Hip dysplasia in dogs: most affected symptoms, treatment and races

Although there are diseases that can be prevented according to the quality of life of our pet, there are a number of pathologies that appear due to difficult factors to control, such as genetics. One of the most mentioned in this case is the Hip dysplasia. A very common condition in dogs of different races that can affect the mobility of the canine, to the point of completely limiting its walk, due to the pain that is progressively sharpening. But what is it? How to identify it? What should we do before this disease? All these questions are frequent, because although it is very common in dogs, there are owners who still do not know it. For this reason, we have developed an article dedicated to deepening hip dysplasia. Do not stop reading it, it will help you know in detail every aspect of this condition.

What is it?

Like the human body, the bone system of dogs is linked by a kind of "gears", which allows the functioning and mobility of each joint. If these gears do not fit perfectly in any of their cavities, there may be an alteration in the canine, among the most common is the hip dysplasia and the elbow dysplasia. This guy is a malformation in the hip area, also known as coxofemoral zone, which is presented when the head of the femur (whose shape is a ball) does not fit properly in the concave cavity that corresponds (called acetabulum) and that is inside the pelvic bone. This mismatch produces that the development of the articulation is not carried out properly. This happens since the head of the femur, not being covered, does not remain in the aforementioned cavity, but, on the contrary, moves disorderly, which eventually produces weakness of the dog's musculoskeletal tissues, accompanied by pain and inflammation. We talk about a degenerative disease. That is, it is not clearly sent in the first weeks of the canine life, but is noticed with its growth and development, since the wear of the tissues with the inadequate movement of the head of the femur, makes the pathology more visible progressively. So it will be up to four or six months, and in some cases in adulthood, when they begin to notice indications of this disease.

What are the races most affected by hip dysplasia?

This pathology more frequently affects large and high weight dogs, even more when they have not received adequate care such as the necessary calcium supply, a balanced diet and a favorable exercise routine to reinforce their joints. However, in certain cases, this disease may appear in small breed dogs, but with less incidence than in those indicated. Next, let's see some of the more prone breeds to be affected by hip dysplasia:

• German shepherd
• Belgian shepherd
• San Bernardo
• Great Danish
• Pyrenees mast
• Napolitan mastin
• French bulldog
• English bulldog

These races are the most associated with the disease, due not only to their size and weight, but also to other factors that make them more likely to suffer from it. Knowledge about race and how to prevent or reduce risk factors associated with this condition can help provide our pets with the right care for your well -being.

Causes

Hip dysplasia can be seen as a multicausal disease, because it has different risk factors (both biological and environmental) that can increase the possibility of its appearance. Let's see below the risk factors associated with it:

Environmental

Within environmental factors, you can locate Aspects related to the quality of life That people offer their pets, because, if the dog receives the necessary care, the possibility of suffering this condition will decrease. We can mention as environmental factors the following:

Poor diet

Undoubtedly, inadequate food is one of the factors most related to hip dysplasia. Accompanied to a calcium and mineral deficiency in the canine diet. That a dog does not receive adequate nutrition can also trigger obesity, an aspect that notoriously influences the appearance of the disease.

Sendentarism

Although it seems insignificant, the practice of exercises in the life of a dog is essential. Even more if they are large and high weight races, because this will help you stay fit and avoid such important aspects as obesity. Sedentary lifestyle can be really detrimental, because in addition to gaining weight, it can store its joints and increase the possibilities of dysplasia.

Biological

The factor considered the most critical cause within the hip dysplasia is the hereditary. In these cases, it is Related more frequently with large dogs and heavy like those in the previous list. However, in canines of lower weight and size, such as Spaniel or Pug, it is normal for this disease to appear on some occasions. In any case, although the genetic factor is always a constant and difficult to prevent, environmental factors are usually controllable to a large extent and will allow the dog to enjoy good quality of life and health, if appropriate care is given.

Síntomas de la displasia de cadera

Because it is a progressive and degenerative disease, the symptoms do not appear at once, but are exacerbated as the dog grows. Being also intermittent, that is, that they may not always be present. Let's see what manifestations canines can present with this disease:

• Rejection of physical activities such as climbing stairs
• Tendency to inactivity
• Progressively acute pain
• Difficulty moving
• Limp
• Rigidity in the rear
• Instability
• Sadness
• Apathy to play or run
• Curved back
• Limitation to get up
• Increase in front muscles

These are the most frequent symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs. As the disease progresses, factors such as pain can increase, as well as the difficulty in moving, to the point that the dog can totally lose mobility due to the inconvenience that this causes.

Treatments

Properly, This is a disease that has no cure. However, a kind of treatments can be applied in the dog that help you improve your quality of life, minimize episodes of pain and feel a little more relieved. These treatments can be surgical or non -surgical, both will depend largely on the progress of the disease. Also considering other factors, from the size and age of the dog, to the cost that the treatment may have. Next we expose what each of these treatments consist of:

Surgical

The Surgery to try to correct dysplasia of hip is defined as Triple pelvic osteotomy. In this case, the head of the femur is linked to the corresponding cavity artificially by means of plates that help him stay in his place. This surgery is performed, in most cases, when non -surgical treatment no longer makes the same effect. However, it presents great risks, so it is necessary to have the orientation of the veterinarian at all times to decide whether or not we must do it.

Non -surgical

He Non -surgical medical treatment It is more inclined to the administration of medicines that help the dog relieve pain and discomfort caused by the disease. Anti -inflammatory and analgesics are the ones that are most supplied for this purpose. On the other hand, these are complemented with hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions that contribute to strengthening the muscles and relieve pain. Non -surgical treatments are applied when dysplasia is in its milder phase. In this way its progression is slowed even if it does not stop. Although hip dysplasia is a disease Not curable And difficult to prevent by its genetic factor, there is the possibility of offering our pets a good quality of life, attention and care that keep it healthy and move away this condition as much as possible.