How to Recognize and Manage Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
Canine hip dysplasia is a degenerative genetic disorder that can cause a dog to lose its ability to enjoy a normal life of walking, running and playing. The hip joint usually had strong muscles, ligaments and cartilage that help keep the ball of the leg bone in contact with the pelvis and ensures smooth movement. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the connective elements are abnormally loose. Recognizing the disorder and managing it properly are important to ensure a good quality of life for canine sufferers.
Instructions
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Learn about the symptoms that indicate a dog has canine hip dysplasia. In most cases the problem does not show up until a dog is middle-aged or older. However, if the hip dysplasia is severe enough, symptoms will appear in puppies under the age of one. Hip dysplasia symptoms are similar to arthritis. The dog acts stiff and sore after exercise and in the morning. It will have an altered gait that appears like it is hopping with the hind legs. If the pain gets severe enough, the dog will limp. The dog will become less active and may lose muscle tone as well. Sometimes only one hip joint is affected.
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Have the dog evaluated for canine hip dysplasia by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will perform an exam and do x-rays of the dog's hips. The dog must be sedated for the x-rays. If the dog just has arthritis, the vet can diagnosis it from joint changes that show up on the x-rays. Dogs that have canine hip dysplasia have loose joints that can usually be felt during a physical exam. The vet will flex and extend the back legs to see if there is a pain reaction that indicates dysplasia. If you have a puppy that you suspect may have hip dysplasia because one or both parents have the disorder, most veterinarians can evaluate x-rays for signs of hip malformation before the dog starts showing symptoms. Once you get a diagnosis from a vet that your dog indeed has hip dysplasia, several options need to be considered for pain and mobility management.
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Consider surgical repair of the hip joint. Your veterinarian may suggest surgery on your dog's hips to repair the joints. Several types of surgeries are available. The triple pelvic osteotomy is used on dogs younger than 10 months that do not yet have serious damage to the joints. The pelvic bone is broken and the joints are realigned. Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis is less invasive. The procedure fuses the pelvic bones together, changing the angle of the hips. Dogs must be younger than 20 weeks old to have the procedure performed successfully. A total hip replacement is an option for older dogs whose hip joints have suffered damage. The joint is replaced with a prosthesis, and the surgery, though expensive, is usually successful.
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Manage canine hip dysplasia through lifestyle changes and therapy. This option is helpful if corrective surgeries are cost prohibitive. Keep your dog's weight within its breed and size guidelines. Obese dogs put more weight on their joints, aggravating painful symptoms. Continue to exercise the dog regularly but keep in mind low-impact activities like swimming and slow jogging are less stressful on the animal's joints. Your dog's sleeping area should be warm and soft. Orthopedic foam beds are especially comfortable for dogs with joint problems, and a dog sweater will help keep joints warm on cold nights. Physical and massage therapy are another option that owners can perform at home to keep joints loose and relax the dog's muscles. Using ramps in the home or to help your dog get in and out of the car are also helpful since going up and down stairs and jumping can become painful.
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Administer medicine to the dog to manage pain. Injectable medicines and anti-inflammatory drugs are helpful in alleviating hip pain. Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan is one drug that is injected over four weeks that helps prevent cartilage breakdown. It may also aid in regrowing cartilage around the damaged joint. Another injectable medicine, hyaluronic acid, is a compound in joint fluid. It is injected into the joint and it helps reduce inflammation and improve hip movement. Prescription drugs like Deramaxx, Rimadyl, EtoGesic and Metacam have been used to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. They are oral medications that can have harmful side effects, so a veterinarian should monitor their use.
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Add joint health supplements to the dog's regular diet. Dietary supplements have shown promise in helping dogs regrow cartilage around damaged bones. Pain is often caused by the bones of the pelvis and leg rubbing together after the cushioning cartilage has been worn away. Glucosamine and chondriotin are two substances that has been used to regrow cartilage in both dogs and humans. These supplements take about six weeks to start working and must be given regularly. Commercial pills and dog treats are available that contain these compounds. Perna mussels and omega-3 fatty acids have also show signs of helping with symptoms of hip dysplasia.
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Tips & Warnings
Large breeds are more likely to have canine hip dysplasia. Dogs that are prone to the disorder are Rottweilers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, Saint Bernards, Great Danes and golden retrievers.
Even though hip dysplasia is an inherited disorder in dogs, several factors will influence whether a dog develops severe or moderate symptoms. Good nutrition is key because obese dogs will suffer more joint damage. Young dogs who are susceptible to the problem may have more problems with the disorder if they are over-exercised.
Do not give a dog acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief because of the possibility of harmful side effects. Buffered aspirin is more commonly used with dogs who are suffering joint pain because it has less potential for side effects.
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