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
Hip dysplasia
The essence of hip dysplasia is that the head of the femur, which forms the hip joint, does not properly fit into the joint cavity of the pelvis, which is associated with partial (or even complete) sprain of the joint.
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.
The symptoms of dysplasia can develop as early as around six months to one year of age, but can also appear at any time later in life. In the treatment of hip dysplasia, medication is used in milder cases, and surgical solutions are used in more advanced cases.
It is important to emphasize that dysplasia surgery is justified only in the case of dogs with clinical dysplasia, lameness, or movement disorders.
Screening plays an important role in preventing hip dysplasia and stopping its spread.
- Then, on the one hand, parents with breeding concerns are screened out, thus reducing the birth of offspring genetically burdened with dysplasia.
- On the other hand, during pre-screenings, the hips of growing dogs are examined, so that the symptoms can be alleviated in time with proper exercise and nutrition, as well as nutritional supplements.
The recommended pre-screening time is around six months of age, and the final screening (depending on the screening station) can be determined between or after one to two years of age.
In a significant number of breeds prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia can also occur, which must be taken into account during the screening test.
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™.
In the case of a breeder with a mild dysplasia, it is good to know that this is not a particularly bad thing. It may even make your dog a breeding recommendation for the breed and allow it to live out its life without symptoms.
In the majority of moderate cases detected in time, the further aggravation of the disease discovered at a young age can be reduced by various medicinal or nutritional supplement treatment, as well as with the help of an appropriately modified diet and exercise program.
Even in cases of severe dysplasia, there are various traditional (modern surgical procedures) and alternative (golden ball implantation (GBI)) solutions that greatly improve the condition of our pet.
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!
K9 FullFlex™
Food supplement rich in anti-cartilage wear substances, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and chondroitin sulfate.
K9 FullFlex™ contains, in addition to the immune-boosting medicinal mushrooms (K9 Immunity™). Also contains a large amount of high-quality natural substances specially designed to regenerate and keep joints (connective tissues, cartilage and joints) healthy.
Areas of application
K9 FullFlex
- For large, fast-growing dog breeds, from a young age, to nourish and protect the bones, cartilage, and tendons, and to improve the general ability to move.
- To alleviate the effects of increased physical stress on the joints and connective tissues of racing and working dogs.
- For breeders, for the healthy development of the skeletal system (maintenance) of the individuals that most closely carry the breed traits.
- In aging dogs, to preserve the elasticity and strength of the connective tissues, to delay natural wear and tear, and to preserve the dogs’ mobility.
- For the additional treatment of injury and inflammation of connective tissues (bones, cartilage, joints, etc.), as well as various orthopedic surgical interventions, to shorten the regeneration period and to reduce pain.
- Inappropriate housing and feeding, diseases due to ageing or diseases specific to the breed (arthritis, osteoarthritis, various types of dysplasia, etc.) prevention, treatment and alleviation of symptoms.
Main ingredients of K9 FullFlex™ (4000 mg chewable tablet)
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250 mg
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It helps to maintain the health of joints, cartilages and tendons, helping them to regenerate and preventing further damage by maintaining and lubricating them.
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Calcium carbonate
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200 mg
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A compound used to replace calcium, which is essential for the health of bones and joints. This breast relieves inflammation.
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200 mg
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Chondroitin sulphate is a major constituent of cartilage tissue due to its excellent water-binding capacity. Its water-binding capacity ensures the mechanical-elastic properties of cartilage.
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(with Beta 1.3-1.6 glucan content)
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185 mg
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An immune-boosting ingredient containing medicinal mushrooms concentrates. In addition to its general immune-boosting effects, accelerates the rebuilding process and provides the body with protection to prevent cartilage wear and tear.
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185 mg
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Thanks to its antioxidant action, it helps protect cells and supports the immune system. It slows down the ageing of cells. Helps protect the body’s connective tissue fibres, inhibits wrinkling and preserves the skin’s water content. Its production decreases with age and external supplementation is recommended.
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Protein obtained from hydrolyzed eggshell membrane (ESM)
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100 mg
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If either, it is one of the key active ingredients in K9 FullFlex™. It is produced by hydrolysis from a thin rubbery membrane on the inner wall of the eggshell for improved bioavailability. This protein solution has unique properties that make it one of the most important ingredients in the product, responsible for healthy joints. Among other things, the high ESM content (100 mg per wafer) distinguishes K9 FullFlex™ from similar products.
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Turmeric
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90 mg
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Turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a popular ingredient in joint care products, but its antioxidant content and immune-boosting effects are not negligible.
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| Boswellia serrata extract |
70 mg
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It is a natural NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) pain reliever. It acts on the same receptors as morphine, making it an immediate, long-lasting and powerful pain reliever. And it’s completely safe!
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Bovine (milk) immune protein concentrate Colostrum
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25 mg
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Piper nigrum
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10 mg
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It can help reduce joint inflammation and muscle stiffness.
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As well as
Calcium propionate, linseed, glycerin, lecithin, arrowroot, rosemary extract, vegetable oils, flavouring.
Contains eggs and milk!
