Dog breeds susceptible to hip dysplasia.
Although it is possible for any dog
to have hip dysplasia, there is no doubt that large and giant sized dogs are
the breeds most genetically susceptible.
These include:
* Labradors and golden retrievers.
* Rottweilers.
* Saint Bernards.
* German shepherds.
* Great Danes.
* Dobermans.
* Mastiffs.
* Labradors and golden retrievers.
* Rottweilers.
* Saint Bernards.
* German shepherds.
* Great Danes.
* Dobermans.
* Mastiffs.
Interestingly enough, even though
the disease is more prevalent in pure bred dogs, mixed breed dogs can suffer
from hip dysplasia as well. Two dog breeds that are famous for having a much
lower incidence of canine dysplasia are Borzois and Greyhounds.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs.
It can be terribly easy to assume
that your dog is just starting to get old, but if your Rover starts showing any
of the following signs it is probably a great idea to get him checked over by
the vet. It is also important to note that hip dysplasia can show up in puppies
as young as 5 months. Obviously the younger dogs will need careful monitoring
to ensure that the hip dysplasia does not become severe canine arthritis while
the dog is still young.
The following are all signs of hip
dysplasia:
* early morning stiffness.
* unusual or stiff gait.
* reluctance or difficulty with steps.
* reluctance or refusal to jump in the car.
* change in personality.
* unable to sustain usual walking distance.
* not so keen to retrieve anymore.
* has taken to sleeping away from family members, or disappearing.
* problems in getting up from lying or sitting.
* favoring one or both rear legs.
* displays distress at having rear leg extended.
* displays sensitivity or pain with pressure over lower spine or hips.
* early morning stiffness.
* unusual or stiff gait.
* reluctance or difficulty with steps.
* reluctance or refusal to jump in the car.
* change in personality.
* unable to sustain usual walking distance.
* not so keen to retrieve anymore.
* has taken to sleeping away from family members, or disappearing.
* problems in getting up from lying or sitting.
* favoring one or both rear legs.
* displays distress at having rear leg extended.
* displays sensitivity or pain with pressure over lower spine or hips.
Minimizing Canine Hip Arthritis.
Your dog may be susceptible to hip
dysplasia, but research has proven that the severity of the disease can be
dramatically reduced by practicing many of the following:
* Exercise. Exercise has been
shown to be effective in helping to reduce the severity of arthritis in the
hips of dogs with hip dysplasia. Regular exercise not only helps to keep the
pounds down, but will also keep your dog’s muscle mass up. It would appear that
dogs with strong muscle mass around their lower backs and hips seem to suffer
less than dogs with weaker muscles.
* Weight management. The link
between canine arthritis and obesity is well established. The more excess
pounds your dog has to lug around, the more stressed his hips are becoming and
the worse his arthritis will be. This does not mean you have to starve your
dog, but you are ultimately responsible for how much pain and suffering your
dog will go through. Ignore the pleading eyes and feed your dog responsibly.
* Check ups. Having a regular
visit to the vet can ensure that your dog can start receiving early treatments
if he needs it. By the time your dog starts displaying symptoms to you he is
already in pain. Your vet will also be able to ensure that your dog is in a
healthy weight range.
Treatments for dog arthritis.
Once Rover has been diagnosed with
hip dysplasia or canine arthritis, all is not lost. There are many treatments,
supplements, and aids that you can utilize to ensure that he is still having a
good and comfortable quality of life.
* Water exercise. For those
dog breeds who love the water, like the Labradors and Golden Retrievers, water
exercise can be a win-win situation. Your dog is able to continue exercising,
maintaining muscle mass, and burning up calories, while participating in an enjoyable
activity. Not only that, the water will act as a buffer for those sore joints
taking some off the load off, and will also act as resistance for a bit of a
muscle work out. Aqua aerobics for your pooch!
* Beds. Dogs with sore joints
deserve a comfortable dog bed. Well made orthopedic dog beds are designed to
take the stress off your dog’s lower back and hips. Make sure that your dog
does not have to sleep in a draft and that he is nice and warm. The cold and
damp make every one’s inflamed joints hurt more, including Rover’s. See these
examples of dog beds.
* Diet. A good quality diet
that is low in calories will be important in keeping Rover’s weight in the
healthy range. If your dog is a little porky try cutting out the snacks first.
It can be amazing how many additional calories all those tasty little treats
can contain.
* Warmth. Your dog will be much more
comfortable if he is kept warm and out of the damp. You may need to invest in a
dog jumper if you live somewhere cold, or let him sleep by the fire