Page 8 - Stuart Exposure - May '21

Page 8, Stuart Exposure

tip of the tail

Canine Hip Dysplasia is different and your veterinarian may use one drug or a (FHO). The choice of surgery will be determined by your pet’s

combination of drugs. The treatment will usually change as age, condition, and level of activity. Acupuncture, stem cell
The hip joint is a “ball the disease progresses over time. treatments, and traditional Chinese medicine have all been
and socket” joint. During Most dogs with hip dysplasia will usually start with an oral used to treat hip dysplasia with varying results. There have not
growth, both the “ball” joint supplement. Many dogs will benefit from polysulfated been extensive scientific studies on these alternative therapies,
(the head of the femur or glycosaminoglycan injections (Adequan) on a regular basis. although some are very encouraging in small studies. Talk with
thighbone) and the “socket” Controlled exercise will keep your pet’s weight down and keep your veterinarian about their experiences and recommendations
in the pelvis (acetabulum) the muscles strong. Physical therapy including treadmill, cold for complementary medical procedures to help your dog.
must grow at equal rates. In laser treatments, electrostimulation and controlled exercises have Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
canine hip dysplasia, the joint grows abnormally and results been highly effective at improving an affected dog’s quality of dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
in laxity of the joint, followed by degenerative joint disease life and should be part of any treatment regimen. It will also slow focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
(DJD) or osteoarthritis (OA). down the progression of arthritis. Excess weight puts undue stress rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics,
The degree of lameness that occurs is dependent on the on the hip joints and weight control is extremely important. and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center
extent of these arthritic changes, and may not be correlated Surgery and alternative medical treatments are also combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy
with the appearance of the hip joint on X-rays. Some pets with available. There are also several surgical options to correct hip for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772)
significant signs of hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis on X-rays dysplasia. The two most common surgical techniques for hip 283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find
may not exhibit any clinical signs, while others with minimal dysplasia are total hip replacement and femoral head ostectomy us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
changes may be very painful and lame.
Genetics plays the main role in hip dysplasia, but advances
in nutritional research have shown that diet also plays an
important role in the development of hip dysplasia. Large breed
(generally greater than 50 pounds) puppies should be kept at a
normal, lean weight during growth, NOT encouraged to grow
very large very fast.
A study of German Shepherds found that overweight
puppies were almost twice as likely to develop hip dysplasia as
their normal-weight counterparts. These studies have allowed
food manufacturers to develop specially formulated diets for
large breed puppies.
Although any dog can be affected, it is predominantly
seen in larger breeds such as German Shepherds, Saint
Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Old English
Sheepdogs, Bulldogs, etc. Large mixed-breed dogs are also at
risk for developing hip dysplasia and should be fed a special
large breed growth diet the first year.
Weakness and pain in the hind legs are the usual clinical
signs. The dog appears wobbly and is reluctant to rise from a
sitting or lying position. Some dogs will limp or be reluctant
to climb stairs. Over time, the dog will start to shift his weight
forward. Initially, the front legs may hypertrophy and look
stronger. But eventually, the front legs will be negatively
affected with this extra burden. These signs can be seen in
puppies as early as a few months old but are most common in
dogs one to two years of age. Dogs with mild hip dysplasia
on X-rays may develop minimal arthritis without clinical signs
until they are older. In fact, although hip dysplasia begins in
puppyhood, most dogs don’t develop clinical signs until they
are older. It often takes years of gradual bone degeneration until
a dog becomes symptomatic. Your veterinarian will suspect hip
dysplasia from clinical signs and history, but a radiograph is
needed to make a diagnosis.
Treatment depends upon the pet’s clinical signs and
amount of discomfort. There are very effective nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can help. Each case

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