Hip dysplasia is a skeletal defect in dogs and cats. It is far more common in dogs and it is usually an inherited problem.
Dogs have played an important part in our lives for thousands of years and certain breeds that were developed for specific tasks such as herding, guarding, hunting and pulling were inbred to strengthen certain positive traits. Unfortunately this also strengthened certain negative traits and hip dysplasia is one of these characteristics.
Larger dogs tend to suffer the most from this condition including Boxers, Huskies, Great Danes and German Shepherds. The more active breeds also tend to be at risk such as sheep and police dogs.
HOW DOES THE DYSPLASIA OCCUR?
At the top of the leg or femur is the femoral head and this normally rests in the socket of the joint called the acetabulum. We normally refer to this as a ball and socket joint.
Although usually inherited, it is not often evident at birth and you might only discover that your puppy has the problem at 6 or 8 months depending on the severity of the condition.
In a puppy with the potential for dysplasia, bones will mature faster than the surrounding muscles that normally keep the two components of the joint in contact. Additionally, the ligaments that assist the muscles in this role are stretched, as the puppy becomes more active. The ball and socket pull further and further apart and the socket is unable to develop fully, resulting in a shallower cup than normal. The cartilage attached to the femoral head now receives more wear and tear as it moves freely in the socket, which leads to degenerative joint disease such as Osteoarthritis. Finally the joint parts as the femoral head disconnects completely from the joint.
Some of the symptoms that you will notice in your dog include:
- Lameness after exercise
- A swaying walk or waddle
- Morning stiffness
- Difficulty when standing up.
- Reluctance to move.
- Irritable temperament
- Does not like being groomed or brushed around the hip area.
- Symptoms worse in wet or damp weather.
You might find this video helpful courtesy of Bug and his owner.
ARE THERE ANY PREVENTATIVE MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE?
Do your research on susceptible types of dog before you buy your puppy. It is important to always see a puppy with its mother and to buy from a registered breeder. If your chosen breed of dog is susceptible to hip dysplasia then seeing the mother and finding out about the father will be of help. Your breeder should also be able to show you other dogs, possibly related to your puppy that are healthy and without the condition.
You could insist on a Vet’s examination, as there are certain techniques available for determining the risk of the puppy developing the problem as it matures.
Watch your puppy very carefully as it becomes more active and pay attention to any stiffness or lameness in play. With larger dogs it is a good idea to avoid agility training or mountain walking that are likely to put additional strain on their back ends. After 18 months old, when their joints and bone growth is mature enough you can introduce them to a higher level of activity. Obviously some breeds are adapted for mountain work but the majority of dogs are not.
Do not try and train a large dog to sit up and beg or to stand on their hind legs for extended periods of time.
Exercise is important however as it is crucial that you develop the muscles surrounding the joints. Walking and running for a ball is healthy, just avoid anything that requires the dog to twist and turn. Swimming is often used as a therapy – if your dog enjoys the water then there are a few dog pools around. It is a gentle exercise that strengthens the muscles around the joints.
If your dog is still young when the problem becomes apparent then you need to explore the various options available with your vet. This might include surgery and even hip replacement.
If you suspect that you puppy has this problem then seek veterinary attention straight away.
Diet and a healthy weight is vital to reduce the strain on the joints as in humans and as dogs with this condition invariably suffer from arthritis they may need to be on anti-inflammatory and pain relieving drugs.
THE ALTERNATIVES.
As our pets get older, dogs and cats alike, they are going to suffer as we do from age related degenerative joint disease. Feeding the appropriate food is essential but you can also add certain supplements into their diet. To be honest although it is convenient and allegedly a complete ‘food’, dry dog food is not a natural diet.
I have had a number of canine clients and as a preventative you can add cod liver oil, Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphate to their diet. Because many dog foods do have these already added to consult your vet before supplementing your dog and also make sure that the brand that you are using is pet friendly.
Chondroitin helps develop the synovial fluid in the joint and the Glucosamine encourages cartilage renewal, both of these improve flexibility and improve pain levels.
Cod liver oil is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and may relieve pain and inflammation. It also contains Vitamin D which helps keep bones healthy.
NOTE. While these may help prevent the onset of joint disease they will not be able to reverse any substantial damage. Always consult your doctor for other pain relief alternatives and never, every give your pet human painkillers.
Grooming your pet not only keeps their skin in good condition and strengthens the bond between you but also offers you an opportunity to check their entire body out for soreness or unwanted lumps. Their reaction to you touching certain parts of their bodies will enable you to catch certain conditions early and to deal with them as quickly as possible.
Thanks for dropping by and please feel free to share.. Sally
Excellent article!
I fed my dog homemade food. So much garbage in the dry food.
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Great.. some of the grain filled foods in particular.
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My sweet boy got cancer. It was rampant in his body. At 13. I got on a homemade dogfood group on facebook to learn more about supplements for him. They gave him 3 days to live. He lived comfortably nine more months. He just needed the right things for his body. I had been feeding him organic food which I thought was the right choice. It was not until I started making homemade that he rebounded. I would have done raw but with my daughter’s health we could not do that. He did get one raw bone a week outside but then we had to bathe him and that was stressful to him so we stopped that. But these tips are so important that you have written
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So sorry that he had to go throught that but it does show you the power of natural food. He clearly had a wonderful life.. I miss Sam every day and even now still think about him after 9 years. We are going to get another dog but part of me resists… xxx
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I am right there with you!!! Part of me is still resisting one year later
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Terrific post, Sally. Something all prospective pup parents should be aware of ♥
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Thanks Tina.. ♥
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I make all of Saangchais food and unfortunately on my vet’s advice fed my collie dried food he suffered hip dysplasia which collies are want to do…This time hopefully Saangchai has a better diet and won’t suffer as much from a bad diet..We live and learn and sometimes at our beloved pets expense.
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I know Carol and we have all been there.. But vets make a huge mark up on the stuff they sell in their own surgeries.. I have total respect for them. Unlike doctors who only have to understand now one body works, vets have to understand all creatures great and small.. but they similarly like doctors do the minimum of nutrition in their training clearly.. xxx
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Yes it is such shame that vets and doctors are not taught more about nutrition and how it can help prevent many illnesses. I think just all round even schools should be teaching more about nutrition and the body instead of teaching the kids how to make toast!…Oh to be minister for schools even for a week…xxx
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I am with you on that.. and there is a perfectly good alphabet starting with Apple and ending in Zucchini xxx
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We should be in charge…lol xxx
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I have always thought that 5000 women arriving with nappies, baby formula, food for toddlers and nurses would be more effective than 5000 soldiers with guns. xxx
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Now wouldn’t that be a sight to behold..Mum’s Army!
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