Hip Dysplacia

If your best friend has not seemed quite himself lately or perhaps has had trouble getting up and around, the problem could be hip dysplasia. This is a condition that affects the ball and socket of the hip joint in animals, particularly dogs. Generally, in animals affected by this disease, the ball is not able to roll around in the socket as smoothly as it should. This can result in pain, which may cause a limp and limit your pet’s activities.

It is important to note that not all dogs develop hip dyslpacia, but some are more at risk for developing it than others. Particularly, large dogs are at risk for developing it. While medium and small size breeds may also develop the condition, they are at a much smaller risk. Purebreds are also at an increased risk. When an animal comes from a sire and a dam who both had the disease, they will also be at an increased risk. Some of the dog breeds that are known to be in a very high risk group for developing hip dysplasia include Great Danes, St. Bernards, Greyhounds, mastiffs, Doberman pinschers, German Shepherds, rottweillers and golden retrievers.

The signs and symptoms of hip dysplacia may not show up until a dog is a few years old. Screenings can be conducted on dogs of almost any age in order to determine whether the animal has the condition, but may not have exhibited signs as of yet. This can be particularly important if you are planning to breed the dog due to the fact that breeding two dogs with hip dysplacia can but their litter at an increased risk for the condition. In addition, early screens can help to provide treatment options, which may reduce the amount of discomfort and pain that your pet will experience later.
Treatment options can help dogs who have once been unable to enjoy an active life return to pain free movement. These options can include both surgery and medication. Surgical options may consist of either breaking the pelvic bone so that it can heal and be aligned properly or hip bone replacement.

Other than trying to assure that your breeding line is as free of hip dysplacia as possible, there is really no way to prevent this condition. The way you care for your dog; however, can influence how soon he or she develops symptoms and the degree to which they experience them. Because added weight can affect hip dysplacia, it’s a good idea to make sure that your dog maintains a healthy weight. Hip dysplacia can also be influenced by climbing and jumping, so try to keep your dog off elevated surfaces as much as possible and help them when it’s not possible to avoid elevations.

 
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