Hip Dysplasia: Building a Multimodal Pain Plan

Dr. Rosemary Stolzer-Bolton, DVM, DVMCaninePre-RACE approval · 0.5–3 CE creditsFree Preview

Canine hip dysplasia affects up to 20% of large-breed dogs and is the most common cause of rear-limb lameness in veterinary practice. This course moves beyond the 'NSAID and rest' reflex to build a truly multimodal pain management plan — combining evidence-based pharmacology with rehabilitation, nutraceuticals, laser therapy, acupuncture, and weight optimization. Earn RACE CE credit (approval pending; hours assigned at approval).

Learning Objectives

  • 1Explain the pathophysiology of canine hip dysplasia including the role of joint laxity, cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remodeling, and central sensitization in chronic pain
  • 2Apply a multimodal pain management framework that integrates NSAIDs, gabapentin, amantadine, physical rehabilitation, and nutraceuticals based on disease stage
  • 3Analyze the evidence for nutraceuticals — including EPA/DHA, UC-II collagen, and green-lipped mussel — for articular cartilage support and pain reduction in dysplastic dogs
  • 4Evaluate the role of weight management, therapeutic exercise, and underwater treadmill rehabilitation in improving function and reducing pain burden in hip dysplasia
  • 5Identify appropriate candidates for surgical referral — including TPO, DARthroplasty, FHO, and total hip replacement — and communicate options to clients effectively

Course Syllabus

  1. 1
    Meet Ranger: A German Shepherd at 2 Years OldPreview

    Case introduction — young dysplastic dog with bilateral disease presenting for second opinion on long-term management

    5 min
  2. 2
    Pathophysiology: From Laxity to Central Sensitization

    Joint laxity, Ortolani sign, cartilage matrix breakdown, synovitis, subchondral sclerosis, and the development of chronic central sensitization

    10 min
  3. 3
    Pharmacologic Toolkit: NSAIDs, Gabapentinoids, and More

    COX-2 selective NSAIDs, gabapentin, amantadine, grapiprant, tramadol caveats, and when to layer drugs for central sensitization

    12 min
  4. 4
    Nutraceuticals with Real Evidence

    EPA/DHA omega-3s, UC-II collagen, green-lipped mussel, glucosamine/chondroitin, and what the literature actually supports

    9 min
  5. 5
    Rehabilitation, Laser, and Acupuncture

    Underwater treadmill, therapeutic exercise, photobiomodulation, and acupuncture — evidence, protocols, and referral criteria

    11 min
  6. 6
    Weight Management + Surgical Options + Case Resolution

    Quantifying obesity's pain contribution, surgical timing decisions (TPO, FHO, THR), and Ranger's 6-month outcome

    8 min

Final Assessment

10 questions · Passing score: 70%

Complete all course modules to unlock the assessment. Upon passing, your CE certificate will be generated automatically.