Puppy Hip Problems

Some breeds may be predisposed to canine hip dysplasia.

Owners can become confused or scared when their puppy begins suffering from hip problems. Unfortunately, for some breeds and bloodlines, hip problems beginning during puppyhood are not unusual. Hip problems in puppies are usually due to hip dysplasia, which can become debilitating if left untreated. Owners who recognize hip issues in their puppy should seek veterinary care immediately.

Affected Dogs

The symptoms of hip dysplasia can occur at any point during a dog's life. However, it can occur as early as five months in puppies. Unfortunately, hip dysplasia can also begin occurring at a young age though the dog may not show any signs of an issue until they are middle aged or older. It most often affects larger purebred breeds such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards.

Symptoms

In puppies, one of the first signs of hip dysplasia may be pain or discomfort following or during exercise or playtime. As the dog ages and the condition worsens, the puppy may no longer be able to participate in daily activities. The affected puppy may have an altered gait or run. Specifically, the run is often defined as similar in appearance to a bunny hopping. Additional symptoms include hind leg stiffness in the morning or following activity; loss of muscle tone or inability to get up from a laying down position.

Diagnosis

Fortunately, the diagnostic process for hip dysplasia is relatively straightforward. Due to their age and the symptoms presented, the veterinarian will often be able to make an educated guess as to the cause of their hip problems. Once hip dysplasia is suspected, the veterinarian will likely obtain x-rays of the hips to check for physical deformities. He may also perform physical tests which will help him detect the looseness in the hip joints or pain that occurs when the dog flexes his rear leg.

Treatent: Surgical Options

Once confirmed, the owner has two options for their puppy: surgical treatment or medical management. Depending on the puppy's age, the dog has two options for surgical treatment. Puppies less than 20 weeks of age will undergo Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis, which fuses the pelvic bones together to allow the rest of the bones to develop normally. Puppies less than 10 months of age, but more than 20 weeks will undergo a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, in which the pelvic bones are broken and realigned, which corrects the bone location and weight distribution.

Treatment: Medical Management

Unfortunately, surgical treatments―though the most ideal option―are extremely expensive. Often, the most realistic option for owners is to go the route of medical management. With medical management, the puppy will need to go onto a strict diet to maintain proper weight. This will be combined with exercise, vitamins and other supplements. Furthermore, the dog will require anti-inflammatory medications and pain medications to make him more comfortable as he deals with hip dysplasia.

References

• Pet Education: Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
• Marvista Vet: Hip Dysplasia
• Healthy Pet: Hip Dysplasia
• Vet Info: Hip Dysplasia