Hip Dysplasia is a congenital disease that results from the abnormal development of the hip joints, and is one of the reasons why dog owners may choose to buy their pet an orthopedic dog bed even if their pet has not developed this condition.
With hip dysplasia, the canine’s joints become loose and wobbly resulting in a form of osteoarthritis. Larger breeds of dog seem to be more at risk of developing hip dysplasia than smaller breeds. Particularly German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards. The only known best way of avoiding your dog getting hip dysplasia is if you got one that was selectively bred from parents with good hips and this still doesn’t guarantee your dog wouldn’t develop it, it just reduces the likelihood.
In most cases dogs may not show symptoms for many years. With others symptoms can become apparent early in the dogs first or second year of age. One possible tell tale sign in the second scenario is the puppy or young dog showing signs of pain or discomfort after an exercise session.
Observable symptoms that you may wish to get checked out by a vet are lameness, stiffness after lying down, reluctance to jump or climb steps and an obviously painful reaction to exertion of the rear legs when stretching.
Intervention is required otherwise the dog may eventually become unable to walk at all.
Hip Dysplasia is diagnosed via a combination of physical examination, which should reveal looseness of joints and x-rays or radiographs which should reveal abnormalities in the joint.
It can be treated via surgical or medicinal means. Surgery options vary depending on the age of the dog and the severity of the joint degeneration. The surgery options available to pups or very young dogs when the stage of the hip dysplasia is caught early offer the best results. The medical option is about joint maintenance through pain relief or anti-inflammatory supplements or drugs. These should be combined with proper diet and exercise.
Supplements you can buy for your dog are those containing glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements have become popular and widely used by humans and animals to help manage their arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin help synthesize new cartilage as well as repair existing damaged cartilage. Do note that quality varies. If it’s cheap that may be because it’s of poor quality. MSM has been reported as an n of the structural integrity of connective tissue and its ability to reduce scar tissue. Omega-3 is also popular for it’s anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, as most sufferers of arthritis will point out, suffering is worse in cold and damp weather. So it is for your dogs suffering from arthritis too. Therefore you want to keep the dog warm. You can buy your dog a dog sweater, dog jacket or dog coat to wear when out and about, and buy it a an orthopedic dog bed, also known as a memory foam dog bed to sleep and rest in. Again make sure the dog bed is located in a warm area.
Massage and physical therapy can be provided. The vet can show you how to do this.
