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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