Seeking Answers to Hip Dysplasia

This article is a bird's eye view into a common problem faced by many breeds of
dog, known as hip dysplasia.

With some information gleaned from an article written by Marcia King in the December issue of Dog Fancy. Words of advice from Dr. Darryl Mills, professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Tennessee, taken from the same article in Dog Fancy and some research by me, I will give you a quick rundown on this common and dreaded problem.

There are many breeds that seem to have a genetic tendency toward hip dysplasia, among them you will find Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Spaniels, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Mastiffs and many more.

If you are in the market for a dog it is wise to research the breed you are looking for, to see what the genetic tendencies are toward certain ailments.

What is hip dysplasia?

It is a loose abnormal hip joint caused by a hip socket that is too shallow to hold the ball or head of the thigh bone (femur.) This causes a rubbing together of the joints and that in turn causes inflammation, pain, cartilage damage, muscle loss and arthritis. It is more common in males than in females.

What causes it?

In many cases it is a genetic predisposition, however it can also be caused by too rapid a growth in large dogs, while in the puppy growing stage and high impact exercise while a puppy, such as excessive jumping, running and training.

What are the signs?

Lameness or stiffness in the hind legs, difficulty in walking or standing, problems getting up after lying down, a type of "bunny hop gait" and pain. The dog may show pain by crying out or by nipping at its hind legs as if he/she were trying to get a flea or some other bite.

It is a condition that develops in puppy-hood, but may not be noticed until a few years later. Puppies can show signs as early as 5 months (20 weeks.)

How can you tell if your puppy has hip dysplasia?

Your vet can tell by moving the hip joints and by taking x-rays. If found early enough (before 20 weeks) there is a simple surgical procedure that can be done to repair the problem and it is the least expensive of the surgeries that can be done later on.

Many veterinarians suggest the surgery be done at the same time you spay or neuter your pet, providing you know you have a dog that is a high risk for the problem, especially if one of the parents has a known case. What can be done to prevent it?

Preventing rapid growth is one way. Slowing down the weight gain gives the bones a chance to grow and get stronger without the extra body weight. Some vets advise mixing the puppy food formula with adult food to help slow down the growth, while others suggest just feeding less more often. Talk to your vet before implementing any changes in your puppy's diet.

Avoid high impact exercise, keep the jumping and other strenuous exercise at a minimum. Any type of play that puts stress on the hind quarters on a continual basis is not recommended.

If your puppy is from high-risk parents or if the breed has a tendency to have problems, have your puppy checked early by your vet. Just knowing what to expect can allow you to plan for early surgery if necessary or it will give you something to base the early training of your dog on.

What types of surgery are available?

There are currently 4 types of surgery available:

Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis is the surgery that is done before 20 weeks. It is the quickest and the least expensive. It cauterizes the growing cartilage cells in the hip, altering the growing hip angle, which provides a tighter hip.

Triple pelvic osteotomy is a surgery where the pelvic bone is cut in 3 places and repositioned to better secure the thigh bone. It is best done before any signs of arthritis appear.

Total hip replacement is the most expensive and of course the best alternative. The dog gets an artificial hip and most dogs have amazing results.

Femoral head and neck incision surgery removes and replaces the head of the thigh bone with muscle or joint tissues that form a false joint. This is best done on dogs that weigh less than 50 pounds with generally good results.

Besides surgery there are also other ways to help reduce the pain dogs suffer. Some more advanced veterinary clinics have available transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which uses an electrical impulse to help reduce pain.

Then there is extracorporeal shockwave therapy that utilizes sound waves to induce pain relief. This treatment has helped some dogs go for months without pain and others for a year or two.

Knowing many of us have budgets that do not allow (as much as we would like to) for giving our pets the most expensive treatments and we have to rely on medication and supplements to supply pain relief.

