- Decreased activity.
- Decreased range of motion.
- Lameness in the hind legs.
- Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs.
- Wobbly, swaying, “bunny hop” gait.
- Loss of thigh muscle mass.
- Stiffness or limping.
- Pain.
The most common cause of canine rear-end lameness in puppies is hip dysplasia, a degenerative disease that affects the hip joints and progresses over time. Large breeds like German Shepherd dogs, Saint Bernards, and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs are the ones most frequently affected by canine hip dysplasia, but dogs of any size and both sexes can be affected.
The cause of canine hip dysplasia isnt known. Hip dysplasia is thought to have a genetic component, so breeding should be avoided by owners of these dogs. Hip dysplasia is more likely to affect puppies born to parents with the condition than puppies born to parents with healthy hips. However, even dogs with normal parents can develop hip dysplasia.
Clubs Offering:
Large- and giant-breed dog owners fear the words “hip dysplasia,” but any size or breed of dog can develop canine hip dysplasia. It is difficult for owners to witness this painful condition in dogs because it can significantly lower their quality of life. The good news is that maintaining your dog’s comfort can be achieved in large part by practicing responsible dog ownership and educating yourself about potential medical conditions like hip dysplasia.
Learn the signs of hip dysplasia in dogs, the available treatments, and the preventative steps you can take to keep your dog active, healthy, and happy.
A common skeletal issue, hip dysplasia is frequently observed in large or giant breed dogs, though it can also occur in smaller breeds. Owners must first comprehend the fundamental anatomy of the hip joint in order to understand how the condition functions.
The hip joint functions as a ball and socket. The ball and socket do not fit or develop properly, rubbing and grinding instead of smoothly sliding, in canines with hip dysplasia. As a result, the joint gradually deteriorates and eventually loses its ability to function.
Presentation and signalment
Hip dysplasia most commonly affects large breed dogs. However, small dogs and cats are increasingly getting the diagnosis. Clinical symptoms in affected animals can range from a bunny-hopping gait to difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs to exercise intolerance, behavioral changes, or unilateral lameness. In particular, older dogs with progressive diseases may be more likely to display muscle atrophy, lameness that gets worse with activity, or stiffness in the pelvic limbs.
A bimodal age distribution for affected animals has been described. Pain and lameness in young dogs under a year old are typically caused by joint laxity, subluxation, and synovitis. Older dogs who have degenerative joint disease more frequently present with dysfunction. The distinction between young animals with joint laxity but no degenerative changes and animals of any age with degenerative joint disease is crucial for the veterinarian when discussing treatment options. These two groups have distinctly different options for surgical management.
What is the Treatment for Hip Dysplasia?
The best course of action for treating hip dysplasia depends on the age, health, and way of life of the dog, according to Kirkwood. She typically advises surgery for young dogs with active lives ahead because it offers the greatest level of comfort over the long term.
Femoral head ostectomy, in which the head and neck of the femur are removed and scar tissue forms to form a “false joint,” and total hip replacement, which involves the implantation of an artificial hip joint, are the two common surgical procedures available for dogs with hip dysplasia. “.
Kirkwood claims that at-home medical treatment can effectively manage pain in older dogs and those for whom surgery is not an option. For canines with mild to moderate disease, home treatments for hip dysplasia are frequently advised.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat joint pain brought on by hip dysplasia, she says. It’s crucial to remember that NSAIDs (like carprofen) can have serious side effects and need to be carefully monitored. According to Kirkwood, “supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help prevent cartilage breakdown in the joint, which can also reduce pain.”
Acupuncture, physical therapy, and cold laser therapy are additional possible treatments. The best options for you and your pet will be determined in collaboration with your veterinarian. Remember that treatments frequently need to be modified over time, so heed your veterinarian’s advice regarding follow-up appointments.
FAQ
How do you test for hip dysplasia in dogs?
Radiographs: Radiographs can demonstrate how loose the joint is, how much of the ball is seated inside the socket, and how rapidly osteoarthritis is progressing. This will definitively diagnose hip dysplasia. These can also be used to decide which surgeries the dog might be a candidate for.
Can you tell if a dog has hip dysplasia by the way they walk?
When they walk, dogs with hip dysplasia may sway back and forth. Additionally, they might walk with a bunny hop or stand with their feet together. These potential gait issues are all connected to the discomfort that people with hip dysplasia experience.
Can hip dysplasia correct itself in dogs?
There is no cure for hip dysplasia in dogs. However, there are numerous therapies that have shown promise in relieving pain in older dogs and halting further damage in young puppies. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine as the most fundamental treatments.
How much is hip dysplasia test for dogs?
Hip Dysplasia > 24 mo$45; Elbow Dysplasia > 24 mo$45; Hips and Elbows together > 24 mo$50; Hip Prelims4- > 24 mo$35; OFA Fee Schedule