity

    • One of the most important roles of rehabilitation is determining how much activity is appropriate at each stage of recovery.

    • Too little exercise can result in unnecessary muscle loss and stiffness, while too much too soon may compromise healing. A rehabilitation professional can provide a structured progression based on your dog's surgery, healing and functional progress.

Conservative management of hip dysplasia - how can rehab help?

Rehabilitation is also an important component of conservative management for dogs with hip dysplasia.

The goal is to improve your dog's ability to move comfortably and perform everyday activities while minimising pain and further functional decline.

A rehabilitation program may include:

Strengthening exercises (home exercise program)
Specific strengthening exercises can target the muscles of the hindlimbs and core, helping improve strength, stability and functional mobility.

Low-impact exercise
Activities such as controlled walking and, where appropriate, hydrotherapy can help maintain fitness while reducing the impact on painful joints.

Weight management
Keeping your dog lean is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term joint health. Even relatively small increases in body weight can increase the load placed on painful joints.

Pain management
Rehabilitation works best as part of a multimodal pain-management plan. Your veterinarian may recommend medications, joint supplements or other treatments alongside rehabilitation.

Home and lifestyle modifications
Simple changes such as improving flooring traction, providing ramps and modifying high-impact activities can make everyday life easier and safer.

Rehabilitation can help your dog live a more comfortable, active life

Hip dysplasia is a lifelong condition, but a diagnosis does not mean your dog has to stop enjoying life.

Whether your dog has undergone hip surgery or is being managed without surgery, an individualised rehabilitation program can help improve strength, mobility, fitness and quality of life.

At Melbourne Veterinary Rehabilitation, we work with your veterinarian and surgical team to develop a rehabilitation plan tailored to your dog's diagnosis, lifestyle and goals.