Hip dysplasia in Labradors: risk, signs, prevention

In detail

Why are Labradors often affected?

The development of hip dysplasia is multifactorial, meaning that several factors act together.

1. Genetic predisposition

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition, but no single gene determines whether a dog will be affected. Rather, numerous genetic factors contribute to the development of the hip joints. Lewis et al. (2010) analysed more than 25,000 hip scores of UK Labrador Retrievers. The results showed a clear genetic influence on the severity of hip dysplasia. The study underlines the importance of responsible breeding and systematic hip screening. Even puppies from parents with good hip scores can develop hip dysplasia. Good screening results in the parents reduce the risk but are no guarantee.

2. Growth and physical development

Labrador Retrievers are one of the larger breeds. During growth, bones, joints, muscles and movement patterns change. The development of the hip joints is shaped by both genetic factors and external influences. Appropriate nutrition, a healthy body condition and suitable exercise during rearing are therefore particularly important.

3. Tendency to become overweight

Labrador Retrievers can have an increased tendency to become overweight. Raffan et al. (2016) identified a genetic change in the POMC gene in some of the Labrador Retrievers studied, which was associated with increased appetite and higher body weight. Each copy of the gene variant was associated with an average of around 1.9 kilograms more body weight. This does not mean that every Labrador will become overweight. However, the results show that genetic factors can also influence eating behaviour and weight gain. Further studies from UK primary-care veterinary practices show that obesity and musculoskeletal disorders are important health problems in Labradors (McGreevy et al., 2018; Pegram et al., 2021). The key point is this: being overweight does not automatically cause hip dysplasia. However, excess body weight can put additional strain on the joints and worsen existing symptoms.

How can I recognise hip dysplasia in a Labrador?

Hip dysplasia can show in different ways. Some dogs show abnormalities during growth, while others only develop symptoms as adults. Possible signs include:

• A swaying or unusual movement of the hindquarters
• So-called bunny hopping, especially when running faster
• Difficulty getting up or lying down
• Problems climbing stairs or jumping
• Less enthusiasm for exercise or tiring early
• Stiffness after long periods of rest
• Lameness or changes in stride length

These symptoms are not specific to hip dysplasia. They can also occur with other orthopaedic or neurological conditions. In addition, not all dogs with radiographically confirmed hip dysplasia show obvious symptoms. A reliable diagnosis requires a veterinary examination and usually suitable diagnostic imaging.
Further reading: hip dysplasia in dogs (HD): signs, diagnosis and early indicators

What does research in Labradors show?

Long-term studies that followed the health of Labrador Retrievers over many years are particularly interesting. Body weight and hip osteoarthritis: in a well-known long-term study, 48 Labrador Retrievers from seven litters were followed over many years. The dogs were compared in pairs: one dog received a controlled amount of food, while its littermate served as the comparison. The restricted-fed dogs received around 25 percent less food than their counterparts. Differences in radiographic hip osteoarthritis were already apparent at two years of age. In the leaner group, hip osteoarthritis was detected in one of 24 dogs; in the comparison group, it was six of 24. Later on, too, the leaner dogs developed osteoarthritic changes later and to a lesser extent overall (Kealy et al., 2002; Smith et al., 2006). These studies show how important body weight can be for long-term joint health.

What does this mean for dog owners? A healthy body condition is an important way to support the joints in the long term. However, the study does not mean that every Labrador should simply receive 25 percent less food. What matters is individually adapted feeding, nutritional status and physical development. Hip dysplasia and hip osteoarthritis: what is the difference? The two terms are often confused. Hip dysplasia (HD) refers to abnormal development of the hip joint, in which the femoral head and the socket do not fit together properly. Hip osteoarthritis, on the other hand, describes degenerative changes in the joint, which can develop as a consequence of hip dysplasia, among other things. Not every dog with hip dysplasia develops osteoarthritis or symptoms to the same extent. The long-term Labrador studies looked specifically at the development of osteoarthritic changes. They do not show that controlled feeding can completely prevent hip dysplasia, which is genetically influenced.

What role does exercise play during growth? Exercise during rearing has also been studied scientifically. Krontveit et al. (2012) followed dogs of four large breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, during their development. The study examined relationships between different housing and exercise conditions in puppyhood and the later occurrence of hip dysplasia. Among other things, daily stair climbing in the first three months of life was associated with an increased risk of HD in this study, while free exercise on suitable ground was associated with a lower risk. How should these results be interpreted? This was an observational study. It shows associations but does not prove that stair climbing directly causes hip dysplasia. A general ban on stairs for puppies therefore cannot be derived from it. Rather, the results suggest that exercise during growth should be planned consciously, taking the individual dog’s development into account.

What can I do as a Labrador owner?

Not all causes of hip dysplasia can be influenced. Nevertheless, owners can lay important foundations for healthy physical development.

1. Choose a responsible breeder: anyone taking on a Labrador puppy should ask about the parents’ hip screening results. These provide important information about the genetic starting point, but they are no guarantee of healthy hips.
2. Feed the puppy appropriately: a balanced diet adapted to age and growth supports physical development. It is particularly important to avoid excess weight during the growth phase. The goal should not be the smallest possible amount of food, but a healthy body condition with an adequate supply of energy and nutrients.
3. Allow age-appropriate exercise: puppies need exercise to develop their muscles, coordination and movement skills. Free exploration, play and varied exercise are part of healthy development. Excessive, forced or repeatedly uncontrolled strain, on the other hand, should be avoided. With stairs, too, age, stage of development, body size and the way the dog moves should be taken into account.
4. Keep an eye on body weight in the long term: body weight plays an important role not only during growth but also in adulthood. A healthy body condition can help take strain off the joints and influence the risk or severity of certain secondary conditions.
5. Have changes in movement checked early: if a dog’s gait changes suddenly or gradually, the cause should be investigated by a vet, even if there is no obvious lameness. Early investigation can help to identify possible conditions and initiate suitable measures.

What can gait analysis offer for a Labrador puppy?

The development of the musculoskeletal system begins long before a dog is fully grown. During this time, stride length, movement coordination and the timing of the gait change, among other things. With LupoGait Puppy, selected movement parameters can be recorded objectively in puppies from around week 8 of life, provided a suitable and reliable measurement is possible. Small motion sensors are attached to the dog, and they record movement data while the dog covers a defined distance. The results make it possible to document certain temporal and kinematic gait parameters and compare their development across several measurements.

Why are repeated measurements useful?

A single gait analysis describes the gait at one point in time. Several measurements, on the other hand, can show how selected movement parameters change during growth. For meaningful comparisons, the examinations should take place under conditions that are as comparable as possible, especially in terms of gait, speed, surface and measurement protocol. In this way, objective gait analysis can play a complementary role in monitoring motor development.

Learn more: LupoGait Puppy