Dog dysplasia in dogs - symptomatology and treatment

The health of our dogs is conditioned by different aspects: food, exercise, attention and hygiene are some to those that are most relevant. Well, not only define the quality of life of our pets, but they can also contribute to reducing the presence of diseases in their organism. However, there is an aspect within canine health difficult to control. It's about genetics. The appearance of diseases due to hereditary cause becomes increasing value and frequently affects the well -being of our pets, causing the appearance of pathologies in some little known cases such as, for example, the elbow dysplasia either Hip dysplasia. Although it is a common disease in large breeds, it is not strange that it is little known, so we will dedicate this article to develop the most outstanding characteristics of ELA. What is, how it manifests, what races affects and what is the most appropriate treatment to combat the disease are the points that we will discuss below to help to understand more about this canine disease.

What is elbow dysplasia in dogs?

It consists of a degenerative pathology which occurs during canine growth, because the bones that form the elbow joint do not develop properly by different factors. Unilateral or bilaterally affects the elbow bones, causing the mobility of the canine to be compromised, product of malformation. Likewise, it is gradually triggered, in the first instance in the bone system of the dog, with a disease called arthritis And it evolves to become a osteoarthritis, pathology associated with bone tissue wear, in this case, elbow. It is widely related to the growth of the dog, since its central point is that the elbow bones, located on the front legs (radio and cubito) are not formed correctly. Pain is a great denominator within this alteration, both in the arthritis stage and osteoarthritis, even incapacitating the dog as the pathology progresses.

Most affected breeds

Commonly elbow dysplasia can be more related to a disease present in large canine breeds. However, no dog is exempt from suffering from this alteration. Next, we present a brief list of the races in which this condition has become a recurring disease:

• ROTTWEILER
• Napolitan mastin
• San Bernardo
• Labrador
• Golden Retriever
• German shepherd

In any of the races mentioned, this type of dysplasia is increasingly frequent. First, because they are A disease associated with genetics as a main factor, which makes it transmitted in different generations. It should be noted that in the males of these races the disease usually has greater incidence than in the case of females.

Causes

Over time, this disease has been defined as a multicausal condition. That is, it is linked to different factors. However, the factor that has gained greater land by being associated with elbow dysplasia is genetics, whose incidence is related to more than 70% of cases where this alteration occurs. In the rest of the dogs, where the hereditary appearance, factors such as food, exercise, weight, calcium indices and injuries or trauma are discarded, are the ones that have had the most influence on the appearance of this canine dysplasia. With the exception of genetics, these factors are perfectly controllable. Ensure that a regular process is carried out in the quality of the dog, will guarantee your well -being and, as far as possible, will keep it away from diseases like this.

Symptoms

In general, Dysplasia is a progressive disease Associated with growth, that is, symptoms can occur between the first 4 or 5 months of life. But, due to ignorance or disinterest, you can spend years until dogs are diagnosed. Let's see below some of the most common symptoms:

Limited mobility

Dogs with elbow dysplasia have many limitations at the time of moving. Looming at the beginning or ending the movement is the most common, due to the discomfort caused by the wear of the bone tissues.

Apathy before exercises

Due to discomfort when making movementsIt is very normal for dogs to present apathy or intolerance to exercises or walks. This is a very common symptom in this pathology.

Pain

Pain manifestations are undoubtedly one of the fixed symptoms in dysplasia, especially when making any movement, because pain is persistent. These are the signs and symptoms associated with elbow dysplasia in dogs. Although, in some cases, the disease can be asymptomatic and hinder its early diagnosis, it is important to go to the veterinarian in the presence of minor manifestations, because in this way the presence of the pathology and give adequate treatment may be determined.

Treatment

The treatment to alleviate this condition depends in any case on the seriousness of the injury and the advancement of the disease. Well, in any case, we seek to perform the procedures that are less invasive for the dog. If a Early diagnosis, it is possible that the treatment is based on orthopedic processes, rehabilitation and physiotherapy, which can produce adequate progress in the health status of the canine, while decreasing the episodes of pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Nevertheless, When diagnosed in an advanced state, it is advisable to carry out corrective surgery that, in most cases, is very favorable. After it, it is advisable to maintain a rehabilitation routine, because this will contribute to minimize inflammation, pain and relieve the dog's tension throughout the process to which it was subjected. In general, the prognosis of surgery is usually very positive, even more when performed before the appearance of osteoarthritis. Otherwise, it is possible that mobility looks a bit limited, even after having performed surgical treatment.

Can elbow dysplasia be prevented?

While the issue of genetics makes the prevention of this disease a complex issue, its association with external factors suggests that its prevention may be possible, at least in some races. Provide healthy eating to pets, make sure not to supply excess calcium during their growth and control exercises practices, properly according to their age and size, are some of the ways in which a dog can remain totally healthy and Reduce the risks associated with dysplasia. Regular controls with the veterinarian to rule out any disease is another effective way to maintain good health and care for canines and make sure they can enjoy their company for a good time. Finally, knowing the breed we have of pet or we think will help us to emphasize more the care it needs to remain healthy.