Teresa Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition of the hip joints in dogs. It is most commonly seen in german shepards, labrador retrievers, and several other large breeds, but occasionally is seen in smaller breeds. The causes of this condition are not completely understood, but rapid growth and nutritional imbalances are thought to play a part, and there is a provable genetic component. Breeding a dog that has this condition is much more likely to produce puppies with the condition than breeding a male and female which both have excellent hip conformation. Hip dysplasia means bad growth.
Treatment has far too many variables to go into here.
Prevention by not breeding a dog with bad hips is the best medicine. X-rays can determine a dog's hip conformation and determine whether he or she is suitable for breeding. Dr. Diane The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals serves as a diagnostic service and registry for Hip Dysplasia among other orthopedic and genetic diseases in animals. There is no excuse for not OFA certifying your breeding animals. If either of them test postive for this debilitating and excrutiatingly painful condition, DO NOT breed.