Dog Health & CareHip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes , Symptoms and Treatments

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes , Symptoms and Treatments

It tremors getting to know that your dog is a hip dysplasia patient. It sends shivers down the spines of owners of large and giant breed dogs. It weakens the dog’s entire health condition. No matter whether your dog is small, medium, or large, he or she can be vulnerable to this miserable condition.

Once, your dog is a victim of this condition, it diminishes the dog’s quality of life. If you are a dog owner of such a dog, it is heart-wrenching to see his or her diminishing health status. He or she might have been strong for years. Yet, this painful and suffocating attack your canine to suffer terribly from many severe health issues. Despite the dog being an animal, he or she does embrace death.

The best way to overcome this condition is to be aware of the potential health issues that dogs could come across.  Read through the article from beginning to end! Witness its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures!

What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

hip dysplasia in dogs
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Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal disorder. It is frequent among larger or giant breed dogs, though it can also affect smaller breeds. You have to necessarily understand the basic anatomy of the hip joint to understand what this condition is. The hip joint functions as a ball-and-socket joint. In a healthy joint, the ball (femoral head) fits snugly into the socket (acetabulum). This fitting allows smooth and pain-free movement.

In dogs with hip dysplasia, this fit is compromised. The ball and socket either do not develop properly or do not align correctly. It leads to abnormal friction and grinding instead of smooth motion. Over time, their comfortable motion changes to an abnormal way of movement. It deteriorates the joints of the dogs. Consequently, your dog will have to bear endless pain, and malfunction of joints, and perhaps they could lose mobility too.

What Are The Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

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It is not only one factor that causes hip dysplasia, many factors affect this condition. Sometimes dogs inherit this disorder from their parents. Breeds like Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd Dog get this disorder genetically.

This condition is indeed gene-based, but environmental factors and management practices can exacerbate the genetic predisposition. Puppies, especially those of large breeds, have specific nutritional needs to ensure proper growth. Diets formulated for large-breed puppies help regulate growth rates and minimize the risk of skeletal disorders like hip dysplasia. Rapid growth can strain developing joints, leading to issues later in life.

Also, you have to be aware that excessive weight puts undue stress on a dog’s joints. Obesity aggravates pre-existing hip dysplasia or contributes to its development. Therefore, you have to maintain a balanced diet and appropriate exercise routine for your dog. You can confidently treat your dog by consulting your veterinarian to establish a feeding plan and exercise regimen suited to your dog’s needs.

The Role of Glucosamine in Joint Health

Glucosamine is a common supplement found in many large-breed dog foods. It supports joint health and may be recommended for dogs diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplasia. Glucosamine, often paired with chondroitin, helps maintain joint cartilage and can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

For dogs prone to developing arthritis or hip dysplasia, early intervention with glucosamine supplements might help reduce symptoms and slow the progression of joint degeneration. While research is ongoing, these supplements are generally considered safe for long-term use and may provide relief from the discomfort associated with hip dysplasia.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

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Hip dysplasia can manifest at a young age or develop later in life, often alongside osteoarthritis. If you recognize the symptoms early, it can lead to timely intervention. Up to date, your dog might have been active and energetic. Yet, if your dog is already a victim of hip dysplasia now, its engagement in activities such as playing may go down. Moreover, your dog struggles to rise, jump, run, or climb.

Lameness in the hind legs is a common symptom of hip dysplasia, often accompanied by a distinctive “bunny hopping” gait or swaying while walking. You may hear a grating sound in the joint during movement, which signifies abnormal friction within the joint.

Loss of muscle mass in the thighs and noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind end can occur. Also, you may witness pain, stiffness, or limping, especially after exercise or inactivity in your dog, if he or she is a victim of this condition.

Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

When you take your dog to a physical examination by your veterinarian to diagnose the condition, he will do a thorough examination of your dog’s health. During the exam, the vet may manipulate your dog’s hind legs to assess joint looseness, grinding, pain, and range of motion. Also, the vet checks whether there is inflammation in your dog’s blood.

You can diagnose this condition with radiographs or X-rays. These imaging studies reveal the degree of joint malformation and help guide treatment decisions. Radiographs can show the extent of dysplasia and any associated conditions, providing a clear picture of the joint’s health.

What Are The Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia

Treatment for hip dysplasia varies based on the severity of the condition and the individual dog’s needs. Some dogs may recover when they change their lifestyle. Yet some dogs, have to undergo surgical treatment to recover from the condition. You have to simultaneously focus on reducing weight to lower stress on joints. Furthermore, you may let your dog into physical therapy and give them joint supplements. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, may also help manage pain and inflammation.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Here are some common surgical treatments that vets recommend for your dog to recover from severe conditions.

    • Double or Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO/TPO): This procedure is typically performed in young dogs (less than 10 months old). It involves cutting and rotating the pelvic bone segments to improve the function of the ball-and-socket joint.

    • Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): This surgery is suitable for both young and mature dogs. It involves an FHO that removes the femoral head to create a “false” joint. Even though it doesn’t restore normal hip function, it can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
    • Total Hip Replacement (THR): This is the most effective surgical option for hip dysplasia. The entire hip joint is replaced with artificial components, restoring near-normal function and eliminating most discomfort associated with the condition.

How To  Prevent Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

hip dysplasia
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While it may not be possible to prevent all cases of hip dysplasia, certain measures can reduce the risk. You may provide a balanced diet for your puppy that supports the growth of bones and joint development. It also prevents excessive growth that could lead to hip dysplasia. You may maintain an appropriate weight for your dog and make him or her engage in regular, moderate exercise. Exercises prevent obesity and its impact on joint health in dogs. You should not overfeed them, and make sure to limit high-fat treats.

If you want a new dog, research the breed and find a responsible breeder who conducts health screenings, including hip evaluations. Breeders should use the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) testing to ensure their breeding dogs have normal-grade hip joints.

By understanding hip dysplasia and taking proactive measures, you can improve your dog’s quality of life and ensure they remain healthy, happy, and active. Take your dog to regular veterinary check-ups, let them have a balanced diet, and give them appropriate exercise! All of these could help your dog to manage the condition effectively.

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