Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease, which is inherited with a so-called threshold value. The housing conditions (overfeeding, inappropriate movement) can increase the value of a dog below the threshold value, which thus tips over the threshold and the disorder is realized. Puppies of two parents around the threshold are also likely to have a value that exceeds the threshold, although neither parent apparently has dysplasia.
Description of hip dysplasia
In the constantly sprained joint, after a while, wear and tear occurs between the cartilage of the femoral head, which moves in and out, and the rim of the pelvis. In addition, sterile arthritis, after a while cartilage degeneration, cartilage deposits, degenerative joint changes, in summary: hip joint arthrosis occurs.
Even a partial sprain of the joint and the resulting inflammation can cause movement disorders, but the real pain and lameness can be caused by wear and tear of the cartilage and the appearance of arthrosis.
Depending on the dog’s breed, sensitivity and degree of dysplasia, it can tolerate the disease well and even live its life without serious symptoms. In more sensitive breeds, especially large dogs, the disease can lead to severe lameness and movement disorders.
In terms of its formation, dysplasia is basically inherited genetically. The dog’s rapid growth, nutrition, and early stress can also be considered predisposing factors.
Dysplasia symptoms can appear as early as six months to one year of age. Some dogs may show signs much later in life. Veterinarians usually treat mild hip dysplasia with medication and recommend surgery in more advanced cases.
They perform dysplasia surgery only when the dog shows clinical signs. These include lameness, joint pain, or visible difficulty in movement.
Screening
plays an important role in preventing hip dysplasia and stopping its spread.
- Breeders screen parent dogs before mating to reduce the risk of passing on dysplasia. This helps prevent genetically burdened litters.
- During pre-screening, vets examine the hips of growing dogs. Early detection allows targeted exercise, proper nutrition, and supplements to reduce symptoms.
Veterinarians recommend pre-screening for dysplasia at around six months of age. Final screening usually takes place between one and two years, depending on the screening center.
Many dog breeds prone to hip dysplasia also develop elbow dysplasia. Vets always consider this possibility during the screening process.
Symptoms of hip dysplasia
Symptoms of hip dysplasia are typically noticeable from the fifth month. The most common signs are:
- Post-movement pain
- Discomfort
- Alteration in the dog’s gait, difficulty walking
- Stiffness in the hind legs
- When jumping, the feet touch the ground like a spring of a rabbit
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Limping
- Muscle breakdown
- The dog has difficulty or is unable to stand up from a lying position.
Treatment of hip dysplasia
Whatever dysplasia rating our pet has received, it will greatly improve its condition if:
- Body weight is maintained at the ideal level for the breed, with the help of an appropriately modified dysplastic diet, and a satisfactory exercise programme .
>However, it is important to avoid overloading the puppy when moving it, i.e. if it gets tired, do not force the movement. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle is not good either, because the normal development of the gluteal muscles and hip joints requires adequate movement. - We give him a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic supplement rich in natural anti-cartilage substances, such as K9 INUFlex® or K9 FullFlex™.
If a breeder dog has mild dysplasia, don’t panic. This doesn’t always cause symptoms, and the dog may still qualify for breeding.
When vets detect moderate dysplasia early, they often slow its progression. They do this through medication, supplements, diet, and tailored exercise plans.
Even in severe cases, dogs have options. Vets may recommend modern surgery or alternative methods like golden ball implantation to improve quality of life.
With proper feeding, moving the dog correctly, and with the right food supplement the chance of developing dysplasia and the aggravation of existing symptoms can be greatly reduced!
