Caring for a Dog With Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia. The condition is not unheard of but is difficult to manage. Learning that their puppies have developed Hip Dysplasia can overwhelm paw
parents.
Dogs with Hip Dysplasia will need constant care and attention, and their owners will have to provide more attention than usual. They will need knowledge about causes, signs, and home management.
What causes hip dysplasia in dogs?
While it is true that there is a breed predisposition for hip dysplasia, there are other reasons that may contribute to a dog developing it.
Genetic Factors and Breed Predisposition
Hip dysplasia is hereditary, so dogs whose family ancestry includes it will have it. Some dog breeds tend to develop Hip Dysplasia. Large breeds such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Great Danes are prone to hip dysplasia.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Diet and Nutrition
Overfeeding and a lack of weight management, especially during the early stages of a dog's growth, may increase a dog's propensity for developing hip dysplasia. Proper nutrition enables weight management and increases joint health.
Exercise
Dogs with a propensity for high-impact activities tend to develop hip dysplasia. Jumping and running on hard surfaces encourage the development of the condition. Conversely, muscles weaken with a lack of exercise.
Developmental Factors
Growth Rate and Hormonal Factors
Dogs that grow too quickly, particularly large-breed dogs, may develop joint laxity (loose joints).
Hormones play a part in hip dysplasia development. Dogs that have been spayed too early tend to develop the condition, and it is still under research.
Anatomical and Biomechanical Factors
Joint Laxity
Hip dysplasia starts with joint looseness. The joint may not fit into the joint socket, and this causes the femur, or the ball of the joint, to rub against instead of slide smoothly into it. This accelerates joint instability and results in arthritis.
Muscle Development
Inadequate muscle development around the hip joint can exacerbate the condition, as strong muscles are needed to support the joint and keep it stable.
Certain dogs are prone to a pre-dysplasia condition known as
avascular necrosis. It occurs when not enough nutrition reaches the femur of the bone, causing a lack of muscle growth in the hip area.
Hip Dysplasia in a dog with arthritis
What are the signs of Hip dysplasia?
Early Signs
Decreased Activity
A dog with hip dysplasia may show an unwillingness to use his affected limbs. A reluctance to play, jump or run is an early sign of the condition.
Difficulty Rising
Dogs may have trouble transiting from a lying or sitting position. They may also choose to lie down more often than usual.
Sitting in an Unusual Position
If a dog has hip issues, it may sit with one leg splayed out to the side.
Hind Limb Lameness
A dog with an affected limb may choose to use one leg over another.
Movement Abnormalities
A puppy or dog affected by hip dysplasia will have noticeable sway or wobble in the hindquarters while walking. Dogs may also use both hind legs together, resembling a hopping motion, especially when running. This is known as Bunny Hopping
Reduced Range of Motion
Difficulty or reluctance to climb stairs, jump into the car, jump on sofas or perform activities that require full hip movement.
Pain and Discomfort
Whining or Yelping:
Dogs may vocalize when the owners handle the hip area, a sign of the pain they are in. They will also be reluctant to be handled.
Physical Changes
Muscle Atrophy vs Development:
There may be a decrease in muscle mass in the hind legs due to disuse. Conversely, compensation for the weakness in the hind legs can cause the front leg muscles to become more pronounced.
Joint Laxity
Due to a phenomenon known as patellar luxation (the bone femur becomes dislocated from the joint, causing the bone to turn within its socket), joints become loose.
Long-Term Signs
Arthritis
A dog suffering from dysplasia may experience chronic pain and joint stiffness, especially after resting or when it is cold.
Decreased Mobility
Over time, the discomfort caused by the dysplasia may make a dog less active than usual.
Abnormal Posture
Dysplasia causes a dog to take on unusual postures, such as a hunched back. Their weight may be unevenly distributed.
Dog which underwent total hip replacement surgery.
How to care for puppies with Hip Dysplasia at home
Caring for dogs with hip dysplasia at home involves a multiple approach of physical management, environmental modifications, and medical intervention. The good news is that the care is more straightforward then you might believe.
1. Weight Management
Keep your puppy at a healthy weight to minimize stress on the hips. Consult your veterinarian for the ideal weight range for your puppy's breed and size.
Maintain your dog's weight to lessen stress on its hips. Find out what its ideal weight is through a little research or from your veterinarian. It depends on your dog's breed and size.
Of course, a balanced diet will help with this. Avoid overfeeding your pet and ensure they get essential nutrition.
2. Exercise and Activity
Low-impact activities such as walking or swimming will strengthen your dog's muscles without overloading them. High impact activity such as running or jumping should be avoided.
Supervise your dog's play time to ensure that it does not perform strenuous movements that will exacerbate joint inflammation.
3. Comfortable Living Environment
A comfortable, padded bed will reduce pressure on your dog's hips while it's sleeping. Non-slip mats should prevent injury as well.
4. Physical Therapy and Massage
Physical therapy exercises recommended by therapist or veterinarians help to maintain muscle tone and increase your flexibility. Massaging the muscles around the hip area will reduce tension and improve blood flow.
