Hip Dysplasia In Dogs

An Overview of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

It is the deformity of the hip joint, that can occur in a dog’s growing up phase. As large breed dogs have a higher tendency to suffer the condition, many large breed dog owners do know about the hip condition. Any dog owner should be familiar with the condition. The in-depth point is, the ball of the femur cannot fit into the hip socket. Many dogs will dispose of no signs at all, while others will dispose of severe conditions.

Causes

Several causes can accelerate the condition of the dogs. There are some breeds which are naturally prone to suffer from the condition. These specific breeds inherit the conditions from their parents.

These breeds are Labrador retrievers, German Labradors, Golden retrievers, St. Bernards, Rottweilers, and Old English Sheepdogs. Significant components like sudden weight gain, the overall diet, and less of exercising can act as a catalyst in developing the condition.

Things to look for

The condition develops in young dogs in their early development phases. The owner can witness signs the dog's four to six weeks of age. The fact is, there is no link between age and the seriousness of the condition. In other cases, the dog may not dispose any sign at all. The other aspect of the case can be pain and lameness for the dog in its geriatric phase. Some possible symptoms can be:

• Lameness of the hind legs
• Frequent staggering and swaying
• Being reluctant in jumping and running
• Difficulty to lie down or standing up
• Unnatural gait

Diagnosis

The vet will execute some kind of physical examination for the dog’s hip joint. An Xray examination is the most sort after way to check the presence of hip dysplasia in dogs. The vet will highlight the amount of related arthritis.

Treatment

In the contemporary age, there is the availability of proper medications along with surgical mediums to restore the patient’s mobility and ease the comfort. The type of treatment will depend on some factors. Factors like the severity, age, health, etc. decide the possible kind of treatment for the dog.

When the other forms of treatments do not work for the dog, the expert will rely on the surgical options for the dog. Dogs who are into competitive sports need immediate surgical interventions. Surgery is also sorted to slow down the progression of the condition.

Other options as Treatments

Other options for treatments are the same as for the patients with arthritis. Weight management programs, which include things like special nutritional supplements, medications for rehabilitation, are useful in repairing the cartilages and reduce pain and inflammation.

Prevention

According to recent researches, hip dysplasia is related to some genetic factors, as well as to some environmental factors. In many of the cases, the condition can be genetical. Many environmental factors such as overfeeding and excessive exercising can lead to the condition.

Exercise and Diet of the older dogs

According to some valuable evidence, the dogs who grow rapidly are known to suffer hip dysplasia. Breeds who are naturally prone to the condition needs a well-formulated food, to ignore the condition. One should avoid exercising the dog massively. Any abnormality in the hip joint can show the possibility of the condition in the dog.

Caring for a dog with hip dysplasia

1. Below are few steps which the owner should execute:
2. If the owner senses the possibility of hip dysplasia, an immediate call to the vet can do wonders in preventing long-term consequences.
3. Regular monitoring of the body weight is necessary.
4. Heavy duty exercises need avoidance.