It is obvious then how important a controlled diet and exercise programs are for growing dogs. Dogs one to ten years old, where development of degenerative joint disease is milder and slower. Limited , but adequate nutrition - too many calories will enhance abnormal hip growth. With strict adherence to these control methods, the hip joint may fully mature, the fractures can heal and the dog may be pain free by 12 to 15 months. This may be due to continued progression of hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disease.
Radiographs are often helpful for confirmation and to determine the duration of the problem.
As with the younger group, confinement and analgesics as needed may be sufficient. To create a new socket, a small muscle is transferred to between the acetabulum and the new surface will be limited in that the limb, but pain is reduced. With gradual build-up, exercise tolerance will return to nearly normal levels. When looking for a new pup always check the Dam and Sire's OFA's. These are x-rays taken of the dogs hips at around age two and will give you a good idea of the shape of the dogs hips.