There are quite a few treatment options for hip dysplasia in dogs, ranging from lifestyle modifications to surgery. Your veterinarian will take radiographs of your dog’s hips to determine the degree and severity of the hip dysplasia, which will help determine the best course of treatment for your dog. The definitive diagnosis usually comes with a radiograph or X-ray. Your veterinarian will also need a history of your dog’s health and symptoms, any possible incidents or injuries that may have contributed to these symptoms, and any information you have about your dog’s parentage. Your dog’s physical exam may include blood work because inflammation due to joint disease can be indicated in the complete blood count. One of the first things that your veterinarian may do is manipulate your dog’s hind legs to test the looseness of the joint and to check for any grinding, pain, or reduced range of motion. In other cases, it’s up to owners to let veterinarians know that when dogs are experiencing discomfort. Sometimes this exam is enough for your veterinarian to suspect hip dysplasia. Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind endĪt your dog’s regular checkup, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam.Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs.These symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the disease, the level of inflammation, the degree of looseness in the joint, and how long the dog has suffered from hip dysplasia. In both cases, there are a few symptoms that owners should be familiar with.

Others develop it in conjunction with osteoarthritis as they age. Some dogs begin to show signs of hip dysplasia when they are as young as four months of age. While research is still limited, these supplements may help reduce symptoms of hip dysplasia. Joint supplements are often used as an early intervention and throughout the progression of arthritis, as they are safe for long-term use in most patients. You can also purchase supplements with these ingredients for dogs that might be prone to developing arthritis and hip dysplasia down the line. They will most likely recommend a chewable supplement with a veterinarian-grade dose of glucosamine and chondroitin. If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with arthritis, glucosamine will likely be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Large breed dog foods often contain joint supplements like glucosamine. Talk to your vet about the best diet for your dog and the appropriate amount of exercise your dog needs each day to keep them in good physical condition. Obesity puts a lot of stress on your dog’s joints, which can exacerbate a pre-existing condition such as hip dysplasia or even cause hip dysplasia. Improper nutrition can also influence a dog’s likelihood of developing hip dysplasia, as can giving a dog too much or too little exercise. Slowing down these breeds’ growth allows their joints to develop without putting too much strain on them, helping to prevent problems down the line. These foods help prevent excessive growth, which can lead to skeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia, along with elbow dysplasia and other joint conditions. Some puppies have special nutrition requirements and need food specially formulated for large-breed puppies. Factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight, and unbalanced nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition. Hip dysplasia is hereditary and is especially common in larger dogs, like the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd Dog. Several factors lead to the development of hip dysplasia in dogs, beginning with genetics. This results in deterioration over time and an eventual loss of function of the joint itself. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket do not fit or develop properly, and they rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly. The hip joint functions as a ball and socket. To understand how the condition works, owners first must understand the basic anatomy of the hip joint.

Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition, often seen in large or giant breed dogs, although it can occur in smaller breeds, as well. Learn what all owners should know about hip dysplasia in dogs, including the symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures you can take to keep your dog healthy, happy, and active. The good news is that embracing responsible dog ownership and educating yourself about potential health conditions like hip dysplasia can go a long way toward keeping your dog comfortable.

This painful condition can drastically reduce a dog’s quality of life and is difficult for owners to watch. Hip dysplasia are two words that terrify large- and giant-breed dog owners, but the truth is that canine hip dysplasia can happen to any size or breed of dog.

Normal female adult right hip xray