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.
Cats suffer from hip dysplasia, too, but their symptoms are usually minor.
The diagnosis is based on a physical examination and x-rays. Currently, veterinarians have several different techniques for taking x-rays of dogs with symptoms of hip dysplasia. To a lesser extent, this x-ray technique also can evaluate how loose the hip joint is. The PennHIP radiography technique is a much better judge of hip looseness, however, and is actually used as an early detection test for hip looseness in younger dogs. It can produce valid results in puppies as young as four months of age.