How Blue Heelers Get Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a problem. It is caused by a deformed joint that will cause pain and mobility issues. You can check for this when your dog is young to ensure they are not in pain before it worsens.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is when a dog’s hip joint doesn’t develop as it should. The two hip parts don’t grow at the same rate, so the ball and socket don’t fit together well.
Dogs can have a condition called hip dysplasia, which causes joint problems. The joint becomes loose and causes a problem. If left untreated, the dog’s hip joint would suffer discomfort, cartilage loss, and bone spurs.
Dogs can infect puppies. Large-breed dogs are more prone. Dogs with a hereditary tendency to hip dysplasia are at risk if they overeat food or exercise too much.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dog Hip Dysplasia?
Canine hip dysplasia can affect young and old dogs, but it does not always involve them in the same way. The Morris Animal Foundation categorizes the symptoms as Juvenile (dogs more youthful than 18 months), Late Juvenile (dogs 18-24 months), and Adult (dogs older than two years).
If your pet has trouble walking or is hopping instead of running, it may have a problem with its hips. If your pet can’t get up or want to exercise for long periods, they might have hip problems.
Mature (Dogs Older Than 18 Months of Age)
The history of lameness in the back legs is hard to understand. There are many reasons for leg problems, including injury or illness. A limp can be caused by muscle weakness or too much muscle stress. This makes it difficult to jump and climb, making life difficult.
Dogs can have health problems as puppies, but sometimes they don’t show any signs of the problem until they’ve lived with it for a while.
How is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose the condition via x-rays in both young and adult dogs. Your doctor may also check your hips with your hands to see if they are loose.
What is the Treatment for Hip Dysplasia?
Kirkwood says that there are many options available for treating hip dysplasia. She says the best treatment depends on the dog’s age, condition, and lifestyle. For example, surgery is usually recommended for younger dogs with an active lifestyle and long lives ahead of them. There are two common surgeries for dogs with hip dysplasia: total hip replacement and femoral head ostectomy. In a total hip replacement, the head and neck of the femur are removed.
If you have an old dog or need surgery, Kirkwood says medication is the best way to manage their pain. She says that some of the most common drugs are NSAIDs. However, it is essential to note that NSAIDs can have side effects. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can help prevent joint cartilage breakdown, easing the pain.
Your veterinarian will work with you to decide which treatments are best for you and your pet. They might recommend cold laser therapy, acupuncture, or physical therapy.
How Can Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Be Prevent?
One way to slow the progression of hip dysplasia in your pet is to maintain a healthy weight. You can also have your dog screened by x-rays. This will help you determine if they are likely to have an issue in the future and whether you need surgery.
According to Kirkwood, hip dysplasia does not affect a dog’s life expectancy. But it can. If the dog is in so much pain that he does not want to walk around, it can be hard for them to have a good quality of life, especially for large breeds who often have this condition.
If you have a large breed dog, ask your veterinarian about the risks and signs of hip dysplasia. A veterinarian who knows your pet will be able to provide the best advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Heeler Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a prevalent problem in giant dog breeds. It can also happen with smaller breeds. To understand how the condition works, you need to know the basic anatomy of a joint in your hip.
Hip dysplasia in dogs is often caused by genetics. Still, it can also be caused by the excessive growth rate, exercise, and improper weight or nutrition. This happens most in larger dogs like Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Labradors Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
There are several treatments for hip dysplasia. It is based on the dog’s needs. Surgery is ideal for young dogs with a long, active future.