Has your dog had a hard time getting up, or just plain slowing down lately. Canine hip dysplasia might be to blame. Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common condition that often affects larger dogs, but smaller dogs can get it as well. Canine hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition. A sedentary lifestyle or being overweight can cause hip dysplasia in dogs to progress faster. Breeds such as Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, Rottweilers, German shepherds, as well as many other breeds are more at risk for canine hip dysplasia.
What’s the cause of hip dysplasia in dogs?
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition of the ball (head of the femur) and socket (acetabulum) joint of the hip. The condition occurs when the ball doesn’t fit properly into the socket, due to the socket being too shallow. Due to the abnormal movement of the joint hip dysplasia in dogs can lead to cartilage loss, loss of mobility, pain, and bone spurs.
What are the symptoms of canine hip dysplasia?
Canine hip dysplasia may be present in a young dog or may develop later in life along with joint changes and osteoarthritis. Whatever the case may be there are some common signs to look for the presence of hip dysplasia in your dog:
- Stiffness or limping
- Pain
- Decrease range of motion
- Rear limb lameness
- Bunny hopping gait
- Difficulty rising, running or jumping
- Loss of rear limb muscle mass
- Front limb compensation with increased muscle mass
What can be done about hip dysplasia in dogs?
Hip dysplasia in dogs can often be treated conservatively, although some extreme cases may require surgery. A trained canine physical therapist will make a very significant impact on your dogs’ condition and the overall outcome. They will be able to evaluate your dogs’ strength, flexibility, movement patterns and overall function. The canine physical therapist will be able to use hands on techniques to reduce pain and get your dogs’ joints moving better again. In addition, they will work on strength, flexibility, muscle activation, and overall function to help your dog live a much healthier and happier life. They will also provide you with a home exercise program to keep your dog feeling healthy and strong. They will also be able to recommend any in home modifications that may be needed.
A healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, daily exercise, join supplements, and natural remedies for pain can also assist your pup greatly in living a much happier and pain free life.
For further information talk to a canine physical therapist that specializes in hip dysplasia: