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Dog hip dysplasia is a disease found in canines that causes the hip joints to form abnormally. This condition, a kind of dog arthritis, produces loose joints in the hip area, making it extremely difficult and painful for the dog to move. Simply put, it’s when a dog’s hips don’t fit properly, resulting in pain in the dog’s joints.

Canine hip dysplasia affects all types of canines, although it is more common in larger breed dogs and even more common in purebred dogs. Some of the breeds most prone to hip dysplasia are Great Danes, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs. However, sight hounds like gray dogs seem to escape this horrible disease.

The pain a dog feels depends on the degree of separation of the joints. If there is a partial dislocation of the thigh bone from the hip bone, this is called a subluxation, and this can even cause the dog to feel little or no pain. But if the femur is completely dislocated from the hip socket, it is known as a dislocation, and this will cause extreme pain to the poor animal.

Causes

There are a number of factors that can cause a dog to contract this disease.

1. Genetics:

Canine hip dysplasia can be inherited genetically, especially in larger dog breeds. Sometimes this disease also skips generations, but a dog’s chances are increased if the disease is in his immediate ancestry. However, genetics is not the only way, as it can also develop over time due to environmental factors.

2. Obesity:

Obesity in dogs is also known to cause this type of canine arthritis, as overweight dogs have to carry more weight and this tends to wear down the hip joints. Obese dogs tend to suffer more hip-related injuries.

3. Calcium:

Getting too much calcium is also a cause of this condition, as the extra calcium can cause the growth process to speed up and the bones cannot form properly. Similarly, too little calcium will also play a role in abnormal bone formation. Even over-exercising a dog at a young age can also be a trigger for canine hip dysplasia.

Symptoms

There are a few signs that can show that a canine has dog hip dysplasia.

1. Difficulty walking:

The main indication is when a dog is having trouble walking or appears to be limping on one or both hind legs. However, both hind legs will be affected by this, but it may show a limp on the more compromised side. The excruciating pain will not allow the dog to enjoy any of its usual activities, such as running, playing, or walking. You will also avoid jumping or climbing stairs, and will have trouble getting up after lying down or sitting down. There will also be pain in the hip / butt area.

2. Physical changes:

Another great indicator is physical changes, such as wasting of the muscles in the hip region or underdeveloped thigh muscles. The shoulder muscle will grow as the dog places extra weight on this area that its hind legs will not be able to support.

3. Hind legs with cow hock:

If a puppy is too slow to stand on all fours, climb stairs, or even jump, this could indicate that he will grow larger and develop canine hip dysplasia. Another strong indicator is whether a puppy’s hind legs have cow hocks (similar to knees in humans).

Diagnosis

X-rays are the main tests to diagnose this disease, but physical exams are also essential. The physical exam will allow the vet to manually check the dog’s hip and X-rays will show any signs of abnormality.

Treatment

To treat dog hip dysplasia, a combination of treatment is used. This includes joint supplements for dogs, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, weight management, exercise, and physical therapy. In more extreme cases, hip replacement surgery can also be an option.

Joint supplements for dogs such as glucosamine should be administered to the dog, as this anti-inflammatory additive goes directly to the joints and helps to regenerate cartilage. Exercise allows you to control the dog’s weight, thus reducing the impact of the weight on its hind legs.

Prevention

If the breed of the dog is such that it is prone to developing canine hip dysplasia, steps should be taken to lessen the impact of the disease, although complete prevention can be difficult. The canine should get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and develop his muscles properly so there is less impact on his joints.

Care must be taken to feed the dog properly so that its diet does not lack anything and an ideal weight is maintained. Dogs should be given calcium and phosphorus joint supplements to build healthy bones; also glucosamine supplements to heal any damage that could cause hip dysplasia or hip arthritis.

Avoid breeding dogs with this condition to minimize it. The dog should be kept warm, as cold weather tends to increase joint pain. Massage therapy can also help the dog relax his stiff muscles.