How to Treat Aseptic Femoral Head Necrosis in Dogs
When a dog experiences aseptic femoral head necrosis, his femoral head has collapsed or is deteriorating. Experts don’t know much about the cause of this disease, except that it appears to be inherited. This condition affects dogs in their first year of life. Because this health issue is painful to your canine, it’s important to seek care.
Instructions
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Evaluate your dog for symptoms. A dog that experiences this condition may find it difficult to put weight on his back legs. He may also have a lack or coordination, accompanied by a reluctance to run.
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Take your dog to the vet. Animals with this condition experience a lot of pain, so seeking care right away is necessary. If you have a large dog, ask someone to help carrying her to the car. This will save your dog the pain of putting weight on the affected area.
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Create a treatment plan with your vet. In mild cases, assisting your dog in losing weight while taking an anti-inflammatory medication may provide relief. In more serious cases, surgery may be needed.
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Consider dietary changes. If your dog is overweight, consider changing his eating habits. Ask your doctor about switching to a weight-management dog food. Also, cut back on table scrapes and dog treats.
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Monitor you dog's condition closely. Pay attention to her behavior daily. If she appears to be uncomfortable or in pain, contact her doctor.
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Tips & Warnings
Encourage your dog to rest often. Move his bed to a quiet place in your home that is free of distractions. Keep other animals and small children at a distance while your dog is resting.
Limit your dog’s exercise. Take your cues from her when it comes to determining her level of activity. If she appears to be uncomfortable while taking a walk, she may need to have her activity decreased. Keeping your dog on a leash can discourage running and jumping that may aggravate the condition.
