What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a congenital disease that mainly affects large breed dogs. The word "dysplasia" means improper growth. Hip dysplasia can be described as a faulty or abnormal development of the hip. In CHD, the hip becomes loose and wobbly, eventually leading to a form of arthritis which is commonly referred to Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). The degree of lameness that occurs is usually dependent upon the extent of arthritic changes in the hip joint. So too do environmental conditions such as amount of physical exercise, and weight gain contribute to the disease, and bring out symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia?
The symptoms of CHD depend on the severity of the dysplasia. Another factor is the whether or not degenerative joint disease (DJD) is present. Dogs less than 1 year old have a tendency to have periods of acute bilateral (or unilateral) lameness in their rear legs. Older dogs with CHD exhibit rear limb lameness with an obvious weight displacement to the forelimb (front paws). Furthermore, the signs of lameness become more obvious with exercise or after a minor trauma. Again depending on the degree of joint destruction, visible signs vary.
Typical signs are
- Generally less active.
- Problem with stairs.
- Less jumping
- Trouble rising, or laying down.
- When running will exhibit a A Bunny hopping @ gait
- Painful reaction to the extension of the rear legs.
- A faint popping sound coming from the hip.
Are All Dogs at Risk Canine Hip dysplasia?
CHD can occur in any dog. However, large breed dogs are at a higher risk. The Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) believes that some of the breeds at highest risk are:
Bulldog
Pug
Otterhund
Clumber Spaniel
Neapolitan Mastiff
St. Bernard
Boykin Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel
American Bulldog
Newfoundland
American Staffordshire Terrier
Bloodhound
Bullmastiff
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Golden Retriever
Gordon Setter
Rottweiler
Chow Chow
Old English Sheepdog
Kuvasz
Norweigan Elkhound
Giant Schnauzer
German Shepherd
Bernese Mountain Dog
English Setter
Black and Tan Coonhound
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Terrier
Welsh Corgi
Beagle
Briard
Brittany
Bouvier des flandres
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Curly Coated Retriever
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Portugese Water Dog
English Springer Spaniel
Pudel Pointer
Irish Water Spaniel
How is Canine Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?
Initial assessment involves taking a history of the dog, and examining obvious clinical signs. The only real way to see if a dog is suffering from CHD is through X Rays. If found early enough in pups, surgery can correct the problem.
What Is the Treatment of Canine Hip Dysplasia?
Treatment for CHD can be as mild as recommending rest, or as severe as surgery, depending on the severity of the dysplasia, amount of DJD, the age of the dog, the size of the dog, and many other factors, treatment will vary.
Possible Conservative Treatment
- Weight monitoring
- Moderate exercise
- Pain relief medication
- Joint and health supplements
Possible Surgical Treatment
Currently there are three main surgical procedures used in for the treatment of CHD.
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
In this procedure, three separate bone cuts are made in order to free the acetabulum component (the socket or cup) of the hip joint from the rest of the pelvis. The acetabulum is then rotated to provide better coverage. A bone plate is secured to maintain this new position and allow the bone cuts to mend. The procedure is for large breed dogs, no older than 10 months of age. Candidates for this surgery must only have mild CHD and no arthritis present.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
In this procedure, the head of the femur is removed. The residual portion of the femur forms a "false" joint with muscle, tendons and ligaments. Even though the false joint is not as superior as the original, most dogs experience a great reduction in pain. This particular surgery is far more effect in smaller dogs, with most experiencing an almost normal function of the hip.
Total hip replacement (THR)
In this procedure the head and neck of the femur are both replaced with either stainless steel or titanium implants. This surgery is used on young dogs who have fully matured developed physically. THR is also used in older dogs who weigh a minimum 40lbs. If done correctly, the procedure can be very successful; however it is only done by a select few, and is very expensive.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Canine Dysplasia?
CHD is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Responsible breeders are working on reducing the chances of CHD by breeding dogs that are less likely to produce pups that will have the disease, by better sceening methods.
Environmental factors do NOT cause CHD. Instead, they bring out the symptoms in a dog that already has the disease. Responsible owners can help dogs with CHD by addressing these environmental variables. By closely monitoring a dog's diet, for example, owners can insure that a pup will not grow too fast, or become over weight. Here is a list of variables that can be controlled in order to nurture a dog with CHD.
- Limit rough play, jumping, climbing stairs or slick floors.
- Monitor food intake.
- Calcium supplementation (may increase the bone remodeling).
- Forced running for any distance, especially on tarmac, asphalt or other hard surfaces
- Have your dog certified by The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Ths website only provides BASIC information about Canine Hip Dysplasia. your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about CHD and its prevention.
For more great articles and tons of other great info visit our dog forum, visit Ron's blog or visit our dog forum
bedroom cleaning professionals Bannockburn ..Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More
Ever had a hankering for a certain breed of dog?... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
Okay, so it's not the cleanest or most appealing of... Read More
Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
Many pet owners often wonder if it's worth it to... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More
Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More
Quieting a barking dog is a quick and easy process.... Read More
Their scientific name is Cavia Tschuldi and their nickname in... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Bannockburn ..Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
When you take into account that there are over 68,000,000... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More
Who let the dogs out?Remember this song which gave birth... Read More
Bark CollarsMany pet owners become lost as to what to... Read More
Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Like us, birds need variety in life. To be happy... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn cichlids is a hybrid cichlid that was... Read More
When looking for the best dog food - consider Life's... Read More
Pet |