Hip Dysplasia can lead to Dog Arthritis

Dog arthritis is commonly caused by hip dysplasia. So what is hip dysplasia? It is an abnormal development of the hips that makes them loose and if left untreated will lead to severe arthritis. Hip dysplasia usually affects larger breed of dogs like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Retrievers, Great Danes, Labradors and St. Bernards. Dogs of any age can show signs of hip dysplasia – many are quite young but the disease may not cause severe arthritis until later in life.

There are several factors that causes this condition – genetics; nutrition; and over-exercise.

Studies found out that hip dysplasia in parents will most likely show in their offspring as well. This has led to the development of breeding programs aimed at selecting dogs to reduce this risk.

 

Excessive weight and obesity are other major factors also that can increase the dog’s probability of developing hip dysplasia. This will cause a rapid growth and the pup will outgrow the muscular support for its hips, allowing them to become loose.

Over-exerting your dog with too much exercise can subject the hips to a lot of pressure which in turn increases the risk of your dog developing hip dysplasia.

How to know if your dog has hip dysplasia? Your dog may be show signs of an altered gait,  restricted movements of the hind legs, limping or difficulty of climbing stairs. Behavioral changes such as aggression or inactivity are also common.  

These signs will become more apparent as they get older or when dog arthritis sets in. In some cases hip dysplasia can be diagnosed early and preventative treatment put into place. Hip dysplasia can be properly diagnosed through physical examinations, x-rays and special x-rays like the Penn-HIP system.

For dogs that are diagnosed with this condition early, hip dysplasia is best treated by surgery to prevent the onset of painful arthritis which can affect their mobility and quality of life. There are other surgical procedures available for later in life as well, such as total hip replacement.

Most dogs do not undergo surgery. This is OK for most dogs so long as an arthritis treatment plan is undertaken. This treatment plan involves weight management, proper exercise, supplements and pain relievers to help slow down the development of dog arthritis even though the hips are still loose.

Do not wait for dog arthritis to come along, visit your vet and see if there are any concerns about hip dysplasia and seek advice on what can be done. 

 Hip Dysplasia Can Lead To Dog Arthritis (PDF)