Hip Dysplasia is a joint disease caused by irregular or abnormal growth and development of the hip. Generally this will occur on both sides of the dog. Depending on severity and a vet’s recommendation, hip dysplasia can be treated conservatively with physical therapy and hydrotherapy or surgically.

N.B. This treatment plan is a guide only and may be altered as the treatment progresses. Speed of progression through each stage is different for every furry friend!

‍

• The initial appointment will discuss goals for your dog and plan how we will achieve this together
• Hydrotherapy Underwater Treadmill Sessions minimum 1x per week for 8x weeks. Sessions will vary in timing depending on dog’s ability
• Ideally 2+ times per week to fast track progress and rebuild atrophied muscle and reduce compensatory impact on dog’s other legs
• Soft Tissue massage to aid in pain and tightness as a result of compensatory and incorrect body use
• At-home Ice therapy to aid in swelling
• At home exercise program to help fast-track progress. This will be adjusted weekly depending on dog’s progress

• Recovery will vary with each dog, depending on various factors such as degree of muscle loss (atrophy), age of dog, weight of dog, activity level of dog
• To see results, hydrotherapy underwater treadmill sessions are recommend to continue weekly for a minimum of 8 weeks, with reassessment on conclusion of the 8 weeks

• Approximately 2x Weeks post surgery or once wound site is fully healed
• If treating conservatively treatment should begin as soon as possible following diagnosis
• Soft tissue massage and passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises may begin sooner depending on pain level of your dog
• Underwater treadmill is a highly supported and low impact exercise which is why it is suitable to begin at this early stage