Puppy Health: Hip dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia..

What is hip dysplasia

In dogs, hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most studied veterinary conditions in dogs, and the most common single cause of arthritis of the hips.

Dogs with genes for hip dysplasia may or may not develop the disease; a dog without CHD genes is in the clear.

Hip dysplasia in dogs is extremely painful, and it is heartbreaking for any dog owner to have to witness his or her dog suffering. The condition is so serious that your dog will struggle to do normal activities, and the pain so severe that it can even change your dog's temperament

What does a normal hip joint look like?

To understand hip dysplasia we must have a basic understanding of the joint that is being affected. ;

**The hip joint forms the attachment of the hind leg to the body and is a ball and socket joint. The ball portion is the head of the femur while the socket (acetabulum) is located on the pelvis. In a normal joint the ball rotates freely within the socket. 

To facilitate movement the bones are shaped to perfectly match each other; with the socket surrounding the ball.

Are dogs born with hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease. 

Dogs are not born with hip dysplasia, but puppies that are genetically predisposed to it may develop it in varying degrees. 

The severity of hip dysplasia has an effect on when the dogs show symptoms of this disease and on how long they tend to live.

How hip dysplasia looks like..

Abnormal hips cause an abnormal gait so that dogs with hip dysplasia often "bunny hop" or use both back legs simultaneously to hop when they run.

Canine hip dysplasia symptoms can include difficulty getting up from a sitting position, climbing stairs, and squatting to urinate or defecate. Dogs with hip dysplasia tend to have a narrow stance, that is, stand with their back legs close together.

Symptoms and diagnosis..

Some dogs actually have mildly dysplastic hips when they're young (noted on X-ray), but won't have canine hip dysplasia symptoms until they're older. Older dogs tend to have less muscle mass to hold their bones correctly, so that's when dysplasia is obvious, even though it existed for several years. Dogs with severe hip dysplasia have obvious problems when they're young.

The diagnosis is often made based on the physical exam and your dog's symptoms.

❃ Difficulty rising
❃ Waddling gait
❃ Back legs kept close together
❃ Short stride
❃ Shifting weight from one leg to another when standing
❃ Bunny hopping
❃ Falling over when squatting to urinate or defecate
❃ Thigh muscle wasting

X-Ray photo of hip dysplasia

Manging hip dysplasia

Homeopathic remedies are always recommended before giving pain medication, since pain medication has potentially dangerous side effects.

Natural remedies for dogs with hip dysplasia:

You can help ease your dog's pain if he or she suffers from hip dysplasia. Since canine hip dysplasia is a form of degenerative arthritis, joint supplements, which help dogs with arthritis, can also help your dog with hip dysplasia. Other options  include homeopathic remedies, Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants,NSAIDs, and as a last resort, pain medications (steroids).

Which dog breeds are more susceptible to hip dysplasia..

Certain large breeds are more prone to CHD than others and include; 

❃ the Newfoundland, 

❃ Saint Bernard,
❃ Old English Sheepdog,
❃ Rottweiler,
❃ German Shepherd,
❃ Golden Retriever,
❃ Alaskan Malamute,
❃ Labrador Retriever
❃ Samoyed.

❃Great Danes

❃ Bull dogs

❃ Mastiffs

❃ American Staffordshire terrier

❃ Pugs

★★★ Hip dysplasia also occurs less commonly in smaller breed dogs and cats.

What to do???

Exercise. Regular, low-impact activity such as swimming or leash-walking will help reduce some of the pain in your dog’s joints. It will also lead to increased tendon and muscle strength. TIP: When walking, try to keep your pup away from hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.  It’s hard on the joints and might do more harm than good.

Physical therapy.can really help reduce your dog’s pain and increase his mobility. From massages to hydrotherapy – the use of underwater treadmills – physical therapy can be a great option when done right. Before starting, be sure to talk with your veterinarian who knows your dog’s limitations

Joint prescription diets or formulas, recommended by your veterinarian, can help decrease inflammation and promote cartilage healing.

Give your pooch pain medications, like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), to reduce pain, but only as directed by your veterinarian.

 Create a dog-friendly environment using ramps or easy steps to help your dog into a car, bed, or around the house. Limit your dog’s movement up and down steps. Soft mattresses work well too, and a heated dog bed in cold weather can be great. TIP: Be careful with regular heating pads, as they can get very, very hot and burn your pooch.

Acupuncture as an ancillary

Surgery can help in many cases. Various surgical procedures have been described including juvenile pubic symphysiodesis and total hip replacement (see below). Your veterinarian will advise you of the various surgical procedures, if an option for your pet, and will refer you to a veterinarian who is a board certified specialist in surgery if appropriate.

Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis. It’s a mouthful, but it describes a short, simple surgical procedure for very young puppies in breeds with a high likelihood of developing hip dysplasia. It is a preventive procedure, often combined with a neuter or spay.

Total hip replacement.  This is an option in dogs with especially severe hip dysplasia and can really increase quality of life if successful.

Thist isn’t comprehensive – there are a variety of other procedures and recommendations, and your veterinarian will be the best resource in determining what is right for a dog diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

Sources:
Wikipedia
Pet education website
USDAA.com
Pet-web website
Vca hositals.com
Healthy pets.com

Canine journal.com

Pet health Network

(Image credit: Wikipedia, pet education)

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※ canine parvovirus

※ Rabies

※ Fleas in cats and dogs

※ Mange (Fleas and pets)

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For my family and friends; From a crazy animal lover!!!

I am a crazy cat and dog owner...

yep, you heard right; I am the crazy cat-lady who is always shooing everyone around, as if a simple no cannot work.

I adore dogs; I am always talking in silly high-pitched tones and giggling to waggy-tails!!
I just love animals... people find it weird; how do you love animals? 

"They are not people; just because they are cute doesn't give them feelings!!" they say.. but I love them anyway.

I am the kind that will spare some milk for a stray stranger that is pleasant company; 

I will feel and empathise when you share a problem with me, and try to help wherever I can. Many of my species have taken advantage of this; but I can't help but reach out!! It us a losing battle to just ignore a genuine plight!!

I don't mind cleaning up after kittens, it's not like they see me as their lady-in-waiting.
It's just like changing the diaper of the toddler whose mommy is held up somewhere, and she asked me to baby-sit for just one hour. That cute look of gratitude...  and the giggles when you rub her tummy; gets me every time.

I don't mind having monologues... It's an art I have perfected.
It's like having a conversation with that naughty two-year old who is so interesting to watch, and then she babbles her entire day to you in mumbo-jumbo... you cannot understand a single word, but you fully understand her excitement and share her joy!! Lovely little beings!!

I love hugs..never mind that the furry creature is from investigating mud-life..
I will hug you and mean it, whether you are sweaty, or greasy, you got fifty layers of make-up or your hair is full of sticky gel and in fifteen temporary colours.. I will hug you and mean it.

I am very territorial, just like these adorable creatures; believe me when I take no offence when you tell me you need space!! I have no problem letting everyone enjoy their little moments of solitude and I cannot force my way in. You force your way in mine, I calmly pretend to listen and doze off... just like a cat.. or raise my hair and look at you dead in te eyes, and walk away... always works!!

I believe in law and order; no means no and yes means yes, puppy eyes or not.
I will not promise you something just to end the conversation.. 

Dogs have taught me how honest they are especially when they are disappointed. So, I will not disappoint you just because it was convenient.. you trusted me!!
Cats are worse... they make it clear you are untrustworthy and dish out silent treatments... I have learned to apologize even on the slightest mishap.. 

I am not a doormat, but I value my relationships more...

I believe in packs and prides. I believe in family and love, and respect of hierarchy; don't expect me to save you from granny when you got yourself in that naughty mess!!

Don't expect me to flirt with the rich, handsome stranger just because he offered me a ride in his juggernaut either.. pack mentality; your own first, then the rest!! 

It doesn't matter who they are: family is family; blood related or not.

I have learned how gifts can lift your spirit.. like when my cat would bring in a live lizard when am ill and in bed, hoping that the lizard will help 'heal' me just like chicken soup..
or when my dog comes silently, snuggles beside me when I over-sleep, then gently wakes me up when I sleep in too late!! 

It reminds me of the days my mother would let me sleep in, knowing too well that I am not ill; I am just tired. Or when my dad would send me airtime after 'over-hearing' me complain how broke I am..
Love comes in buckets i tell you...

The greatest lesson I have learned as a crazy fur-cuddler is the art of genuine forgiveness..
I will be harsh to that naughty dog and even pinch his ears, but when I come in from work, he is always there to jump and dance upon my arrival.. he forgot i pinched his ears earlier!!

Just like my parents; I have a list of sins that would make the devil hide in shame, but they still consider me as their own.. they get stressed when I'm ill; they get frustrated when I'm hell-bent on making bad decisions, but are always there to offer support when my bad decisions get me whooped!!
Never mind the scolding; I get scolded till heavens come, but I don't end up homeless!!!

Just like these furry little beings; they will bite me when I cooperate with the vet, but will share whatever little joys they have with me because they truly mean it!!

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This is Serenity!!

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※ Know your dog: German Shepherd Dog
※ Puppy health: Rabies!!
※ Know your dog: The Golden Retriever
※ Conditioning of the mind:
※ Skin health: Beeswax and your skin
※ Self appreciation; The journey towards self reconstruction

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(Image credit: Ontario spca)