| If you own a larger breed of dog or are looking for | | | | for one hip, which is usually all that needs to be done. |
| one, you may have heard the term OFA Certified. | | | | There are other non-surgical options available. One of |
| This refers to the dog's hip joints and is an indicator | | | | the simplest and least expensive treatments includes |
| of potential problems for your dog. Hip problems for | | | | weight management and exercise. Exercise should |
| any active dog will cause pain and discomfort that will | | | | start with short leash walks which should gradually |
| get progressively worse. The unstable hip joint will | | | | increase as the muscles get stronger. Strong muscles |
| lead to osteoarthritis. | | | | will help stabilize the joint and if the dog is |
| So, what is OFA certification? The Orthopedic | | | | overweight, losing weight will put less stress on the |
| Foundation for Animals is the recognized certifying | | | | joint. This is effective treatment as long as the dog |
| body to evaluate and determine if a dog will have | | | | is not having pain from the exercise. You may have |
| problem hips. The foundation was established in 1966 | | | | to backtrack to shorter walks. Cold and damp |
| by John M. Olin after he found that hip dysplasia was | | | | weather will aggravate joint pain for your dog, and |
| affecting his sporting dogs. Hip dysplasia is a genetic | | | | warmth is soothing. If you suffer arthritis or joint pain |
| condition and can be evaluated by radiographs. The | | | | and stiffness, your can understand how your dog |
| OFA maintains a database for hip dysplasia and now | | | | feels. |
| also maintains databases on other genetic disorders. | | | | Dogs can also be given non-steroidal |
| The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has defined 7 | | | | anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Your vet will know |
| categories to describe canine hip joints. They are: | | | | if and when this is an appropriate coarse. As with any |
| Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, | | | | medications, there are risks for side effects. Don't |
| Severe. There are several different ways to treat hip | | | | ever give your dog your NSAID medication. Side |
| dysplasia depending on the age of the dog and the | | | | effects of these drugs in dogs is the same it is for |
| severity of the problem. | | | | us. Side effects include, stomach upset, vomiting, |
| For young dogs, under the age of 10 months, | | | | diarrhea and decreased appetite. Some vets may |
| veterinarians can do surgery to stabilize the joint. This | | | | recommend an all natural, human grade, pet |
| surgery is called triple pelvic osteotomy. It involves | | | | supplement for your dog. It has been shown that |
| cutting 3 places in the pelvic bone, rotating the | | | | glucosamine and chondroitin are helpful in rebuilding |
| socket and stabilizing the ball part of the joint with | | | | cartilage in the joint. It can take about a week of |
| plates and screws. This procedure is only for puppies | | | | giving the supplement before the necessary level for |
| because once there are arthritic changes in the joint, | | | | results is reached. |
| the surgery is not possible. Another surgical option is | | | | It is important for you to consult with your dog's |
| a total hip replacement. This is a complex procedure, | | | | veterinarian to discuss the best coarse of action for |
| usually done only at teaching hospitals and large | | | | your pooch. With some help from you and the vet, |
| specialty practices. It can cost as much as $1750.00 | | | | your dog can live a full, active and pain free life. |