What breeds are prone Hip
Displasia?
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Usually, large breeds of dogs
are more prone to hip dysphasia. Labradors, Great
Pyrenees, Great Danes, Retrievers, German Shepherds,
Saint Bernards, Rottweilers and Sporting Dog Breeds
are examples. However, small dogs can also acquire
this. If your dogs belong to any of the mentioned
breeds, the following information might help you.
What is Hip Displasia?
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Hip Displasia, a degenerative condition, is an abnormality
in the expansion of the hip joint, where the ball joint
of the dogs hips are misshapen, caused by too much laxity
in the joint. This in turn results to wear and tear of the
abnormal arthritic bones causing extreme pain. Not only
can this cause pain, the joint can also come right out of
the socket.
How did my dog acquire this?
Hip displasia is a genetic disease, meaning the pup can
inherit it from its parents. Note that not all dogs inclined
to get this disease will acquire it. Other factors also
contribute, like environmental factors, rapid weight changes
and other genetic factors as well. Tracing your pet's family
lineage will help you determine if your dog is prone to
this disease. If there is no incidence of hip displasia
in your pet's family, then your dog will not get it.
What are its symptoms?
It is difficult to diagnose because it may or may not show
clinical signs. Common signs exhibited are lameness on one
or both rear limbs, difficulty in standing or walking, hopping
like a bunny, and decrease in mobility. After the joint's
growth period, many pups display pain sporadically even
before arthritis begins to exhibit. It can lead to severe
arthritis, in which your pet can be in extreme pain. Rarely,
puppies as young as 5 or 6 months can show these symptoms.
What is the treatment?
If you suspect your dog has hip
displasia, bring to the clinic and have your pet X-rayed.
There are two methods to see if your dog has hip displasia
- the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) testing uses
a standard view and another developed by the University
of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip), which
shows to be more effective in detecting Hip Disphasia in
puppies.
There are two treatment plans based on the time the disease
has occurred - before and after the growth of the hip joint.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, the surgical reconstruction of
the hip joint, is recommended for puppies less than a year
of age. Be careful though - clinical symptoms related to
hip dyspasia can be caused by other illnesses such as osteochondrosis,
strain or sprain in one of the joints, or back and pelvis
injury.
However, dogs that show symptoms after the growth, it is
best to first find out of it can be treated through medication
or surgery. Medical treatment includes aspirin, phenylbutazone
or glycosaminoglycosans. Narcotics can be used to eliminate
pain. There is a strong connection between the administration
of glycosaminoglycans and a considerable decrease in the
dog's arthritis.
Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications
can be used, different dogs have varying reactions to medicines.
That's why it is best to consult your veterinarian on which
medicine works well for your dog. If this proves to be unsatisfactory,
you may resort to surgery.
Total Hip Replacement is most excellent, especially for
severe hip displasia. This is very effective because the
hip joint is replaced with artificial parts to eradicate
pain. Femoral Head Ostectomy or Femoral head and neck excision
is also an option wherein just the femoral head is removed,
which can be performed at any age. It eliminates most of
the pain associated with hip arthritis because there is
a reduced contact between the bones, but not all dogs are
cut out for this method. Surgery is more costly primarily,
but in the long run, it will save the dog owner on pain
relievers. Once the surgery has completed, a recuperation
period of about 3-6 months will be commended by the doctor.
Any more advice?
This illness is very painful for your pet. Thus, measures
should be taken to alleviate pain such as medication and
giving them a warm and comfortable place to rest in, especially
for older dogs. Regular walks
and physical exercises can reduce weight, which can decrease
the dog's discomfort. For young pups, gradual introduction
of adult dog
food is recommended for gradual gain weight.
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