All About Hip Dysplasia - Canine Health
- Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs
- Limping or lameness in the hind legs
- "Bunny hopping" gait
- Decreased activity and movement
- Pain and stiffness
- Audible sounds from the hip during movement
- Weight Management: Keeping the dog at a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hips.
- Exercise: Regular, low-impact exercise like swimming or walking to strengthen the muscles around the joint without causing further damage.
- Physical Therapy: Can help improve joint mobility and strengthen the muscles.
- Pain Management: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and other pain relief medications can help manage discomfort.
- Surgical Options: In severe cases, surgical interventions such as a total hip replacement may be recommended.
Prevention
While genetic predisposition cannot be changed, potential dog owners can take steps to minimize the risk of hip dysplasia by:
- Choosing a reputable breeder who screens their breeding dogs for hip dysplasia.
- Ensuring proper nutrition during the dog's growth period to prevent rapid weight gain.
- Engaging in appropriate exercise routines that do not overexert the developing joints.
Illustrations of Hip Dysplasia
Illustrations can help better understand how hip dysplasia affects dogs. This is an illustration showing a normal hip joint versus one affected by hip dysplasia in dogs.
The illustration above provides a clear comparison between a normal canine hip joint and one affected by hip dysplasia. On the left, you can see a healthy hip joint with a well-fitted ball and socket, indicating smooth, congruent surfaces that are essential for normal movement. On the right, the image depicts a hip joint with dysplasia, showing the misalignment of the ball and socket, a shallow socket, an improperly seated femoral head, and visible signs of joint degeneration. This visual aid helps in understanding the structural differences and potential challenges a dog with hip dysplasia may face, highlighting the importance of early detection and appropriate management of this condition.