My name is Dr. Ruan Bester, and my goal is to help you, the pet owner, improve your knowledge of your pet’s everyday needs and health care through a variety of pet services and veterinary resources.

Simply by watching your large breed puppy move and play, you can pick up the early warning signs of abnormal hip development at home. Early detection affords your puppy multiple medical and surgical options necessary to enjoy a comfortable life. Radiographic and orthopedic examination of the hips can be performed as early as 16 weeks with good accuracy in assessing your dog’s hip health.

Here are a few simple rules for optimum hip development in your ‘at risk’ puppy:

1. Feed “Large Breed Growth Diet”, then change to adult diet at 8 months. The protein, calcium, phosphorous, and electrolytes are balanced for gradual controlled growth. It’s better to err on the side of being too thin than too fat.

2. Moderate exercise only, for the first 8 months of life. Straight line walking or swimming are excellent. Jogging and vertical play (jumping for balls and frisbees) is not recommended.

3. Watch for any of the following warning signals of Hip Dysplasia:
-Bunny Hopping with the rear legs.
-Pain on extension of the hips, check weekly.
-Pulling up with the front legs from a sitting position.
-Tires very easily, resists strenuous exercise
-Occasional limping on one or both of the rear legs.
-Audible “pop” or “click” when walking.

Remember to see your vet if you see any of these signals!

Dr. Ruan Bester, BVSc (UP)

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