Case Study: Hip Dysplasia

Bear – From Pacing and Restlessness to Strength, Control, and Comfort

Bear's owner first got in touch with me to see if I could help as Bear had been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, in both hips, but his right hind leg was worse. Bear like

many dogs in this situation, had adapted how he moved his body but not in a way that was helping him. The plan for Bear included targeted rehab exercises and pain medication to assist.

Before Physiotherapy

Bear’s owner described several ongoing concerns that had become part of his “normal”:

• He was unable to maintain a proper four-beat walk, instead defaulting to pacing

• He stood with his right hind limb positioned out to the side, indicating reduced weight bearing

• His hind limb movement showed a side-to-side “wiggle”, common in dogs compensating for hip discomfort

• Most significantly, he was restless at night, frequently waking and struggling to settle

  
  

His owner advised “He is always shifting and moving at night… he just cannot seem to get comfortable.”

Over time, these patterns had become ingrained — and while they helped him cope, they were also placing strain on other areas of his body.

Our Approach

Rather than pushing Bear into more exercise, we focused on something different:

➡️ Slowing everything down

➡️ Re-teaching his body how to move

➡️ Building strength and awareness gradually

➡️ Reducing compensation patterns

Bear's programme included:

• Controlled strengthening (such as sit-to-stand)

• Proprioceptive work (foam pad, pole exercises, kerb work)

• Stability exercises (wobble cushion, pivot work)

• Movement retraining to encourage a consistent four-beat gait

Just as importantly, we adapted exercises based on his behaviour — particularly his tendency to rush his exercises when food was involved. In Bear's case, he just loves working for his vegetables, which is rare!

After a structured rehab plan adapted over a few months, his owner reported some significant changes

The improvements in Bear have been both physical and behavioural.

• He is now able to do a consistent four-beat walk

  • Bear initially found this very hard to slow his body down and be aware of where his feet are, we are still working on this but this is great progress for Bear

• He will now trot correctly instead of pacing

  • although there is still the odd 'pacing' happening at times

• He stands more square and balanced through his hind limbs

• His hind limb movement is becoming more controlled and less compensatory

• And perhaps most importantly…

His owner, Ami reports that “He’s so much more settled at night now — he sleeps for much longer and is not constantly waking.”

This change in rest is often one of the clearest indicators that a dog is feeling more comfortable in their body.

A Realistic Journey

Like many rehab cases, Bear did have a small setback after a longer walk than usual.

This is completely normal.

What matters is that his owner recognised it, adjusted his activity, and he recovered well — which is exactly what we want to see.

Where We Are Now

Bear is now working on:

• Improving hind limb awareness and independence

• Developing greater control during movement

• Continuing to build strength without compensation

  
  

He is also learning to move in ways that his body likely hasn’t used properly for years — which takes time, patience, and consistency.

Why This Matters

Dogs like Bear don’t always show pain in obvious ways.

Instead, it shows up as:

• “Odd” movement patterns like pacing

• Difficulty standing evenly

• Restlessness

• Struggling to fully relax

• 
  

When we start to understand these signs, we can begin to change not just how they move — but how they feel.

A Final Note

Bear’s progress is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right approach — but also with the right owner support.

💬 “Ami has been incredibly consistent and attentive — and that has made all the difference to Bear’s progress.”

Could Your Dog Be Telling You Something Similar?

If you’ve noticed changes in your dog’s movement, posture, or behaviour…

It’s often their way of telling you something isn’t quite right.

And the earlier you start to understand those signs, the more you can do to help.