Hip dysplasia is one of the diseases that strikes fear in dog owners. The disease can be mild or severe and may present in dogs as young as five months but it can rear its head in the middle or later years. HIP DYSPLASIA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Hip dysplasia actually means, “badly grown hip” and it is a genetic disease most often occurring in German Shepherds, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Saint Bernards. However, any large, medium breed, or mixed breed dog may suffer from hip dysplasia. It is rarely seen in small breeds. Canine hip dysplasia presents when the ball and socket hip joint is malformed and causes a subluxation or separation of the two bones of the joint, which may cause pain, arthritis, difficulty walking, difficulty climbing, hind end weakness, stiffness, loss of muscle tone, and in severe cases, inability to walk. Hip Dysplasia Facts: Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease. The incidence of hip dysplasia can be reduced through selective breeding. Dog’s that don’t carry the gene will not develop the disease. Dog’s that carry the gene may or may not develop hip dysplasia. There is no test to identify if a dog is a gene carrier. The two tests are available to check for hip dysplasia are OFA or PennHIP testing. The diagnosis is usually made by examination, xrays, and OFA and PennHIP testing. Dogs with great OFA or PennHIP scores can carry the gene. The condition can range from mild to severe. The amount of calories a young dog eats impacts whether or not a dog prone to hip dysplasia will develop the disease. Overweight dogs prone to hip dysplasia are more apt to develop the disease. Hip Dysplasia Symptoms: Pain Unusual or unstable gait Bunny hopping Joint clicking Low exercise tolerance Reluctance to climb Weakness and loss of muscle mass Rear lameness Hip Dysplasia Prevention: Slow the rate of growth during the early months of life. Do not free feed or overfeed; rather feed correct portions at established feeding times. Feed nutritious, balanced food containing healthy protein, calcium, minerals, without a high carbohydrate caloric load. Reduce weight in overweight dogs. In puppies and young dogs, avoid strenuous exercise that includes lots of jumping, which puts a strain on developing joints (running and swimming is easier on joints). Exercise guideline: 20-30 minutes of sustained, heart thumping exercise 3 times a week-six or seven days a week is better than three. Treatment: Pain management Anti inflammatory diet Surgery Laser therapy Chiropractic Stretching Acupuncture Adequin injections Supplements: Glucosamine sulfate with MSM, Eggshell Membrane, Perna Mussel, Spirulina, Asthaxanin, anti inflammatory enzymes, Ubiquinol and other antioxidants. Along with your regular vet, a holistic vet and canine nutritionist can guide you in diet and supplements.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:41:50 +0000
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