The market place abounds with many good products that can help your pet and dull the pain of arthritis type symptoms. Look for products that contain glucosamine, chondroitin and/or MSM. As always consult your pet's health practitioner before dispensing any medication.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health: 3 Things You Must Know

Staffordshire bull terrier health is important to any Staffy owner. A little about Staffy's first. They are very intelligent dogs who enjoy running around and entertaining the family. They are strong muscular dogs that are well suited for both an apartment, flat and a home. These dogs need lots of daily activity and exercise and generally have smooth coats with short hair.

Though a little on the stocky side, Staffy bull terriers are tenacious, courageous, and fun to be around because they are so loving. While they have some very admirable personality traits, there are some possible health concerns that you will need to know before adopting your Staffy pups.

You will find that this breed of dog is often prone to cataracts and conditions of the eye. Improper breeding can often cause puppies to have double eyelashes which can rub up against the cornea causing damage to the eye. Another common breeding concern is persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV).

This ailment occurs when the blood supply to the ocular lens doesn't regress causing tissue to form and making the dog's vision cloudy or blurry. Be sure that you take your Staffy pups to the veterinarian for DNA testing will determine if they will need to have treatment for these conditions. Puppies can be screened for these conditions at a few weeks old. It is also important for the breeder to have the puppy's parents screened for these conditions to keep future litters of puppies from experiencing these ailments.

The Staffy can also be prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia affects the hip joint on the hind legs. It is associated with an abnormal joint structure in the dog, and involves a weakening of the surrounding connective tissue. This weakness in the connective tissue causes the ball and socket in the joint to lose contact with each other. While dogs of all ages can be subject to hip dysplasia, occasionally puppies will show signs of the condition.

Symptoms are similar to arthritis in the hip and can include pain and discomfort after walking, running, and exercise. A veterinarian can properly diagnose canine hip dysplasia with x-rays and a complete exam of your Staffordshire bull terrier. There are several surgical procedures available that can treat and correct this painful condition.

The third genetic condition that can possibly affect your Staffordshire bull terrier is a mast cell tumor, or mastocytosis. Mast cell tumors are found in both animals and humans. They are often associated with allergic reactions, and are generally skin tumors. Although they are not malignant in all cases, there is a possibility of malignancy. You will want to have your dog screened for any unusual skin lesions with the veterinarian.

A Staffordshire bull terrier's health is very important to the family that loves him. You want to take extra care with any possible genetic abnormalities in your dog and seek proper medical treatment to ensure a long and healthy life. Staffies are part of the family, and they are very loyal dogs. They deserve all of the love and attention you can shower on them.

Arthritis Pain Relief - The Diet That Worked For Me

Arthritis sufferers today are continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain. I got rid of my arthritis symptoms and arthritis pain years ago by making a change in my diet and lifestyle.

Arthritis pain is most usually experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine. In osteoarthritis, any one or more of the affected joints can experience a progressive loss of cartilage, which is the slippery material that cushions the ends of bones.

The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans creates a resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that coats the ends of the bones. Cartilage contains a high percentage of water and decreases with age.

An inflammatory response causes cytokines to gather in injured areas and cause inflammation and damage to body tissue and cells. It's known to play a role in a systemic form of arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis, and other muscle and joint problems associated with autoimmune diseases. Aging cells could be a significant factor in the development of arthritis and specifically osteoarthritis. Although osteoarthritis generally does go along with aging, osteoarthritic cartilage is chemically different from normal aged cartilage.

Natural arthritis treatment is usually a better choice - it's non-invasive and usually anti-inflammatory if living plant foods are consumed. I know quite a few people who are treating and relieving their arthritis pain by drinking tart cherry juice made from a concentrate; make sure it's the tart kind. Some of the foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives, soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, refined, packaged and processed food.

Many people have told me that going off of dairy products and foods containing gluten, like wheat, barley and rye especially, relieved them of arthritis pain entirely. An acidic diet, that is any foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to one's joints. Try avoiding seven of the eight most allergic foods - wheat, which is the most allergenic, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish and shellfish.

If you're not already doing so, make a big effort to change your diet. Watch your diet closely - load-bearing joints are affected by excessive weight; hips, knees, feet and spine.

