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Does Your Dog Have Hip Dysplasia?

By Billy Baker

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Published: 22Sep2008
Word count: 433
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You may well be assuming that Spot is just getting old when you see him getting a bit stiff and possibly limping. However, if your Spot is a large to giant sized dog breed he may well be suffering from hip dysplasia or dog arthritis.

What is canine hip dysplasia?

Canine hip dysplasia is a disease that can occur in a dog's hip. Basically, the hips are not formed correctly, leaving the dog hugely susceptible to canine arthritis in their hips. Hip dysplasia in dogs can occur in puppies from as young as 5 months, but the ensuing arthritis in the hips generally doesn't strike Spot until he is middle aged.

Dog breeds susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Some breeds of dogs are well known for being genetically susceptible to hip dysplasia. Mixed breed dogs can also suffer from hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices has seen a decline in hip dysplasia numbers, but these dogs still have a higher than average chance of having dysplasia:
* Rottweilers.
* Golden retrievers and Labradors.
* German shepherds.
* Great Danes.
* Mastiffs.
* Saint Bernards.
* Dobermans.

It is also important to remember that small and medium sized dogs can also suffer from hip arthritis.

Signs of hip dysplasia include:

* early morning stiffness.
* personality or behavioral changes.
* reluctance or difficulty with steps.
* unable to exercise as much as before.
* disinterest in fetching.
* problems getting up from lying down or sitting.
* limping, favoring one or both back legs, or stiff or unusual gait.
* opting to sleep away from others.
* pain when back leg is extended.
* discomfort or sensitivity when lower back or back legs are prodded.
* can't or won't jump into the car anymore.

Hip dysplasia treatments.

There are many treatments, dog medicines, dog supplements and aids for Fido to assist with all stages of dog arthritis. One of the most popular options is glucosamine, which has been incredibly successful in aiding humans with osteoarthritis. Dog supplements containing glucosamine chondroitin have become one of the first treatment options. Dog ramps and special orthopedic dog beds can provide your dog with day to day independence with steps and vehicles, and a good night's sleep. For further information on glucosamine, treatments and aids click here.

Weight Management.

Apart from the genetic factors, the most crucial factor in determining the severity of your dog's arthritis is his weight. The more your dog weighs, the more strain is being placed on those hips. Keeping your dog in his healthy weight range could save him from immense pain and suffering down the track.

For further information on treatments and resources for the dog suffering from hip dysplasia click here.

Published here by Billy Baker who has years of expertise with many breeds of dogs. He has supplied more information on what you can do about improving Dog Health and Hip Dysplasia In Dogs .

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