Arthritis And Hip Dysplasia
Symptoms of Joint Disorders
A pet suffering with arthritis, hip dysplasia or other joint disorders might experience :
- limping
- stiffness
- difficulty rising to stand
- difficulty climbing stairs
- hesitation to jump
- noticeable pain
Veterinary care can help a pet with joint disorders prescribing dietary supplements, anti-inflammatories, and pain relief. Additionally, proper diet and exercise can help an animal suffering with joint disease. Surgery is expensive, but may offer relief to some animals. Talk to your veterinarian about surgical options for joint diseases.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a serious condition that affects dogs and cats, but is most often found in large and giant breeds of dogs. It is thought to be a hereditary condition. Hip dysplasia causes weakness in the ball and socket joint of the hip and results in painful osteoarthritis. Selective breeding of healthy adult animals is considered one of the only ways to eliminate this condition.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
- Pain and discomfort after exercise
- Stiffness
- Change in gait
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
Hip dysplasia has been diagnosed in puppies as well as adult animals. If left untreated the symptoms will continue to become more severe.
Treatment of Hip Dysplasia
The treatment for hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis must be monitored by a veterinarian. There are several options.
Surgical interventionofHip Dysplasia
Surgical intervention can help prevent osteoarthritis. There are several types of surgeries depending on the size, age of the dog, and the degree of hip degeneration.
- Triple Pelvic Osteotomy : This procedure, used on young dogs, usually under 10 months of age, breaks and realigns the pelvic bones. This is an expensive surgery, but has been successful for young dogs.
- Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis : Fusing two pelvic bones together to change the angle of the hips and movement of the joint, this surgery must be done on very young animals, between 16-20 weeks old.
- Total Hip Replacement : This procedure for mature dogs, replaces a degenerative joint and replaces it with an artificial joint. It is an expensive surgery, but has been successful.
- Femoral Head and Neck Excision : This surgery is used after the disease has damaged the joint. It increases stability and relieves pain, but is best for dogs around 40 pounds.
Medical Interventions of Hip Dysplasia
A veterinarian can recommend medical treatments for your pet alleviate pain, enhance well-being and increase mobility. These include :
Diet : quality food to maintain an ideal weight
Exercise :
- to increase range of motion and build muscle
- low impact: swimming, treadmills
Warmth and Good Sleeping Areas :
- pet sweaters
- orthopedic foam beds
- sleep area away from drafts in a warm room
Massage and Physical Therapy :
- kneading muscles around joint
- using heat
Modifying the Environment : Sing ramps
There are also many prescription medicines that can often help prevent the osteoarthritis that occurs with hip dysplasia. Categories of medicines include :
Oral Supplements : These can prevent the breakdown of cartilage and strengthen muscles connecting tissue.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs : These reduce pain and reduce swelling
A veterinarian can help delay the progression of hip dysplasia disease through proper exercise and nutrition; surgical intervention and medical treatments.
Call us if you have questions about arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint diseases and to make an appointment.