One of the more common issues for many dogs is dog hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia in dogs is relatively commonplace although different breeds may be more or less likely to develop the problem. It is a condition that can create serious pain and a worsening quality of life for your pooch, so it's imperative that you learn what to expect and what your options are should the problem set in.
Pictures shows a dog that has Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dogs can be caused by several different things. By and large, dog hip dysplasia is a genetic condition in terms of the physical structure formation of the bones and the hip joint. The problem with this condition is that the ball of the thigh bone and the pelvis socket aren't a good match for each other. The end result will be pain and discomfort, limited range of motion and a progressively worsening array of symptoms brought about by the stress of the improperly formed and supported area.
Some people have the misconception that hip dysplasia in dogs is something that is limited to older animals. While it's true that an older animal with no previous signs of the problem can develop the condition, even very young animals can display symptoms. That's because as mentioned, the root cause is usually a problem with the physical structure of the joint and the bones and therefore dogs are commonly born with it.
Usually the big dog breeds are more at higher risk to develop or be born with the condition than smaller breeds. The sheer amount of weight that the animal and its body needs to support, the stress that places on the frame and the changes to a more natural dog frame that supported less weight and size are all reasons why larger breeds are more prone to dog hip dysplasia.
A dog that is obese or overweight is also at greater risk for this condition. Additionally, excessive exercise can lead to increased stress on the hip joints and lead to the development of the condition or the worsening of it. For instance, while puppies should of course be naturally allowed to play about, they should not participate in more strenuous or lengthy forms of exercise such as accompanying you on a jog until they are fully grown.
You'll know when your dog is suffering from dog hip dysplasia when you start to notice changes in the movement of the animal. The gait will become slower and more strained, and the animal may even begin to hop a bit with their back legs. Activities such as climbing stairs or standing on their back legs will be avoided, and an interest in play and exercise will be decreased.
A veterinarian will for one take a look at the movement of your animal and for another thing will also take X-rays while conducting a complete examination to see if dog hip dysplasia is present. Feeling the joint in motion, testing for a full, smooth range of motion and listening for a possible click of the bone against the socket are all tests for the condition.
Treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs depends on the severity of the condition along with the type of dog that you have. There are a variety of surgical procedures designed to either alleviate pain or change the structure and function of the joint to improve the situation. For example, the nerve to the hip joint can be severed to eliminate pain, the head of the thigh bone can be removed with femoral head osteotomy or a total hip replacement can be performed.
There are also medications such as anti-inflammatories and steroids that can be prescribed and given to help control a situation that is chronic but perhaps not as severe. Additionally, overweight dogs need to be monitored strictly to ensure they get a more healthy and natural weight, and light to moderate exercise is encouraged. Exercises that do not strain the joint in the process, such as swimming, are especially beneficial.
Dog hip dysplasia is a common occurrence, so it's best to know all that you can before any problem arises. Remember, even puppies can experience the problem since it is largely genetic and formed in birth and early development, but other animals will develop the problem later in life or only begin to display symptoms for a lifelong condition later on.
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