Hip Dysplasia - Know the Symptoms and Treat the Disease Faster

GSDOWNER · #1 12-03-09, 01:12 PM

Canine Hip Dysplasia – Know the Symptoms and Treat the Disease Faster

Symptoms

Arthritis in dogs is caused in most cases by hip dysplasia, which is found quite often in dogs. Hip dysplasia in dogs will bring with it a lot of pain and a mobility that is severely reduced. Its effects are grave enough that the dog is no longer able to enjoy life properly, since the disease has debilitating effects on them. That’s why you should take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as you see that there is something wrong with him. The doctor needs to find out what the problem is and treat it as soon as possible, so that the pain is reduced, together with the other symptoms brought on by this illness.

Like with most other diseases, there will be some signs and symptoms that show up when a dog has hip dysplasia. In most cases these symptoms are associated with reduced ability to function and lameness. A rolling, abnormal or waddling gait is a symptom that can be seen in most cases. A dog that has this problem will run unusually, since he will use the back legs at the same time. It’s something similar to hopping. Another sign is that the dog will walk with a short stride, something normal in dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia. Also, when these dogs sit up, they will keep the legs closer, in a narrow position, moving the weight of the body from one leg to the other. Staggering and swaying can often be seen in dogs that have hip dysplasia.

Other warnings that you get when a dog begins to suffer from hip dysplasia is the fact that they have issues when they try to lie down or to sit. The same happens when they try to get up. A sad result of this is that the dogs will have problems when defecating or urinating, something even falling over when they try to do it. They will probably avoid going up stairs whenever they can, since it will be difficult for them. Obviously, this also means that they will not be able to exercise properly, especially when it’s about jumping or running. If you observe the dog’s thighs, you will be able to see muscle wasting. If any of the symptoms I mentioned are familiar because you saw them in your dog, you should take him to a veterinarian, to make sure he doesn’t have hip dysplasia.

Treatment

Unfortunately, this disease can’t be cured completely, but it can be treated. There are plenty of methods of treatment out there, which will improve the condition of the dog, reducing from the immobility, discomfort and pain that he experiences. What treatment will the dog get depends on how bad is the condition in his case. In some cases, the treatment can consist of surgery, helping the dog lose weight or arthritis medication. In other cases, you might have success with homeopathic and natural remedies.

Usually, the homeopathic and natural remedies will give the dog the extra nutrients that he needs to feel better and fight the hip dysplasia. Glucosamine, chondroitin and omega 3 fatty acids are some examples that will help him deal with hip dysplasia better. You can combine these remedies with others, that will help glucosamine and chondroitin do their job better. Some of these nutrients that help them include vitamin E, vitamin C, manganese or zinc. By combining them, homeopathic remedies can help the dog with the symptoms caused by hip dysplasia.

You shouldn’t treat the dog yourself. Treatment should be done based on the advice given by the veterinarian.

Heather · #2 27-04-09, 07:49 PM

my puppy is 4 1/2 months old. The other day when we were out for a walk a man said to me that Kira's back leg looked ' a bit funny.' These weren't his exact words as he was speaking in Spanish and I don't know how to translate it! he said he used to have German Shepherds and I should give her a calcium tablet every day. Anyway, at the vet's today I mentioned this and the vet felt Kira's leg and said that it was nothing and when Kira was 6months old they'd take an x-ray. I was just wondering , could she tell from just touching the leg? She didn't even look at Kira walking. As this is my first shepherd I can't really tell if she's walking normally or not. Any advice would be appreciated.

maxandskye · #3 27-04-09, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heather

my puppy is 4 1/2 months old. The other day when we were out for a walk a man said to me that Kira's back leg looked ' a bit funny.' These weren't his exact words as he was speaking in Spanish and I don't know how to translate it! he said he used to have German Shepherds and I should give her a calcium tablet every day. Anyway, at the vet's today I mentioned this and the vet felt Kira's leg and said that it was nothing and when Kira was 6months old they'd take an x-ray. I was just wondering , could she tell from just touching the leg? She didn't even look at Kira walking. As this is my first shepherd I can't really tell if she's walking normally or not. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi Heather.

I dont have any experience with this problem, but personally I wouldnt say that the Vet could not tell by touch only. The Vet probably only said that about the x-ray as a precautionary measure. I would just monitor her yourself over the next few weeks Heather.

Someone else will probably be able to advise better than me.

