Lucy Ferrey asked 4 weeks ago
Should My Bulldog Puppy Have Hip Replacement for Hip Dysplasia?
Hello, Dr. Kraemer, I desperately need help for my nearly 7-month-old English Bulldog, Martha 🐾
Popping Clunky Hips
She has severe clunky hips, loud intense deep clunks on both sides with every single step, this prompted a vet visit.
Hip X-rays and Hip Replacement Recommendation
I've included photos of the x-rays and the email sent with them which clearly states they wanted to do a full hip replacement on her in a couple of months.
Hip Replacement Second Opinion
I got a second opinion from a veterinary surgeon more familiar with bulldogs who told me she does has laxity in that hip for sure but is not a candidate for surgery as there's no remodeling of the joint at all and she's otherwise symptom free, not lame, still acts like a puppy.
Hip Supplements and Hydrotherapy
I am now supplementing & arranging hydrotherapy to build up the rear muscle.
Hip Pain and Arthritis Concerns
It must be causing some joint issues or making her uncomfortable even though there's no signs of pain, I'm concerned for her future and arthritis..
Can I please have your honest professional opinion on my little girl, am I doing the right thing or should we have the surgery to erase future lameness & problems she could be facing?
I'm desperately concerned for her, the clunking she is experiencing is AWFUL.!
Thank you so much. I hear the clunks from another room as she's walking about I'm so upset & panicked.
Lucy and Martha💞
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 5 days ago
Hip Replacement Surgery for Bulldog Hip Dysplasia Do or Don't??
Dear Lucy and Martha,"
First off—wow—she looks like royalty! 👑Total queen vibes ("The Boom". )
What Are Bulldog Hips Clicking, Clunking, Popping Sounds?
Now, let’s talk about that clicking sound you’re hearing.
While some people (even well-meaning vets) might assume it’s coming from the hips, it's more often due to luxating patella, that is a fancy way of saying the kneecap is popping out of place, usually toward the inside.
So yes, hips should be checked, but knees deserve their time in the spotlight too!
Bulldog Hip X-Rays MUST KNOW!
As for the radiographs you mentioned, they’re a bit off-angle and not aligned to the midline, so it's hard to compare both sides accurately.
But either way, they look pretty "normal" for a bulldog.
Put it this way, if I judged hip health purely on X-rays, almost every bulldog would be getting surgery, so let’s not panic over the pictures.
Hip Replacement To Do or Not To Do?
I tend to agree with the second opinion you got.
Most bulldogs with signs of hip dysplasia (like loose joints or even full luxation) do not need hip surgery or replacements.
Only a small number go on to show real trouble, like limping, avoiding activity, or developing arthritis.
How To Mange Bulldog Hip Dysplasia and Luxation?
Most of the time, we can manage this with a “Bully Wellness Hip-Toolkit” that includes:
- Staying slim (no snack bribery—even if she gives you that look 🥺)
- Joint supplements
- Adequan injections (consult your vet)
- Hydrotherapy (pool time!) as you have been already doing
- PRP and Stem Cell Therapy—science meets magic🧬
Is Hip Surgery Common For Bulldogs and Fr. Bulldog Breed?
Surgery? It should be considered on a case-by-case basis only with an orthopedic surgeon who truly knows bulldogs (not just any ol’ vet with a scalpel).
To give you some perspective, I’ve seen hundreds of bulldog hips in my career, and I’ve never recommended a hip replacement. A few rare cases needed an FHO (a much less invasive procedure), but a full replacement? Rarely a bulldog thing.
Their hip anatomy is kind of “custom-built” (translation: weird but wonderful)—with shallower sockets that make traditional replacements tricky.
And don't forget, she’s still young and hasn’t finished growing! With the care and therapeutics we discussed above, she’ll likely build strong muscles around the femoral head, and that “clickity-clack” will fade or disappear.
BULLDOG HIP SURGERY WARNING
Last thing: hip replacement isn’t a walk in the dog park.
It involves long anesthesia, pricey hardware that could fail or cause problems, risk of infection, long rehab, and let’s not even talk about the cost (unless you’ve got bulldog-sized savings )
Hope that helps! Give her a treat from me (a low-cal one 😉)
Keep me posted with any updates
Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog
