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)

***

※ canine parvovirus

※ Rabies

※ Fleas in cats and dogs

※ Mange (Fleas and pets)

***

Fibromyalgia: Feeling the Funk

lifewithfibro.blogspot.com

When the funk hits..
And you feel like nothing is worth it..
Remember..its just a funk..
The beat will stop at some point..
And life will go back to normal..

Through out my journey with fibromyalgia, I have learned to deal with the "hills and valleys". There are times I could go for months leading a very normal pain-free life then the funk hits...and you feel like you are now in a valley. The funk can be triggered by an illness flare or extreme mental stress. 

Feeling the funk..
It starts with a serious fatigue episode.
Sometimes it starts with serious migraines or deep muscle pain.
Then the brain fog and memory burden (when its an uphill task to remember simple things).
Then the episodes of pain.. On and off and all over.
It can last anything from a week to a month straight on. 

Sometimes it's confusing, with bouts of flu-like symptoms, fevers, chills, high white blood cell count as if i have an infection... 

Gastric issues, nausea, lack of appetite... Just being weird and sickly at the same time yet there is nothing visibly wrong.

The funk is usually unpredictable but it can be anticipated. After a highly stressful episode like an illness or an inter-relational conflict, you can anticipate some funk. The sooner you start dealing with it, the sooner it will lift. Do not rush the process though. Let it run its course as you employ the coping mechanisms listed below.

Coping in the funk.. 

°Eat well..
Most times during a fibro funk, I experience severe appetite loss.
This can cause you to be extremely fatigued and experience weakness.
This makes everything worse.. The pain and brain fog seem to tripple when my appetite is down.
I have a food journal and set reminders on my phone to alert me every couple of hours to have a meal/snack. (supplements come in handy... A meal replacement shake helps keep the nutrition balanced).

°Nutritional supplements
I have learned to stay on top of my nutritional supplements game especially during a flare "funk".
~B vitamins help in stabilizing the neuro pathways and this has a co-relation with sensitivity to pain.
- Magnesium is very handy in helping cope with sensitivity to pain.
- Zinc helps boost immunity so you are less susceptible to opportunistic infections, especially if eating is a problem.
- Protein shakes/mass gain/meal replacement shakes help in maintaining your nutritional levels even if for some reason you cannot eat. A tasty milkshake or smoothie or even ice popsicle will help provide nutritional comfort food when you need it.

°Take time off and relax..
Despite the tight schedules we all have, take some time off and relax.
A fibro flare "funk" can cause you to feel more burdened in life, especially if you have a lot going on.
- Relax even if for just 15 minutes a day. Listen to uplifting material and avoid depressive music or literature. Fill your mind with positivity and light.

-. Relaxation techniques help with coping with the funk mentally.
- If you exercise you can reduce the intensity or give it a break. This reduces the physical burden your body has to carry.
-Take advantage of your free time and relax. Switch off your phone and just zone off. 

°Manage the pain..
- You can see your GP for short term pain therapies that you can use to manage the pain.
- If possible get a deep tissue massage to help relax the muscles.
- Whenever you can, get a good sleep.
Its normal to experience insomnia during a funk. Before bed, a good self massage or stretch can help induce sleep. Avoid sleeping pills - unless you haven't slept for 2 days or more. 

°You are not depressed..
A fibro funk can leave someone feeling emotionally tired or feeling the weight of the world.
Remember, you are not depressed. This is a physical issue that will go away with proper management.
Your physician may prescribe medicine to help combat depression but remember..fibromyalgia and the ailments that affect your neuro-pathways are closely related.
You are not dealing with depression.
You are dealing with a flare up. It will definately cause more stress. Remember the relaxation techniques and rest as much as possible.

°You are not lazy..

Also, you are not lazy. A week off from normal routine should not make you feel bad or guilty about not being your best..you are already doing the best you can.

Most of all, stick to routine as much as possible. Go to work even if its half day. Go to class. Perform your chores even if you are much slower than usual. 

www.iainclaridge.co.uk

°You need to keep on moving..

A sedentary lifestyle makes everything.worse. Keep moving. You are much closer to recovery when you stick to your plan..even if you took a day off. Make up for it the next day.
The moment you toss your plans out of the window you will have a harder time picking up the pieces once the funk lifts.You will end up with a form of atrophy.. And that, will make your days worse..

(Atrophy; (of body tissue or an organ) waste away, typically due to the degeneration of cells, or become vestigial during evolution. Or, the gradual decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect)

More reads:

※  Chronic fatigue syndrome
※  INFLAMMATION: A SMALL PEEK AT WHAT MAKES US FEEL PAIN
※  About Fibromyalgia: What on earth is FIBROMYALGIA?
※  Mental illness: what is it?
※  Depression: Is it really genetic?
※   Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation (Part 1): Causes and Effects

Sleep deprivation is the condition of not having enough sleep ; it can be
either chronic or acute . A chronic sleep-restricted state can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, clumsiness and weight loss or weight gain. 

Sleep deprivation may result in the following conditions:

wikimedia.org

aching muscles

confusion, memory lapses or loss

depression

development of false memory

hallucinations

hand tremor

headaches

malaise

stye

periorbital puffiness , commonly known as. "bags under eyes" or eye bags

increased blood pressure

increased stress hormone levels

increased risk of diabetes

increased risk of +fibromyalgia

irritability

nystagmus (rapid involuntary rhythmic eye movement)

obesity

seizures

temper tantrums in children

yawning

mania

May cause symptoms similar to:
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
psychosis 

In a study at UCSD school of Medicine, sleep deprivation was seen to cause the brain to compensate when the individuals were asked to perform simple tasks. This means that the brain was working twice as hard in order to process simple daily tasks. 

Extended sleep deprivation will inevitably result in microsleep.

Microsleeps occur when the brain automatically shuts down, falling into a sleep state for a period that can last from a fraction of a second up to half a minute.

The person falls asleep no matter what activity he or she is engaged in.

Microsleeps are similar to blackouts and a person experiencing them is not consciously aware that they are occurring.

Weight gain/ weight loss

In rats, prolonged, complete sleep deprivation increased both food intake and energy expenditure with a net effect of weight loss and ultimately death.

This study hypothesizes that the moderate chronic sleep debt associated with habitual short sleep is associated with increased appetite and energy expenditure with the equation tipped towards food intake rather than expenditure.

The findings suggest that this might be happening because sleep deprivation could be disrupting hormones that regulate glucose metabolism and appetite.

Causes of sleep deprivation:

♣ Insomnia

Many of its symptoms are easily recognizable, including

※ excessive daytime sleepiness ;
※ frustration or worry about sleep;
※ problems with attention, concentration, or memory;
※ extreme mood changes or irritability; 

※ lack of energy or motivation; 

※ poor performance at school or work;
※ tension headaches or stomach aches.

♣ Voluntary sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation can sometimes be self-imposed due to a lack of desire to sleep or the habitual use of stimulant drugs.

Sleep deprivation is also self-imposed to achieve personal fame in the context of record-breaking stunts. 

♣ Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea (obstructive sleep apnea) is a collapse of the upper airway during sleep, which reduces airflow to the lungs.

It has many serious health outcomes if untreated, but can very often be effectively treated with positive air pressure therapy.

Central sleep apnea is repeated stops in breathing during sleep when the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing.

♣ Mental illness/ bi-polar disorder

Shifts into mania in bipolar patients are often preceded by periods of insomnia, and sleep deprivation has been shown to induce a manic state in susceptible individuals.

Sleep deprivation may represent a
final common pathway in the genesis of mania, and sleep loss is both a precipitating and reinforcing factor for the manic state.

♣ School life:

Sleep deprivation is common in first year college students as they adjust to the stress and social activities of college life.

School schedules are often incompatible with a corresponding delay in sleep offset, leading to a less than optimal amount of sleep for the majority of adolescents. 

♣ Work:

people who do shift work disrupt their sleep-wake cycles on a regular basis. Frequent travellers (for example, airline crew) also tend to have erratic sleeping patterns.

Suggestions on how to get more sleep include:

 

※ Purposefully go to bed earlier each night.

※ Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages in the hours before bedtime.

※ Improve your sleeping environment in any way you can – for example, keep it dark and sound-proof, turn off lights and wear earplugs if you have noisy neighbours.

※ Don’t have any distractions in the bedroom such as TV or a computer.

※ Use relaxation techniques to help you fall asleep quickly.

※ Seek professional assistance for sleep disorders such as snoring.

※ Find ways to improve sleeping habits for you and your baby or child.

※ Sleeping Pills & Natural Sleep Aids: 

source:
en.www.wikipedia.org
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/
http://www.helpguide.org

 Related articles:  

※  Prescription drugs, OTC drugs and those in between

※  MEDICINES - Brand leaders and Generics, what is the difference?

※  Biotin: The B-Vitamin for healthy nails, youthful skin and great hair

※  HEADACHES: migraines, cluster headaches and what they are about.

※  About Fibromyalgia

※   Enzyme depletion and food storage; what we miss from seed to plate

           

HEADACHES: migraines, cluster headaches and what they are about.

One of my main motivations behind the blog is my health.
I happen to suffer from migraines that are mild and periodically strong. Some episodes last a few hours, some can take up to five days non-stop, and your week is like a zombie trance. What are these that plague us so?

Headache pain results from signals interacting between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. During a headache, specific nerves of the blood vessels and head muscles are activated and send pain signals to the brain. It's not clear, however, why these signals are activated in the first place.

Types of headaches:
There are about 150 types of headaches, some mild, others severe, others chronic and some, one time affair.
Their triggers and treatments will vary. The most common types of headaches are:

Tension headaches: Also called chronic daily headaches or chronic non-progressive headaches, tension headaches are the most common type of headaches among adults and adolescents. These muscle contraction headaches cause mild to moderate pain and come and go over a prolonged period of time.
Many tension headaches take time todevelop following physical or emotional stress but can last for hours, or even days.
This headache tends to form as a result of muscle contraction, and is commonly felt as a band behind the eyes and across the forehead, but the pain can be located anywhere in the head, including on the side or at the back.
It can be accompanied by feeling generally unwell.

Aneurysm : You will experience a sudden, "thunderclap" of pain. This pain can mimic a migraine or cluster headache and can be accompanied by a stiff neck, double vision, and loss of consciousness. Get immediate, urgent medical assistance.

**In this case, surgery and blood pressure stabilization are the main treatments.

Migraines: The exact causes of migraines are unknown. A popular theory is that various triggers cause abnormal brain activity, which in turn causes changes in the blood vessels in the brain. This is called the neurovascular
theory. (my guess why migraine painkillers contain caffeine: to constrict the blood vessels..i stand corrected though)
Genetics plays a role in migraines and there are some forms of migraines that are associated with inherited abnormalities in certain parts of the brain.
Migraine pain is moderate to severe, often described as pounding, throbbing pain (like there is something drilling your head but you cannot touch it). Migraine headaches can last from four hours to three days and usually occur one to four times per month.
Migraines are associated with symptoms such as sensitivity to light, noise, or odors; nausea or vomiting;
loss of appetite; and stomach upset or abdominal pain.
stomach upset.
There are visual problems—called "aura"— such as seeing stars, flickering objects, and even loss of vision right before or during an attack. Some people will get panic attacks (like me) and some, a slight fever. The aura may occur a few minutes or an hour before an attack. Some migraines also cause numbness or weakness.
Migraines can be caused by reactions to food(eg dark chocolate, red wine), stressors, hormonal changes, an accident, and for some people, they are inherited.
Migraines require special attention, and you should
seek advice from your doctor, who can help you with medications and other methods to prevent migraines from occurring.
Also, with time, you can learn to detect the aura episodes and use medicine to prevent the migraine attack, or stop it before it becomes severe.
small percentage of migraines include recurrent (cyclic)
gastrointestinal symptoms, vomiting being the most common. Cyclic vomiting means that the symptoms occur on a regular basis, about once a month.
These types of migraines are sometimes called abdominal migraines.

