Canine Hip Dysplasia is more common in larger breeds. Dogs which have genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia are born with normal hips, however, as the dog grows, the structure of the hip joint becomes badly formed, and the ball no longer fits snugly into the socket and therefore does not rotate smoothly. Ultimately enging in arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Hip dysplasia is a multifactorial trait, which means that a number of different factors contribute to it. Multiplle genetic factors are involved as well as environmental factors. Nutrition is the greatest contribution. Puppies should be kept lean and not fat, obviously a puppy carrying around too much extra weight will exacerate any degeneration of the joint. Giving a diet toohigh in protein and calcium also exacerbates the condition. Rapid growth in young puppies also contributes, rapid growth usually directly related to feeding a high calorie diet to puppies. Over supplementation of calcium has been shown to be a major factor in the development of skeletal disease in puppies. Exercise is the other great contribution. Many people either over exercise their young puppy and give them the wrong type of exercise, the wrong type of exercise includes forced distance running and too much exercie on tarmac and other hard surfaces. Exercise should be kept to a minimum until the puppy is at least 6 months old. Correct exercise for the puppies includes running about and playing in the garden or park, a 10 minute walk, no more, and don't over do it, when the puppy is tired, stop, games involving jumping and very rough play should be avoided. Alternatively, swimming is an excellent form of exercise which builds up the muscles without putting stress on the joints. Hydrotherapy acts by encouraging a full range of jjoint motion in reduced weight conditions, thus improving muscle tone and promoting tendon repair without imposing undue stres on damaged tissues and improving cardiovascular stamina.