When a dog bears its weight on the joint, the friction strains the joint capsule, which is a fibrous tissue that surrounds the joint and produces joint fluid. The straining then damages the cartilage and leads to the release of inflammatory proteins within the joint. Thus begins the cycle of cartilage destruction, inflammation, and pain the symptoms we associate with arthritis. Among animals with hip dysplasia, the onset of arthritis will vary. This stage can last from weeks to months.
Chronic dysplasia can develop in dogs less than one year old or it can take many years to occur.
Hip dysplasia can result in a variety of clinical signs. Dogs can have significant hip dysplasia and arthritis and show minimal or no outward signs. Alternatively, hip dysplasia can and frequently does result in crippling arthritis. Hip dysplasia is most common among larger breeds, especially the German shepherd, rottweiler, Labrador retriever, golden retriever, mastiff, Saint Bernard, and others. It can also be seen in smaller breeds such as the cocker spaniel and springer spaniel, as well as in mixed breed dogs.