Dogs
Hip dysplasia in dogs is one such disease that occurs as a result of abnormal development of the hip joint. Normally, the hip joint of a dog is a ball and socket kind of joint where the end of the thigh bone fits well into the socket of the hip. Hip dysplasia is one such dog health problem where the head of the thigh bone does not insert into the socket properly. As a result, the cartilage of the joint tends to wear out and cause a lot of stress to the affected joint. Gradually, the joint get badly damaged and leads to pain and inflammation. Hip dysplasia symptoms in dogs can be found more in male species than the female ones. Moreover, pure breeds have higher chances of getting hip dysplasia as compared to mixed breeds.
Causes
Genetic factors are mainly responsible for causing hip dysplasia in dogs. Certain large dog breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, etc. are genetically more susceptible to hip dysplasia. Though it can happen to medium or small-sized dogs as well but it's quite rare. Along with that, there are other factors that can aggravate the problem further. Dog foods can play a major role in the development of hip dysplasia. Too much of calories in their diet can lead to dog obesity. This extra weight contribute towards faster degeneration of the hip joints of a dog. Rapid rate of growth of puppies in the period between the three to ten months of age can also cause this kind of abnormal hip development. Sometimes, overexercise at a young age can have adverse effects on the hip joints and lead to hip dysplasia.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs can vary from mild to severe depending on how badly your pet has been affected by it. The first signs can be noticed in puppies who are as young as that of 5-6 months old. In general, the symptoms in puppies are moderate. They include tendency to hop like a rabbit while running, stiffness in the limb while walking or after the regular exercise regime and difficulty in standing up. Gradually, the condition deteriorates over a period of time when the hip weakens further. Later on, as they grow up you may notice that they are not willing to walk even small distances. While playing they avoid to jump as their legs hurt. Usually, it is in the middle or later years they start walking and running with altered gait. Climbing stairs could be painful for them. They tend to avoid any such movements where full stretching of the rear legs may be required. These are a serious form of symptoms. Canine arthritis could be the possible reason for all these changes. In certain cases, the symptoms could be so severe that they will not be able to get up or walk without assistance.
Treatment
When you suspect that your dog is suffering from dysplasia, visit a veterinarian without any delay. The disease is diagnosed with the help of physical examination and x-ray. Both surgical as well as non surgical treatment options are available for treating hip dysplasia. In the non surgical method, medicines are given in order to reduce the pain and improve the mobility of the limbs. Swimming is also often recommended as an exercise as it does not put any additional pressure on the painful joint. Depending on the age and the severity of the condition, surgery could be suggested. There are a number of surgical procedures which are used to correct the problem. If it is detected at an early stage and the dog is less than 10 months of age, then the ball and socket of the affected joint can be realigned by surgical means. Another popular option is total replacement of the affected hip.
Since hip dysplasia is a genetic problem, you cannot do much to prevent it. However, you can suspend those activities that can aggravate the symptoms, like rough play sliding on slick doors, too much of climbing stairs, etc. Take care that they do not put on too much of weight. Many times, pet owners fail to identify the symptoms and assume them to be normal signs of aging. Thus, the treatment gets delayed. Therefore, if your pet has genes of hip dysplasia, you have to be watchful and check for symptoms in it.
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Dogs
Hip Dysplasia Symptoms in Dogs
Hip dysplasia in dogs is one such disease that occurs as a result of abnormal development of the hip joint. Normally, the hip joint of a dog is a ball and socket kind of joint where the end of the thigh bone fits well into the socket of the hip. Hip dysplasia is one such dog health problem where the head of the thigh bone does not insert into the socket properly. As a result, the cartilage of the joint tends to wear out and cause a lot of stress to the affected joint. Gradually, the joint get badly damaged and leads to pain and inflammation. Hip dysplasia symptoms in dogs can be found more in male species than the female ones. Moreover, pure breeds have higher chances of getting hip dysplasia as compared to mixed breeds.
Causes
Genetic factors are mainly responsible for causing hip dysplasia in dogs. Certain large dog breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, etc. are genetically more susceptible to hip dysplasia. Though it can happen to medium or small-sized dogs as well but it's quite rare. Along with that, there are other factors that can aggravate the problem further. Dog foods can play a major role in the development of hip dysplasia. Too much of calories in their diet can lead to dog obesity. This extra weight contribute towards faster degeneration of the hip joints of a dog. Rapid rate of growth of puppies in the period between the three to ten months of age can also cause this kind of abnormal hip development. Sometimes, overexercise at a young age can have adverse effects on the hip joints and lead to hip dysplasia.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs can vary from mild to severe depending on how badly your pet has been affected by it. The first signs can be noticed in puppies who are as young as that of 5-6 months old. In general, the symptoms in puppies are moderate. They include tendency to hop like a rabbit while running, stiffness in the limb while walking or after the regular exercise regime and difficulty in standing up. Gradually, the condition deteriorates over a period of time when the hip weakens further. Later on, as they grow up you may notice that they are not willing to walk even small distances. While playing they avoid to jump as their legs hurt. Usually, it is in the middle or later years they start walking and running with altered gait. Climbing stairs could be painful for them. They tend to avoid any such movements where full stretching of the rear legs may be required. These are a serious form of symptoms. Canine arthritis could be the possible reason for all these changes. In certain cases, the symptoms could be so severe that they will not be able to get up or walk without assistance.
Treatment
When you suspect that your dog is suffering from dysplasia, visit a veterinarian without any delay. The disease is diagnosed with the help of physical examination and x-ray. Both surgical as well as non surgical treatment options are available for treating hip dysplasia. In the non surgical method, medicines are given in order to reduce the pain and improve the mobility of the limbs. Swimming is also often recommended as an exercise as it does not put any additional pressure on the painful joint. Depending on the age and the severity of the condition, surgery could be suggested. There are a number of surgical procedures which are used to correct the problem. If it is detected at an early stage and the dog is less than 10 months of age, then the ball and socket of the affected joint can be realigned by surgical means. Another popular option is total replacement of the affected hip.
Since hip dysplasia is a genetic problem, you cannot do much to prevent it. However, you can suspend those activities that can aggravate the symptoms, like rough play sliding on slick doors, too much of climbing stairs, etc. Take care that they do not put on too much of weight. Many times, pet owners fail to identify the symptoms and assume them to be normal signs of aging. Thus, the treatment gets delayed. Therefore, if your pet has genes of hip dysplasia, you have to be watchful and check for symptoms in it.
- Understanding Canine Arthritis
By Ruthie Bently As our canine companions get older they are susceptible to many of the same conditions of aging that affect humans; arthritis is one of these conditions. A dog’s skeletal system is comprised of not only their bones, but also the tendons...
- Dealing With The Diagnosis Of Hip Dysplasia
By Anna Lee Hip dysplasia is a common problem among large breed dogs; however, the diagnosis is no longer something to fear or shy away from. With the proper medication, weight control and exercise your dog can lead a normal and fun-filled life. I know...
- Shoulder Injuries In Dogs
Shoulder injury in dogs is a very common occurrence, as dogs can be quite energetic and hence, sometimes may overdo themselves. An important fact about dogs is that they do not have collarbones connecting to the shoulder blades. Instead, the humerus...
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Have you noticed a dog chasing a cat or rabbit, suddenly yelping, pulling up short and lifting the hind leg, unable to walk properly. Or have you noticed a running dog, suddenly yelping, stopping, hopping for a couple of steps and then resuming his...
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