A square dog's hips may become dislocated over time - discover more here about hip dysplasia among dogs.
Keep your dog healthy with diet and regular veterinary examinations/vaccines - these two things alone should make a huge difference in its wellbeing! However, genetic predispositions to diseases like hip dysplasia are irreparable - this article provides basic knowledge about hip dysplasia, its impact and possible treatments options available to your dog.
Learn the Basics of Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an inherited (congenital) disease passed on from one generation to the next, impacting hip joints where hind legs connect with bodies via socket and ball joints. The head of a dog's femur (leg bone) is formed into an oval ball shape, designed to fit perfectly into sockets of their hip joint in their lower pelvis. When healthy, these sockets and balls meet perfectly, and a strong ligament connects both. Hip dysplasia occurs when either the joint itself becomes dislocated, its ligaments or muscles weakening, causing two bones to lose contact and separate in a process called subluxation; consequently, the head of femur no longer sits correctly within its socket in some instances even breaking out completely from within it.
Causes and Symptoms
Hip dysplasia can affect any dog breed; however it's more prevalent among giant and large breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes and Rottweilers. Certain breeds such as Greyhounds or Borzois do not tend to develop hip dysplasia; however, if both parents suffer from hip dysplasia their odds of inheriting it increase significantly. Although not likely diagnosed immediately upon birth with hip dysplasia themselves, their offspring's chances of developing it increases exponentially. Breeders use DNA tests to screen for congenital diseases like hip dysplasia in order to produce litters free of health issues and ensure healthy pups. Although genetics is the main factor influencing hip dysplasia in dogs, overexertion early may also increase its likelihood. Dogs that carry genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia might have an increased chance of being affected.
Related Topic: What Is Patellar Luxation In Dogs?
Signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs vary from case to case; in milder instances it might not even manifest. But in more serious instances it can result in stiff hind legs, painful hips and hind hip stiffness when your dog gets up from lying or sitting down, difficulty exercising or climbing stairs and hesitation to exercise at all. As it worsens your dog may start favoring one leg over another to keep from bearing weight on it; eventually they may start favoring one over the other or even start hopping to avoid bearing weight on that leg - leading to what would become permanent paralysis or limpness depending on how serious their condition was treated or left untreated the affected limb could become permanent limp over time.
Treatment Options
Once genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, there's no effective way to stop its development. There are, however, various treatment options to consider which range from total hip replacements in severe cases to maintaining ideal body weight, encouraging moderate exercise levels and offering warm sleeping spaces as ways of managing its progress. Chondroitin or glucosamine supplements may be beneficial; alternatively your veterinarian may recommend anti-inflammatory medication - perhaps in combination with pain relievers - which could provide extra support.
Other Topic: Understanding Canine Parvovirus.
Hip dysplasia can be a devastating condition and should never go untreated. Do yourself and your pup a favor by purchasing from breeders who conduct appropriate genetic screenings; also provide healthy nutrition and exercise regimes to support him/her as needed. Should hip dysplasia symptoms appear promptly consult a veterinarian so as to find treatment and prevent the issue from getting worse.
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