Many people, including one well-known professional golfer, still wear copper bracelets and swear by them. And a recent study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil in osteoarthritis for relieving pain and stiffness, and beginning the reversal of the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours.

Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible. But be careful in the morning; you may need an hour or more of moving around first; you can start by moving your limbs around in bed a few minutes before you get out of bed. If you have pain and swelling in your fingers, try squeezing Thera-putty which is made for this purpose, or exercising them with two chime balls. Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall good health. Fight arthritis through lots of movement and exercise!

The important exercises for arthritis include: range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and some weight-bearing exercises. For arthritic fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together, press hard and release, then repeat several times. Exercise all your affected joints every day, to keep them fluid and flexible.

Once you become completely informed about arthritis you'll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program that's right for you - natural or conventional or a combination of both. And only you know which arthritis treatments are best for you. Be aware that the use of pain relievers like NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset; additionally the side effects may outweigh any benefits.

But changing my diet totally to a raw diet of plant foods - that is fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, stopped all my arthritis pain and stopped the damage to my joints to this day. The biggest secret to arthritis pain relief is a change in the diet; eat plant foods that are alive not cooked. Your treatment plan should include an anti-arthritis diet, movement, exercise, and a positive mental attitude. The right diet may stop the progression of your arthritis and stop the pain that goes with it.

Back Neck Pain Causes, Treatment and Natural Remedies

Neck pain or Cervicalgia is a common disorder inflicting two-thirds of the world population. The area affected by pain is the lower neck region and upper back region. This area bears and supports the load of our head. The top three joints of the neck are responsible for maximum and flexible movement of neck and head. The lower joints and those constituting the upper back, collectively form an effective support system for the head. When this support system undergoes an adverse attack by any one of the several reasons, neck pain is generated. The root of the pain lies in the tightening of neck muscles and pinching of spinal nerves.

To understand neck pain, we have to first know about the structure of the neck. The spinal column in the neck is made up of seven vertebrae besetting the spinal cord and canal. Tiny discs occur between vertebrae and through the little opening at the sides of the discs pass the nerves of the neck. In other words neck region is a complex collection of neck muscles, arteries, veins, lymph glands, thyroid and parathyroid glands, wind pipe, food pipe or esophagus and larynx.

Medical conditions affecting any of these neck tissues lead to pain. The pain may be piercing: sharp shooting pain accompanied by tingling sensation and numbness in the neck and upper limbs, or may be in the form of a dull ache. The other symptoms associated with neck pain may be tenderness of neck muscles, difficulty in swallowing, gland swelling, pulsations, dizziness and swishing sounds in the head.

Causes of Back Neck Pain

1. Spondylosis or degenerative arthritis
2. Ankylosing spondylitis
3. Rheumatoid arthritis
4. Thyroid trauma
5. Esophageal trauma
6. Tracheal trauma
7. Torticollis
8. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
9. Rubella
10. Certain cancers
11. Congenital cervical rib
12. Lymphadenitis
13. Spinal stenosis or constriction of the spinal canal
14. Spinal disc hermiation or protruding discs
15. Infections like retropharyngeal abscess etc
16. Carotid artery dissection
17. Referred pain due to acute coronary syndrome
18. Traumatic or minor injuries or falls from car accidents or certain sports
19. Cervical spine fracture
20. Head injury
21. Emotional and physical stresses
22. Muscular strains due to over exertion or over use
23. Poor sleeping and sitting postures

Neck Pain Treatment

Neck braces like soft collar, Philadelphia collar, halo, sterno-occipital device are often given to patients. These braces support the spine, compensate for neck muscle weakness, check the risk of further injury, quicken healing and also keep the neck in a proper position as is required.

Some patients are treated with ultrasound which can also be of help. The common medications for neck pain include analgesics like acetaminophen, carprofen, ketoprofen or Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine, massage creams containing counterirritants. Epidural steroid injections also are given to reduce inflammation of nerve roots. They are mainly used to treat spinal stenosis. Surgery may also be required in critical cases.

