How to Prevent Hip Problems

Whether for humans or dogs, good hip health starts early, especially for those predisposed to hip dysplasia.

Hip problems are a major cause of both chronic and acute health concerns, and are prevalent in both humans and dogs. Hip dysplasia (HD), which is the abnormal formation of the hip joint, is the primary cause of hip problems in dogs. It can occur in up to 50 percent or more of certain large breed dogs, with mixed and small breeds also susceptible. Hip dysplasia is also found in humans, which is why pediatricians screen for it during every well-baby checkup. Early monitoring and proactive, ongoing care may help to prevent or to reduce these and other hip problems in both humans and dogs.

Instructions

1. Understand the major causes of hip problems, which include heredity, environment and physical appearance--weight, size and body type. Most problems arise from a combination of these factors in conjunction with age, gender and personal habits.

2. Investigate your, or your dog's, health history back at least two generations (to the grandparents). Either parent can pass hip dysplasia or other degenerative hip disorders to their offspring even though they might not exhibit any symptoms themselves. If detected early, hip dysplasia can usually be corrected in humans and reduced in dogs.

3. Control what you and your dog eat. People with a low calcium dietary intake, or a reduced ability to absorb calcium, are vulnerable to hip fractures. For dogs, dietary calcium intake should be between 0.9 to 1.6 percent dry matter. Both should maintain lean body weight since excess weight can be a significant factor in promoting hip problems.

4. Modify your physical environment. Don't leave anything on the floor that you can trip over, such as throw rugs or dogs' or children's toys. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, simple safety modifications at home can substantially lower the risk of falling, which is a leading cause of hip fractures.

5. Change your personal habits. Stop smoking and reduce any excessive alcohol use, both of which make people more vulnerable to hip fractures. Begin a regular routine of weight-bearing exercises, such as walking. And for women, get rid of those high heels, as they can cause structural damage leading to hip problems.

6. Monitor your puppy's development. To prevent or reduce hip problems in dogs, many breeders warn against allowing puppies to walk up or down steps during their first eight to 12 months (it takes eight months for a dog's hip joints to mature). It is also important to keep them from doing excessive jumping, running and playing on hard surfaces (particularly concrete).

Tips & Warnings

• Find dog breeds predisposed to hip dysplasia through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Regarding dietary supplements, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids show promise for both dog and human hip health.

• Asians and Caucasians, particularly those that are small-boned and slender-bodied, are more prone to hip fractures in later life.

References

• General Hip Dysplasia Information; Breeder Guidelines; Hip Dysplasia Statistics
• College of Veterinary Medicine: Canine Hip Dysplasia
• "Diagnosis and Genetics of Canine Hip Dysplasia;" Baker Institute for Animal Health; Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine; November 2005
• Preventing Hip Fractures; Public Service Announcements; Developmental Dislocation (Dysplasia) of the Hip

Resources

• "Diagnosis and Genetics of Canine Hip Dysplasia"
• General Hip Dysplasia Information; Breeder Guidelines; Hip Dysplasia Statistics
• College of Veterinary Medicine: Canine Hip Dysplasia
• Preventing Hip Fractures; Public Service Announcements; Developmental Dislocation (Dysplasia) of the Hip