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Updated on December 15, 2020

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

What is Hip dysplasia?

In dogs, Hip dysplasia, also known as canine hips dysplasia, is one of the most common causes of hip arthritis. This is an abnormal formation of the hip joint. It can be found in many animals, but is most often associated with dogs.

Normal vs Severe Canine Hip Dysplasia in dogs

Some breeds have more genetic tendencies in hip dysplasia than other breeds. Large and huge rays are most often affected. Rarely, small breed dogs may also be affected, but less likely to show clinical symptoms. This is basically a purebred disease, although it can occur in mixed breeds, especially if it is a cross between two dogs prone to developing the disease. This can affect any dog.

German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Rottweiler, Bulldog, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, and Pug dog breeds are more at risk than others. However, any dog can develop hip dysplasia due to trauma or over active or overweight.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

A number of symptoms can occur if your dog suffers from hip dysplasia. Here is a list of things to look for:

  • Decrease inactivity
  • Difficulty getting up
  • Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs
  • Hip pain
  • Joint separation or weakness
  • Loss of muscle mass in the thigh muscles
  • Light on hind limbs, often worse after training

As an owner, you will most likely only notice that your dog is more reluctant to be physically active and seems to be in pain. If you notice these types of symptoms, you should bring your dog to the vet.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

There are a number of factors that can cause a dog to develop this disease.

1. Genetics

Hip dysplasia can be inherited genetically, especially in older breeds of dogs. Sometimes this disease also leaps for generations, but the dog has a high chance if the disease is in its immediate past. However, genetics is not the only way, as it can also develop over time due to environmental factors.

2. Obesity

Dog obesity is also known to cause this type of arthritis in dogs, as overweight dogs must be more weighty, which leads to wear on the hip joints. Obese dogs tend to have more hip damage.

3. Calcium

Getting too much calcium is also the cause of this condition, since extra calcium can accelerate the growth process, which leads to proper bone formation. Similarly, too little calcium will also play a role in the formation of abnormal bones. Even excessive physical exertion on the dog at an early age can also be the cause of hip dysplasia.

Diagnosis of hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia alone cannot be determined by a blood test or a genetic test. Instead, veterinarians can diagnose the condition by physically examining the dog and performing routine x-rays. An x-ray helps veterinarians evaluate how long the disease lasts and how effective the treatment is.

Dogs with hip dysplasia can be exposed to radiography using two methods: advanced ventrodorsal hip radiography and PennHIP radiography technique. An X-ray with an expanded ventrodorsal view of the thigh gives the veterinarian a frontal view of the hip and pelvic joints, giving the veterinarian a better idea of ​​the serious condition. PennHIP X-ray is an X-ray method that is often used to determine the presence of a hip joint.

Treatment of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

1. Surgical options

Once diagnosed, dog dysplasia can be treated surgically; Your veterinarian will determine the following procedure for your pet, depending on the age, body size, and severity of the damage to the hip joint:

  • Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO)
  • Juvenile pubic symphysis
  • Complete hip replacement
  • Excision of the femoral head and neck

2. Non-surgical treatments

Surgical procedures are available to treat hip dysplasia. However, they are generally considered an outdated procedure because they are expensive and rather complex procedures.

3. Keep weight under control

As a parent dog, you must control its weight. Of course, you must feed him properly in order to be able to do this. His diet should be high in protein and fiber and low in fat. In addition, do not feed it freely, as this can lead to overweight, if not obesity, and this creates additional pressure on the hip joints. This intensifies the pain through which it passes.

4. Low impact exercises

Low impact exercises are ideal for dogs with hip dysplasia, including walking and swimming. You can gradually start the exercise program and increase it when the painless movement improves. If after exercise it becomes very harsh, consider limiting the time and intensity of exercise. Climbing stairs is often difficult for our animals with arthritis; using the bathroom can be difficult

5. Supplementation

The supplement is also a good home treatment for dog dysplasia. A high-quality supplement for dogs and dog joints can help treat the disorder and relieve the pain it causes. This supplement usually contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, which are effective in repairing joints. It also contains methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which relieves pain and inflammation.

6. Medications and Supplements

The dog owner may also consider using medications and supplements to improve the dog’s life. We recommend several nutraceuticals for your diet, including MSM, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids as soon as the disease is diagnosed.

All of these elements are important supplements in the daily diet of dogs. They help relieve joint pain and improve joint function. There are several drugs on the market that combine these substances for the health of the joints and bones of dogs.

And finally, aspirin is canine aspirin in a fried beef tablet with a taste that dogs love. For use in relieving pain, fever, and inflammation associated with arthritis and joint problems.

How long can a dog with hip dysplasia live?

How long can a dog live with hip dysplasia is purely depends on several factors of a dog such as age, severity, and complications. This is a diagnosis that is not lethal, so your dog will live relatively long even with a diagnosis of dysplasia.

In conclusion, Treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs can differ from symptom relief with painkillers and prescription drugs that have long-term side effects. Weight loss and exercise program right through to painful hip replacement surgery that is effective, but expensive and painful for your dog. There are other non-traditional forms of treatment that cover all-natural products that many pet owners are changing. Natural treatments are not only cost-effective, but they are also good for your dog’s health, and your dog will not have any harmful or painful side effects.

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Filed Under: Breeds

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