Tumor induced headache: This is rare and if you have any suspicions that this is an issue, see your doctor immediately. Some symptoms of a brain tumor might include numbness or weakness of limbs, slurred speech, disturbed vision, epileptic fits, personality changes, or poor balance. It is rare for there to be no other symptom than a headache.

Cluster headaches: The least common but quite severe
primary headache, the pain of a cluster headache is intense and may be described as having a burning or piercing quality that is throbbing or constant.
The pain is so severe that most cluster headache sufferers cannot sit still and will often pace during an attack.
The pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region, without changing sides.
****The term "cluster headache" refers to headaches that have a characteristic grouping of attacks. (it's like they have a season in your head. During a cluster season you are in pain, then the season fades and you are fine - for a while).
Cluster headaches occur one to three times per day during a cluster period, which may last two weeks to three months. The headaches may disappear completely (go into "remission") for months or years, only to recur

Mixed headache syndrome: Also called transformed migraines, mixed headache syndrome is a combination of migraine and tension headaches. Both adults and children experience this type of headache.

Medication overuse headache (MOH): The third most widespread source of headaches is the medication overuse headache, or "rebound headache",
which stems from withdrawal symptoms from long-term use of pain relief medication (usually for tension headaches).
MOH headaches are treatable, just stop using the medication. The symptoms of an MOH headache are often similar to those of tension headaches.

Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement or straining and usually occurs with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and facial swelling.

Acute headaches: these are headaches that occur suddenly and for the first time and have symptoms that subside after a relatively short period of time.
Acute headaches most commonly result in a visit to the
pediatrician's office and/or the emergency room. If there are no neurological signs or symptoms, the most common cause for acute headaches in children and adolescents is a respiratory or sinus infection.

Hormone headaches: Headaches in women are often associated with changing hormone levels that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Chemically induced hormone changes, such as with birth control pills, also trigger headaches in some women.

Chronic progressive headaches: Also called traction or inflammatory headaches, chronic progressive headaches get worse and happen more often over time. These are the least common type of headache, accounting for less
than 5% of all headaches in adults and less than 2% of all headaches in kids.
Chronic progressive headaches may be the result of an illness or disorder of the brain or skull.

Allergy or food induced headache: With an allergy induced headache. you'll often have a runny nose and watery eyes as well as the headache, and the
headache can be generalized. It is often treated with anti-histamines.
And if you eat ice cream or drink a cold drink too quickly, you can induce a temporary "brainfreeze", or "ice cream headache" which is severe but passes quickly.

Headache caused by pain, problems, or tension in another part of the body: Headaches can be caused by sinus blockage, a cold, a virus, or fever, coughing, physical exertion, hunger, eyestrain, strained neck or back muscles, arthritis, and by dental problems. In each case, it is essential to get your doctor's examination and advice, as you will probably need wider body treatment and not just a simple focus on the head region.
If you have to wear certain items regularly, such as goggles for swimming, or pull your hair back a lot for modeling or stage work, etc., these can cause headaches in their own right—often the symptoms will be relieved by removing the item or changing your hair styling method.

Accident induced headache :
If you involved in an accident in which your head receives a shock, bump, hit, or bang, you may develop a headache. Post-traumatic headaches can arise as the result of being
in an accident or traumatic situation—these can be extremely difficult to treat and may need the intervention of a specialist trained in psychology or psychiatry.

Like I said, they number up to 150, some general while others are due to specific injury or another issue.
Always consult your doctor if the symptoms persist or seem unusual.

Relieving painkillers can easily be accessed at your pharmacy, but be careful; over-dependence can lead to headaches again.

This is Serenity.

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