| p>Musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia in | | | | aimed at controlling genetic diseases in dogs have |
| dogs are painful for pet owners to watch and even | | | | developed guidelines and testing procedures for |
| more painful for the beloved pet. Hip dysplasia in | | | | veterinarians in an effort to detect this disease in |
| dogs refers to a genetic arthritic condition involving | | | | puppies and young dogs before clinical signs start to |
| one or both hip joints of affected dogs. It presents | | | | appear. For dogs that are showing signs of severe |
| itself as a partial dislocation or in severe cases, a | | | | lameness due to dog hip dysplasia, a number of |
| complete dislocation of the hip joints. With time the | | | | different surgical techniques including reconstructive |
| cartilage lining the joint surfaces wear down because | | | | hip surgery are available. If successful, surgery can |
| of the abnormal stress and strain placed on the joint, | | | | help relieve the pain and lameness associated with |
| and arthritis results. | | | | this condition. Total hip joint replacements using |
| Although hip dysplasia in dogs can be a serious | | | | prosthetic devices can be performed as well; in |
| challenge in any breed, it is seen most frequently | | | | certain cases to ensure a permanent cure. |
| seen in larger purebred dogs such as: Labrador | | | | As a general rule, the smaller the dog involved, the |
| retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, and | | | | better the prognosis through surgical intervention. For |
| St. Bernards. You may have noticed that these are | | | | dogs that are not considered to be good candidates |
| some of the most popular breeds for those seeking | | | | for surgery medications that work to temporarily |
| to locate a pet. | | | | decrease the pain and discomfort associated with this |
| One shocking statistic involving dog hip dysplasia is | | | | condition may be suggested. A program involving |
| that it affects up to 75% of all German shepherds. | | | | regular exercise and weight loss can also benefit |
| This is a number worth taking into account if you are | | | | these canine patients. Also, disease-modifying |
| considering purchasing or adopting this breed. Because | | | | osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) such as the |
| of its inherited nature, signs associated with dog hip | | | | polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, glucosamine, |
| dysplasia may appear as early as 4 weeks of age, | | | | chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid have been |
| although as a rule, most cases show up around 8 to | | | | used with notable success to stimulate repair of |
| 12 months of age. | | | | damaged cartilage within diseased joints, instead of |
| These clinical signs consist of posterior pain, | | | | simply masking the pain caused by the arthritis. |
| unsteadiness on the hind limbs, and difficulty in rising | | | | On a personal note I have had some success with |
| from a level position, as well as a lack of enthusiasm | | | | water therapy (swimming pool, tub) for joint |
| for movement or exercise. Manipulation of the hip | | | | problems in pets. I do realize that for big dogs bath |
| joints will reveal obvious pain. In less severe cases, | | | | tub size areas are not a viable option. The water will |
| signs might appear only after intense activity and | | | | make exercise less painful for your pet, and who |
| exercise. | | | | knows perhaps with a little work it might become |
| Diagnosis and Treatment | | | | fun. While conventional treatment options short of |
| An X-ray of the problematic joint, more than likely will | | | | surgery are limited there are some excellent natural |
| be the first step in identifying hip dysplasia in dogs. | | | | alternatives worth considering which have shown |
| You veterinarian will then examine the dog's genetic | | | | promise for managing and reversing dog hip dysplasia. |
| bloodline to confirm the diagnosis. Several registries | | | | |