What Are the Treatments for Hip Dysplasia in Large Dogs?

Large breed dogs might need treatment for hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket joint in a dog's hip doesn't fit tightly together, causing the bones to grind together and wear down over time. The ball and socket joint in a dog with hip dysplasia moves around loosely and produces pain, eventually leading to arthritis. While all dog breeds--large and small--are susceptible to this problem, hip dysplasia is more severe in larger dogs, because they weigh more. The added weight naturally puts more pressure on their hip joints. Hip dysplasia is a generic disorder--meaning it is passed from one generation to another, although can skip generations. There are a variety of ways to prevent hip dysplasia and a variety of treatments available for large dogs with this joint disorder.

Discourage Overeating

It's especially important for owners of large breed dogs to discourage their dogs from overeating, especially when the dog is a puppy. Dr. Ron Hines, a contributing writing to 2ndchance.info, recommends owners feed dogs that are more prone to hip dysplasia a balanced diet. It should be low in calories and without too much protein to prevent the dog from growing too rapidly. Rapid growth and weight gain put the dog at greater risk of developing hip dysplasia. A good rule of thumb is to feed the dog about 20 percent less than what he would eat if given the choice.

Limit Excessive Exercise

When it comes to exercising your growing pup, less is more. Large breed dogs younger than 16 months of age should receive regular exercise, but their bodies shouldn't be pushed beyond healthy limits that could lead to injury or muscle strain. At this age, the dog's bones and muscles are still developing.

Behavior Modification

In dogs with less severe forms of hip dysplasia, it's usually manageable with behavior modification. Dog owners should ensure the dog maintains a healthy weight. Otherwise, it must be kept under control to reduce joint pressure. Provide a comfortable place for the dog to sleep, whether it's a dog bed or orthopedic foam to lesson joint pressure. Keep the dog warm, especially on cold nights because the cold can cause the joint to stiffen. Rather than walking or running your dog on hard surfaces, such as a concrete sidewalk or pavement, walk him on grass or dirt to avoid shock trauma to the joint. Moderate exercise such as swimming or a slow jog keeps the joint strong.

Physical Therapy

Like humans with joint pain, large dog breeds with hip dysplasia also benefit from physical therapy. A professional therapist massages the dog's muscles in a circular motion near the hip area to relax the muscles and lessen pain. In addition, some therapists may use hydrotherapy to further reduce pain and swelling. Hydrotherapy is a form of physical therapy that takes place in water. Dogs walk on underwater treadmills used to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint.

Medications

Hip dysplasia cannot be cured with medication. Its effects can only be mitigated. Veterinarians can prescribe non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medication, such as meloxicam, carprofen and ketoprofen to relieve joint swelling. An alternative to these medications is tramadol or gabapentin, which are pain relievers. Another option is tetracyclines--a class of antibiotics used to destroy collagen that may form around the joint. Steroids offer a dog more mobility, but can also cause side effects.

Supplements

There are other supplements available, not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, that may provide the dog some joint pain relief. For example, dogs given antioxidants, glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids, among others, have shown some improved mobility.

Surgery

Surgery may be an effective option for dogs with more severe cases of hip dysplasia. However, it's usually a last resort because of its high cost and mixed results. There are a variety of surgeries used to treat this joint disorder, from a complete hip replacement to replacing the head and neck of the femur bone with a pseudo joint--an option less desirable for larger breed dogs.

References

• 2ndchance.info: When Your Dog Has Hip Dysplasia