Veterinarians look for degenerative changes and abnormal shapes of the hip joint. Treatment Depending on the severity of the dog's condition, veterinarians treat hip dysplasia with either drugs or surgery. Drug therapy doesn't reverse or cure the progression of hip dysplasia, but it does offer relief from the associated pain. Most require daily administration. Recent advances in veterinary medicine have made surgery a more successful option for treating severe cases of hip dysplasia.
Surgeons can improve the joints in young dogs by making changes to the shape of the femur or pelvis.
Another surgery option is hip replacement, which replaces the joint with a stainless steel ball and socket. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not live a sedentary lifestyle that is free of exercise. By carefully allowing your dog to exercise, at her own pace, you can help loosen up the stiffness in joints. Pet owners should also pay close attention to their dog's weight. Just a few extra pounds can cause skeletal stress and increase your dog's pain.