Musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia in dogs are painful for pet owners to watch and even more painful for the beloved pet. Hip dysplasia in dogs refers to a genetic arthritic condition involving one or both hip joints of affected dogs. It presents itself as a partial dislocation or in severe cases, a complete dislocation of the hip joints. With time the cartilage lining the joint surfaces wear down because of the abnormal stress and strain placed on the joint, and arthritis results.
Although hip dysplasia in dogs can be a serious challenge in any breed, it is seen most frequently seen in larger purebred dogs such as: Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and St. Bernards. You may have noticed that these are some of the most popular breeds for those seeking to locate a pet.
One shocking statistic involving dog hip dysplasia is that it affects up to 75% of all German shepherds. This is a number worth taking into account if you are considering purchasing or adopting this breed. Because of its inherited nature, signs associated with dog hip dysplasia may appear as early as 4 weeks of age, although as a rule, most cases show up around 8 to 12 months of age.
These clinical signs consist of posterior pain, unsteadiness on the hind limbs, and difficulty in rising from a level position, as well as a lack of enthusiasm for movement or exercise. Manipulation of the hip joints will reveal obvious pain. In less severe cases, signs might appear only after intense activity and exercise.
Diagnosis and Treatment
An X-ray of the problematic joint, more than likely will be the first step in identifying hip dysplasia in dogs. You veterinarian will then examine the dog's genetic bloodline to confirm the diagnosis. Several registries aimed at controlling genetic diseases in dogs have developed guidelines and testing procedures for veterinarians in an effort to detect this disease in puppies and young dogs before clinical signs start to appear. For dogs that are showing signs of severe lameness due to dog hip dysplasia, a number of different surgical techniques including reconstructive hip surgery are available. If successful, surgery can help relieve the pain and lameness associated with this condition. Total hip joint replacements using prosthetic devices can be performed as well; in certain cases to ensure a permanent cure.
As a general rule, the smaller the dog involved, the better the prognosis through surgical intervention. For dogs that are not considered to be good candidates for surgery medications that work to temporarily decrease the pain and discomfort associated with this condition may be suggested. A program involving regular exercise and weight loss can also benefit these canine patients. Also, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) such as the polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid have been used with notable success to stimulate repair of damaged cartilage within diseased joints, instead of simply masking the pain caused by the arthritis.
On a personal note I have had some success with water therapy (swimming pool, tub) for joint problems in pets. I do realize that for big dogs bath tub size areas are not a viable option. The water will make exercise less painful for your pet, and who knows perhaps with a little work it might become fun. While conventional treatment options short of surgery are limited there are some excellent natural alternatives worth considering which have shown promise for managing and reversing dog hip dysplasia.
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