Older dogs with hip dysplasia may have worse joint pain and mobility limitations, but their quality of life will not be affected as much as younger dogs. The severity of pain, lameness progression, and the need for intermittent pain medication will vary between individual dogs.The best way to live with a dog with hip dysplasia is to provide optimal pain management. Older dogs may be able to pace more comfortably in a crate or on a bed, which may help prevent injuries to the joints. We also recommend giving your dog meds from a human pill dispenser to decrease the risk of your dog eating them.
What happens if hip dysplasia is left untreated in dogs?
If you have left untreated dysplastic hips, the dogs pain and mobility will worsen over time, eventually leading to lameness and a shortened life.The best way to ensure a dogs health is to have his hips examined by a veterinarian. The exam will check for signs of bone disease and arthritis, which can be caused by dysplasia. In addition, radiographs (x-rays) may or may not be taken that can show the need for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis medication.In short, if untreated dysplastic hips lead to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, then how much worse could dysplastic hip be? All pain and mobility goes bad over time. Your dog can live a normal life until painful bones cause all activity to end. The average age of death would likely be 12-15 years old not 4-9 as originally said.