What hip and elbow dysplasia are, which breeds are affected, signs to watch for, how vets diagnose and treat them, and how the BVA/Royal Kennel Club screening schemes help when choosing a puppy.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for advice from your vet. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet or an out-of-hours vet service.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are among the most common inherited joint conditions in dogs, especially in medium and large breeds. They cause the joints to develop abnormally, leading to pain and arthritis. They cannot be cured, but they can often be managed well, and responsible breeding using health screening reduces the risk.
What is dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development of the hip joint, so the ball and socket don't fit together properly. The joint becomes loose, wears unevenly and develops arthritis.
Elbow dysplasia covers several developmental problems in the elbow joint, where three bones meet. Uneven growth or small fragments of bone and cartilage cause pain and arthritis.
Both are influenced by genetics, but environmental factors such as rapid growth, excess weight and some types of exercise in puppyhood play a part.
Breeds commonly affected
Dysplasia can occur in any dog, but is more common in larger breeds, including Labrador and golden retrievers, German shepherds, Rottweilers, Bernese mountain dogs and Newfoundlands. Many breed clubs recommend or require screening.
Signs to watch for
- stiffness, especially after rest or exercise;
- limping or lameness, on and off;
- difficulty getting up, climbing stairs or jumping into the car;
- a "bunny-hopping" gait or swaying hips;
- reluctance to walk or play;
- loss of muscle in the hind legs (hips);
- pain when joints are touched.
Signs can appear in young dogs from a few months old, or later as arthritis develops.
Diagnosis
Your vet will examine your dog, watch them move and feel the joints. X-rays, usually under sedation or general anaesthetic, confirm the diagnosis. Some cases need CT scans or referral to an orthopaedic specialist.
Treatment and management
Weight control
Keeping your dog lean is one of the most effective things you can do. Extra weight puts more strain on painful joints.
Exercise
Regular, controlled exercise, such as several shorter lead walks, maintains muscle strength. Hydrotherapy can be helpful. Your vet can advise on activities to avoid.
Pain relief
Anti-inflammatory and other pain medications prescribed by your vet can improve comfort. Never give human painkillers: many are toxic to dogs.
Physiotherapy and home changes
Physiotherapy, ramps, non-slip flooring and supportive beds make daily life easier.
Surgery
Depending on the dog's age and severity, options for hips can include procedures in young dogs to improve joint alignment, or total hip replacement. Elbow surgery may remove fragments or correct joint alignment. Your vet or a specialist will explain the options, benefits and risks.
Screening: the BVA/Royal Kennel Club schemes
In the UK, the British Veterinary Association and the Royal Kennel Club (formerly the Kennel Club) run screening schemes for hip and elbow dysplasia, using X-rays assessed by expert panels:
- Hip scores range from 0 to 106 (0 to 53 per hip). Lower is better. Breeders are advised to use dogs with scores well below the breed median.
- Elbow grades range from 0 to 3. Grade 0 is normal; breeders are advised to breed only from dogs graded 0.
If you are buying a puppy from an at-risk breed, ask to see the parents' hip and elbow results.
Caring for a puppy of an at-risk breed
- Feed a diet suitable for large-breed puppies, without overfeeding.
- Keep your puppy lean.
- Avoid lots of jumping, stairs and long, strenuous runs while young; follow your vet's advice on exercise.
- Consider insurance before any signs appear.
Living well with dysplasia
Many dogs with dysplasia live full, active lives with good management. Keep a simple diary of good and bad days, noting stiffness, walks and medication, which helps your vet adjust treatment. Regular check-ups let your vet monitor arthritis and pain levels as your dog ages. Cold, damp weather often makes stiffness worse, so a warm, padded bed away from draughts and a coat for thin-coated dogs can help.
Sources and further reading
- BVA: Canine Health Schemes, hip and elbow
- Royal Kennel Club: Health testing and screening
- PDSA: Pet health hub
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
Frequently asked questions
What is dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development of the hip joint, so the ball and socket don't fit together properly. The joint becomes loose, wears unevenly and develops arthritis.
What should you know about Breeds commonly affected?
Dysplasia can occur in any dog, but is more common in larger breeds, including Labrador and golden retrievers, German shepherds, Rottweilers, Bernese mountain dogs and Newfoundlands. Many breed clubs recommend or require screening.
What should you know about Signs to watch for?
Signs can appear in young dogs from a few months old, or later as arthritis develops.
What should you know about Diagnosis?
Your vet will examine your dog, watch them move and feel the joints. X-rays, usually under sedation or general anaesthetic, confirm the diagnosis.