Herbal pain relief oil such as Rumatone Gold Oil is very effective ayurvedic herbal formula for getting relief from back neck pain. Regular application of this anti-inflammatory massage oil reduces pain and inflammation and provides lasting relief.

Joint Pain in Dogs - 5 Things You Can Do to Help!

To witness joint pain in dogs is never pleasant. If your dog has joint pain, I'm very sorry. The limping, whining, and licking of the affected joint are tell-tale signs that your dog may be experience symptoms of arthritis. Whether your dog is full blown arthritic or is simply experiencing joint discomfort, the following five steps are guaranteed to help...

Joint Pain In Dogs - 5 Things You Can Do To Help:

1. Massage the muscles surrounding the affected joint(s). Take a minute or two to relieve your dog's discomfort with a nice deep massage. Never actually rub on the joint itself. Simply lay your dog down and massage all the major muscles around the joint.



2. Acupressure works wonders. While your dog is still lying down, firmly squeeze his/her akeela's heel using your thumb and middle finger. Do this for about a minute and watch your dog immediately relax. This is pure bliss for your little buddy!



3. Change dog food. A high quality dog food high in natural glucosamine will work miracles for your dog. Do NOT overlook the importance of glucosamine in your dog's diet! It is critical to maintain healthy cartilage. The food you buy may be a little more expensive, but it will save you a fortune in vet bills down the road. And your dog will thank you heartily for it!



4. Keep your dog active. While this may sound counter-intuitive, it is actually extremely important. If your dog lounges around all day, a couple things will happen. First, your dog's joints will dry up, worsening the situation radically. Movement keeps the joints lubricated. Second, your dog could gain weight. It's been shown time after time that the heavier the dog, the worse the joint problem. Rigorous exercise could cause more problems, but a nice walk or jog for a few minutes each day can keep your dog healthy.



5. Avoid medications. Even if they're supposedly made for your pet, they can do way more harm than good, as toxicity can develop very easily. Instead, opt for a homeopathic supplement that specifically treats joint pain in dogs. If the supplement also reduces swelling, promotes flexibility and lubrication, and does away with joint stiffness, you and your dog are WAY ahead of the game!

Wobble Boards - Do They Work?

The short answer to this question is yes! We all know that physical exercises do wonders for losing weight and keeping in shape. Wobble boards do work and here are just a few things that they can help you with.

Balance - Perfecting your balance can do wonders for just about every part of your body. Keeping your balance takes the coordination of many different muscles and working them all together can have some great benefits. You will find that having a good balance is the core to many other exercises and sports and something as simple as using a wobble board can really help you sharpen your balance skills.

Toning your midsection - Let's face it, everyone wants to work on their midsection. It is the most common "problem area". You could go through a huge exercise routine to target specific areas. You can do one exercise to work your abs and another for your butt and then a third for your inner thighs. By the time your done, you are tired, sore and your muscles will soon be getting stiff. Using a wobble board focuses on all of those areas at once without all of the drawbacks of getting sore and tired.

Joint Injuries - Doctors have been using balance boards to help speed up recovery with many joint related injuries. It is a proven fact that wobble boards can help speed up recovery on many common joint problems and injuries.

They really do work wonders and not only will they help you lose weight and shape your muscles but they offer something that you do not find with other exercises. They are fun!

It might be a little tricky at first but once you get the hang of it you will be balancing your way to a thinner healthier you!

Prevent Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Macular Degeneration With Proper Nutrition and Lifestyle Choices

Do you remember your great aunt hunching over the morning paper with a big magnifying glass in her hand? What was it like when you helped both of your parents as they recovered from cataracts surgery? Do you wonder if you'll end up just like your older brother, always passing the menu to one of the kids because you never remember to bring your reading glasses into the restaurant? You might think that it's inevitable that you'll inherit the family's "bad eyes" too and your sight will only get worse as you get older.

That's not necessarily the case. While genetics does play a role in your susceptibility to certain eye diseases, the health of the eyes themselves is largely determined by the way you take care of them and by your approach to your overall health. The food you eat, the amount of exercise you get, and the level of stress that you experience all influence the quality of your eyesight.

