Degenerative Hip Disease in Dogs
Hip dysplasia is the abnormal development of the hip joint usually caused by genetics. It is most likely to affect larger and overweight dogs, and targets pure breeds more often than mixed breeds. The degeneration of the joint caused by the dysplasia often will result in the canine developing osteoarthritis of the hip.
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Susceptibility
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Canine degenerative hip disease can occur in medium-sized breeds, rarely develops in small dogs and is much more prevalent in larger animals. All ages of canines can develop the afflictions with symptoms usually showing in middle or later years.
Symptoms
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Hip dysplasia brings about much discomfort and pain to the animal. There is a reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, play or participate in normal daily activities. The animal may also experience difficulty getting up from a resting position.
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Medical/Surgical Relief
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Hip surgery is becoming quite common to provide relief for the animal. There are no drugs available which can prevent hip disease. However, anti-inflammatory medication can provide pain relief and decrease progression of the disease.
Pain Relief
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Pain can be relieved through proper diet and gentle regular exercise. Other alternatives include providing a soft comfortable place for the dog to sleep, physical therapy and massage.
Prevention/Solution
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Because of its strong genetic link, degenerative hip disease could become a rare occurrence with selective breeding. There is no guarantee the disease could ever be completely obliterated, but the incidence occurrence could certainly become much lower.
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