Hope Kira is otherwise doing ok ?

Jenny.

kita · #4 27-04-09, 11:38 PM

I would not be unduly worried - some people assume the minute they see a GSD that it has to have HD!!

I would have thought that 6 months was a bit young to be x-raying the hips (unless there were obvious problems that is). In the UK the kennel club score (x-ray the hips) from 12 months onwards.

If you are happy with the pups movement (GSD's are not THAT different to any other dog) then I would just continue with what you are doing.

Were her parents etc. hip scored?

Sue

Heather · #5 28-04-09, 08:54 AM

Kira's parents I assume weren't hip scored as the man who I got her from didn't say anything about that. Reading thruogh the forum I realise now that we did a lot of things wrong when buying her. First she wasn't even a month old (a few days off) and we only saw her mother that day (don't know who the father was). The man asked did we want her 'with or without her pedigree' and as I just wanted her as a family dog we didn't think it mattered so we really don't know anything about her. Anyway I try not to dwell too much on that now,but as you say perhaps I'm worrying unnecessarily.
I think it must be routine at my vet's to x-ray gsd's at 6 months cos they mentioned it the first day I took Kira there. Thanks for the replies

maxandskye · #6 28-04-09, 09:28 AM

Heather dont worry, the main thing is that you have Kira now, shes part of your family & in a good home now with you. Dogs are the same as humans they are all different, & all have their funny individual ways.

Jenny

ArchandEbs · #7 28-04-09, 01:08 PM

Hi Heather

My Arch has HD and I can spot it. I knew he had it from when he was a tiny puppy and I brought him home. He used to cry out when he walked down from the back step. From the back he has a "supermodel" sway and he also arches his back slightly. Also he's never cocked his leg.

I had him hip scored at 2 and he was 34, 36. His xrays made me feel sick to look at. He's 10 in May. He's not on any medication except for glucosamine. Occassionally he has metcam but ironicaly it's because of his front leg where he has developed arthritis.

There are usually signs as per the the top post - but even if he has HD it's not the end of the world. Arch has a wonderful life. I've learnt that moderate exercise every day has helped to build up muscle. I didn't throw a ball for the first year so he didn't twist and turn and no up and down stairs.

I hope your little one doesn't have it - but even if Kira does have HD it can be managed - just never let them put Kira on rimadyl - but that's a whole other thread!!

Heather · #8 28-04-09, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArchandEbs

Hi Heather

My Arch has HD and I can spot it. I knew he had it from when he was a tiny puppy and I brought him home. He used to cry out when he walked down from the back step. From the back he has a "supermodel" sway and he also arches his back slightly. Also he's never cocked his leg.

I had him hip scored at 2 and he was 34, 36. His xrays made me feel sick to look at. He's 10 in May. He's not on any medication except for glucosamine. Occassionally he has metcam but ironicaly it's because of his front leg where he has developed arthritis.

There are usually signs as per the the top post - but even if he has HD it's not the end of the world. Arch has a wonderful life. I've learnt that moderate exercise every day has helped to build up muscle. I didn't throw a ball for the first year so he didn't twist and turn and no up and down stairs.

I hope your little one doesn't have it - but even if Kira does have HD it can be managed - just never let them put Kira on rimadyl - but that's a whole other thread!!

I'm glad that Arch is able to lead a fulfilling life despite his HD. Kira has definately never looked or sounded like she's in pain-it was just that man's comment that set me thinking. And now as I'm writing this my daughter has just told me that her friend said to her that Kira walked a bit strange. Now I am worried.

Heather · #9 28-04-09, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxandskye

Hi Heather.

I dont have any experience with this problem, but personally I wouldnt say that the Vet could not tell by touch only. The Vet probably only said that about the x-ray as a precautionary measure. I would just monitor her yourself over the next few weeks Heather.

Someone else will probably be able to advise better than me.

Hope Kira is otherwise doing ok ?

Jenny.

Jenny ,I'm confused. Do you mean the vet would or wouldn't be able to tell from touch alone? Sorry if I'm being a bit thick here.

ArchandEbs · #10 28-04-09, 02:56 PM

Try not to worry. You've done the right thing and have referred her to an expert. Arch used to cry out and he limped.

Sometimes people can put things into your mind and you see things that aren't there. Try not to worry (easier said than done) and wait and see what your vet says.

You're doing everything for her and she's lucky to have such a kind and caring owner.