There seems to be a broadly held perception that eye disease is unavoidable. Though people will work hard to control their weight and cholesterol, they tend to have a "what will be will be" attitude about their eyes. The majority believe that if there is any hope of saving their sight at all, surgery is the only option. There are numerous peer-reviewed studies that show clearly that these eye conditions can respond to proper diet, lifestyle adaptations, and nutritional supplementation, and that people can preserve their vision.

Below is an outline of how proper nutrition can help you prevent and treat three common eye conditions that have come to be associated with aging. Here's a basic summary of a vision healthy diet and lifestyle: Focus on eating vegetables (especially leafy greens), whole grains, eggs, and lean meats. Drink plenty of fresh, filtered water. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine, sugar, dairy, and toxic fats. Get a regular dose of exercise (at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity four times per week) and find a positive outlet for stress through practices like yoga or meditation.

1) Glaucoma - What is it? It is known as the "silent thief" because most people do not know they have the disease until it has progressed significantly and vision is severely compromised. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in tunnel vision, and, in the worst case, leave you completely blind. Because of the insidious nature of this disease it is essential that you make your annual visit to the doctor for a complete eye exam; the tests for glaucoma are simple and painless.

Who gets it? About one in fifty Americans over age forty has glaucoma, and it is sure to become even more common population ages. Both Hispanic and African Americans are at high risk for developing the disease - between 17 and 20 times more likely than their white counterparts. Those who are obese or suffer from arthritis or high blood pressure are also likely candidates.

What to do about it? Eat a diet high in vitamin C (citrus fruits, red peppers and tomatoes); omega-3 fatty acids (flax seed oil and cold water fish like salmon, mackerel); and magnesium (nuts, seeds, vegetables, seafood and soy products). It can be helpful to take any of the above as well as ginkgo biloba in the form of nutritional supplements. Also, drink plenty of water, but, instead of flooding the system with a few huge glasses now and then, drink 4 ounces every half hour for a total of 16 small glasses daily. This allows for maximum hydration and tissue cleansing and saves the kidneys from working overtime.

2) Macular Degeneration - What is it? This one is the heavy hitter, causing more cases of irreversible blindness more than any other disease. Central vision - essential to nearly all aspects of life as you know it - is affected when certain cells in the retina's macula begin to break down. There is no cure at this time, but natural remedies can be instrumental in slowing this disease's progress.

Who gets it? Women, smokers (the risk is elevated by 200-300%), those with uncontrolled high blood pressure, and people with digestive issues who cannot properly absorb nutrients from their food are most susceptible to macular degeneration.

What to do about it? The antioxidant power of the cartenoids lutein and zeaxanthin is key to the prevention and even the improvement of this debilitating disease. Load up on your leafy greens, including spinach, kale and collards. Also helpful to those concerned about macular degeneration: the antioxidants in bilberry (also available in blueberries and huckleberries); taurine (eggs, fish, and meats); and zinc (meats, oysters, and whole grains).

3) Cataracts - What are they? Free radicals are the natural byproduct of metabolism. They cause a phenomenon called oxidation - a process you are more likely to call "aging." Arteries harden, joints get creaky, and the eyes begin to cloud with cataracts as these free radicals accumulate over time.

Who gets them? Smokers, people with food allergies (especially wheat, dairy, and soy), diabetes patients, and those who drink more than seven drinks per week all run a higher risk of developing cataracts. That said, all sorts of people develop them: cataract removal is the most common surgical procedure covered by Medicare with 600,000 cases per year.

What to do about them? Glutathione is a compound found in the body that is composed of several amino acids; boost your levels with eggs, broccoli, avocados, garlic, onions, and cauliflower. Vitamin C is helpful in this case too, so all the more reason to add citrus fruits, tomatoes, and red peppers to your grocery cart.

The years will tick by, and, some signs of aging will be inescapable, but you can exert some control over whether eye disease is part of your experience. It's in your power to age gracefully, just like that nice bottle of red wine you set in your grocery cart beside all of those nice, eye health promoting foods.