Hip Dysplasia

• Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition in which the ball of the Labrador's femur doesn't fit snugly into the socket of the joint. Hip dysplasia has grades of severity that vary from dog to dog.
  
  

Veterinary Diagnosis

• Your veterinarian needs to x-ray your dog's hip to confirm a diagnosis. When your Labrador is four or five months old, x-rays can detect hip dysplasia. If your Labrador is breeding stock, the dog's hip must be x-rayed to rule out dysplasia before breeding.
  
  

Treatment

• If your Labrador has a severe grade of hip dysplasia you may opt for surgery, but it is not always the answer. Instead, you may try noninflammatory, nonsteroidal arthritic pain medications along with diets and nonintensive exercise. Whatever treatment program you pursue, consult your veterinarian first.
  
  

Protect Yourself

• The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals developed hip-score tests for Labradors. Only purchase a Labrador puppy from a seller who can produce hip scores for the sire and dam.