What is hip dysplasia in dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a frequent bone ailment that primarily affects large or giant breeds but can also affect lesser breeds. Owners must first grasp the basic anatomy of the hip joint in order to comprehend how this occurs.
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket do not fit or develop properly in dogs with hip dysplasia, and they rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly. This can cause degeneration and eventually loss of function of the joint.
What causes this?
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that is regulated by environmental, dietary, and physical factors such as growth rate, muscle mass, and hormones. Because this condition is most common in large breed dogs, puppies should be kept at a reasonable lean body mass as they grow rather than being overfed or urged to grow.
What symptoms should I look for?
Weakness and discomfort in the back legs are common clinical manifestations. The dog appears unsteady and unable to rise up from a sitting or reclining position. Some dogs limp or are hesitant to climb stairs. These symptoms can be detected in puppies as young as a few months old, although they are most common in dogs aged one to two years. On x-rays, dogs with minor hip dysplasia may acquire mild arthritis with no clinical indications until they outgrow it. In fact, while hip dysplasia can occur in puppies, most dogs do not exhibit clinical indications until they are older. It normally takes several years for dogs’ bones to deteriorate before symptoms develop.
Exercise for dogs with hip dysplasia
Consult your dog’s veterinarian about a healthy exercise routine. Walking and light running can both help to strengthen the muscles that surround your joints. Your doctor may advise you to take two 20-minute walks per day, allowing your dog to decide the pace.
In general, try to avoid long-distance jumping or running. Consider allowing your dog to swim for exercise—if you can find a suitable location, swimming is beneficial to the muscles surrounding the joints.
Mobility aids for dogs with hip dysplasia
Your dog may have trouble standing or balancing for long periods of time. When necessary, a support sling can be used to gently support your dog’s core. If your dog’s hip pain has advanced to the point where they require more constant support, a wheelchair may be of benefit.
Hip support braces are useful for a wide range of dogs and may be good for walking pets with mild to moderate hip dysplasia. From puppies with early signs of hip trouble to senior dogs with arthritis.