Rehabilitating the canine hip: a practical guide

Conditions affecting the hip are a frequent cause of hindlimb lameness, particularly in the juvenile dog, and include hip dysplasia and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (Scott, 1999). In the adult dog, osteoarthritis of the hip (often secondary to hip dysplasia) is common and should be considered in any dog suffering from hip pain, alongside soft tissue injuries in sporting dogs. This article is part of a series and discusses the rehabilitation of the above conditions that affect the hip.

Before referral for rehabilitation, it is important that the animal has undergone a detailed assessment including history taking, physical examination and further investigation if warranted, in order to achieve a diagnosis from the veterinary surgeon. Discussion between the veterinary surgeon and owner will determine whether surgery is necessary (for example, in the case of some cases of hip dysplasia and for dogs suffering from Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease). Whether rehabilitation protocol will be used to assist with recovery from surgery, or whether rehabilitation techniques will be used as part of a conservative management strategy, such as for non-surgical cases of hip dysplasia, or for treatment of a soft tissue injury, should also be discussed.