Large-breed dog owners fear the term “hip dysplasia,” although it may affect dogs of any size. It helps to have some background information and be aware of symptoms that alert you to contact your veterinarian if your dog has canine hip dysplasia. As a responsible pet parent you should know how long can a dog live with hip dysplasia, and its treatments, let’s get into it.
What is Dog Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that affects dogs during their growing phase. It causes the hip joint to relax, resulting in pain and dysfunction. The cartilage and bone in the dog’s hip begin to wear away as he grows. It leads to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility over time.
Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Hip dysplasia can manifest itself in dogs as young as four months old. Others get it as they get older, along with osteoarthritis. There are a few indications that owners should be aware of in both circumstances. Some or all of the following symptoms may be prominent in your dog:
- Their back legs are stiff.
- A reduction in the bulk of thigh muscles
- Reluctance to climb stairs or get up is a sign of decreased activity.
- Shoulder muscle growth as a result of compensating for hip pain
- The range of motion is restricted.
- Difficulty or apprehension Getting up, jumping, running, or climbing
- In the back end, there’s a lot of laziness.
- Gait: swaying, “rabbit hopping.”
- During movement, the joint grates.
Even though hip dysplasia develops in puppies, most dogs do not show clinical signs until older.
Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Hip dysplasia can be caused by a femur that does not fit appropriately into the pelvic socket or by underdeveloped pelvic muscles. It can also be caused by a dog’s poor nutrition and lack of exercise, as excess weight and lack of exercise place extra pressure on the joints. Hip dysplasia is most common in large and giant breeds, presumably due to a particular animal’s body mass index, though it can affect any breed. Genetics is one of the most common causes of hip dysplasia in dogs. The risks of a puppy developing hip dysplasia are more than doubled if both parents have it.
According to research, overweight German Shepherd puppies were nearly twice as likely to have hip dysplasia than their normal-weight peers. In one study of puppies at risk for hip dysplasia, two-thirds of the puppies fed unlimited amounts of food. However, only one-third of puppies provided measured meals developed hip dysplasia. You can go for best dog food for hip dysplasia, as many food makers have created specifically tailored meals for giant breed puppies.
Hip Dysplasia Dog Breeds
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects a wide range of dog breeds. It is genetically determined, which means it has a genetic basis for disease’s likelihood and severity. As a result, many breed groups recommend or demand that a dog’s hips be X-rayed before breeding. The following are the dog breeds that are most likely to contract this disease.
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia is common in German Shepherd dogs. A combination of hip issues emphasizes the importance of keeping your German Shepherd slender and well-muscled to lessen the impact of these debilitating illnesses.
Corgis
The Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh aka Corgis are chondrodysplasia dogs, which means their bodies are abnormally shaped (long bodies and short legs). Because of extra pressure this body shape places on all weight-bearing joints, even modest hip dysplasia can develop severe osteoarthritis and trouble with daily tasks.
Labrador and Golden Retrievers
Both these pet breeds are prone to weight gain and have substantial genetic risks for hip dysplasia. Obesity has been found in studies to aggravate symptoms of hip dysplasia, such as pain, dislike to activity, and difficulty getting up.
English and French Bulldogs
The elbow, knee, and hip joints are frequently out of alignment for these breeds. Hip dysplasia can cause limping in puppies, or it might change from side to side as the canine grows older, or one side may suffer more than the other.
The hip dysplasia and joint problems are more common in giant breeds, including Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Mastiffs.
Hip Dysplasia Dog Treatment
Treatment is determined by the clinical indicators and level of discomfort displayed by the pet—several very effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) with few adverse effects (e.g., meloxicam). The choice of medication is chosen on an individual basis, and you may try different drugs before the most effective one is found. Hip dysplasia has no cure because it is a genetic disorder. But the good news is that there are a plethora of effective treatments and management options available! Here are a few typical dog hip dysplasia home treatment and behaviours that will keep your pet happy and healthy.
Surgery
In many circumstances, surgery can be beneficial. Various surgical techniques, such as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis and total hip replacement, have been documented. Suppose surgery is a possibility for your pet. In that case, your veterinarian will inform you about the various surgical methods and, if necessary, refer you to a veterinarian who is a board-certified surgery specialist.
Total hip replacement is a procedure that involves replacing the entire hip joint. This is an option for dogs with really severe hip dysplasia, and if successful, it can significantly improve their quality of life.
Physical Treatment
It can significantly improve your dog’s mobility and minimize his pain. In some patients, acupuncture as adjunctive therapy may be beneficial. Your veterinarian may offer joint prescription foods or formulas to reduce inflammation and enhance cartilage healing.
Exercise
Regular low-impact exercise, such as swimming or leash walking, might help relieve some of your dog’s joint pain. It will help boost the strength of the tendons and muscles. Try to keep your pet away from rough surfaces like concrete or asphalt when walking. It’s aggravating to the joints and may cause more harm than good.
Hydrotherapy
It is a sort of regulated aquatic training intended to help dogs with hip dysplasia gain muscle in their weak hind legs without overdoing it. A big tank with a treadmill on the bottom is used for hydrotherapy at a canine rehabilitation centre. Your dog is placed in an empty tank, sealed and filled with warm water by the physical therapist.
Dog-Friendly Environment
To help your canine into a car, bed, or around the house, create a dog-friendly environment by employing ramps or simple stairs. Your dog’s movement up and down stairs should be limited. Soft mattresses also work well, and in cold weather, a heated dog bed can be beneficial. You should use regular heating pads with caution because they can become boiling and harm your dog.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current study can reduce the prevalence of Canine Hip Dysplasia by utilizing a systematic and precise phenotypic scoring scheme. Canine hip dysplasia has been effectively reduced over the last two decades in five large common breeds in Switzerland. However, the true prevalence of Hip Dysplasia is likely higher than stated.
The key to treating hip dysplasia successfully is to diagnose it as soon as possible. Your dog will live a long and happy life with the help of these natural therapies! Once your pet has been diagnosed, your veterinarian can assist you in developing a treatment plan that will relieve any pain your pet is feeling while still allowing them to maintain its mobility.