5. Joint Supplements
Joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids boost joint health and lessen inflammation. Consult your vet before starting supplements.
6. Medications
Use the anti-inflammatories and pain medication your vet prescribes. Monitor your dog's condition and adjust them as necessary.
7. Preventing Exacerbation
Limit activities that will overexert your dog's hips, such as stair climbing or jumping on and off chairs.
8. Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Schedule regular visits to your vet to monitor the progress of your dog's condition and adjust the care plan as necessary.
9. Surgical Options
In severe cases, your vet may recommend surgical options such as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) or a double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO). These procedures are generally more effective when performed at an early age.
10. Emotional Support
Maintain a positive, stress-free environment to help your dog feel secure and loved. Provide mental stimulation through toys and gentle interactive games to keep your puppy engaged and happy.
Surgical options for dogs with hip dysplasia
Surgical options for dogs with hip dysplasia vary depending on the dog's age, size, and severity of the condition. Here are some common surgical treatments:
-
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS):
Best for
Puppies under 20 weeks old
Procedure
This preventive surgery involves fusing part of the pelvis to alter its growth, leading to a better fit of the hip joint as the dog matures.
-
Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO)
Best for
Young dogs (typically less than 10 months old) with no arthritis and good hip joint function
Procedure
The surgeon cuts the pelvis in three places to allow rotation of the acetabulum (hip socket) to better cover the femoral head (ball of the hip joint). Plates and screws stabilize the bones in their new position.
-
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
Best for
Small to medium-sized dogs with severe hip dysplasia or arthritis
Procedure
The surgeon removes the femoral head (ball of the hip joint) is to create a false joint. Over time, scar tissue forms a cushion, reducing pain. This surgery is less effective in large dogs due to their size and weight.
-
Total Hip Replacement (THR):
Best for
Dogs with severe hip dysplasia or arthritis, regardless of age. It is especially effective for larger dogs
Procedure
The surgeon replaces the entire hip joint with an artificial implant, resulting in improved mobility and reduced pain. This is considered the most effective surgical treatment for hip dysplasia.
-
Double Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO)
Best for
Young dogs with early hip dysplasia sign
Procedure
The surgery mimics TPO, but only involves two cuts in the pelvis to rotate the acetabulum. It is a less common procedure than TPO.
Stress-Free Exercises that Busy Owners Can Get Their Pets to Do
Exercise plays a crucial role in managing hip dysplasia in dogs. It helps to maintain muscle strength, joint flexibility, and overall fitness without exacerbating the dysplasia.
Concentrate on low-impact, controlled exercises that minimize stress on the hip joints. Here are some recommended exercises for dogs with hip dysplasia:
1. Walking
Regular,steady walks on a short leash on soft, even surfaces will lessen tension on your dog's hips. Increase the duration as tolerated by your pet. Keep a moderate pace to avoid sudden movements that will strain your dog's muscles.
2. Swimming
Hydrotherapy: Swimming is one of the best exercises for dogs with hip dysplasia. The buoyancy of the water reduces stress on the joints while providing resistance to build muscle strength.
Hydrotherapy, or swimming is one of the best exercises for dogs with dysplasia. The buoyancy of the water lessens stress on the hips while providing resistance to build muscles. Ensure that these take place in a controlled environment such as a hydrotherapy pool.
3. Slow Treadmill Walking
Use a canine treadmill if available for controlled walking exercises. Some physiotherapist provide hydrotherapy treadmills, which combine water and treadmill walking.
4. Range of Motion Exercises
Gently flex and extend your dog's hip joints within a comfortable range of motion. Do these smoothly and slowly to avoid pain.
5. Strengthening Exercises
Get your dog to sit and stand repeatedly, as it strengthens the high neck muscles. Make sure that these are slow and controlled.
You may set up low rails or poles on the ground and get your dog to step over them. This improves muscle coordination and strength.
6. Hill Walking
Walking up and down gentle Hill in climbs will help to build the muscles in the hindquarters. Avoid steep hills to prevent excessive strain.
7. Balance Exercises
Wobble boards improve your pet's balance and coordination. Perform these exercises slowly.
8. Massage and Stretching
Massage the muscles around the hips to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension. Carefully stretch your dog’s hind limbs to maintain flexibility. Consult with a veterinarian or a canine physiotherapist for proper techniques.
9. Core Strengthening
Encourage your dog to place their front paws on a stability ball while keeping their hind paws on the ground to strengthen the core muscles.
10. Functional Exercises
Gentle play activities, like fetch on a soft surface or tug-of-war with minimal jerking, can keep your dog active and engaged without overexerting the hips.
Tips for Exercise
1. Warm-Up and Cool-Down
As humans would, start with a warm-up and end with a cool-down period to prepare the muscles and joints for exercise and to prevent injury.
2. Consistency:
Regular, moderate exercise is better than occasional, intense sessions. Aim for consistency to build and maintain muscle strength.
3.Monitor Your Dog:
Watch for signs of discomfort or fatigue. If your dog shows signs of pain, reduce the intensity or duration of the exercise and consult your veterinarian.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2024 Michelle Liew
