 |
 |
||||
Hip Dysplasia in DogsHip dysplasia in dogs is one form of arthritis. It refers to the abnormal growth or development of the ball and socket joint of the hips of dogs.
Natural remedies such as herbs, vitamins, and supplements can be used as dog hip dysplasia treatment.
In a healthy dog, the upper end of the thighbone (which is shaped like a ball) fits snugly into the socket of the hipbone, and the ball rotates freely within the socket.
The thighbone and the hipbone are shaped to perfectly match each other to facilitate smooth movement. To strengthen the joint, the two bones are held together by a
strong ligament. In addition, a very strong band of connective tissue encircles the two bones adding further stability.
In a dog with hip dysplasia, however, the hip socket may be too shallow to fully and firmly hold the ball-shaped thighbone, or the muscles, ligament, and
connective tissue surrounding the joint may not be strong enough to hold the "ball and socket" together. This results in pain and inflammation in one or
both of the hip joints, causing difficulty for the dog to get up and walk with ease.
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition that can range from just a slight abnormality in the hip joint to the actual dislocation of the joint.
Dogs of all ages can develop hip dysplasia but it usually occurs during the growing phase of a puppy (usually a large breed puppy). In extreme cases, puppies as young as
five months will begin to show pain and discomfort during and after vigorous exercise. As time goes on and without medical treatment, these dogs may not be able to walk
at all.
In most cases, however, the symptoms do not begin to show until the dog gets older.
Causes of Hip Dysplasia in DogsHeredity Many veterinarians believe that hip dysplasia in dogs is caused by heredity. Some breeds of large dogs, such as German Shepherds, St. Bernards, Golden Retrievers, etc. are more prone to hip dysplasia. It is also said that there is a high chance that dogs with hip dysplasia will pass the condition down onto their offsprings. Over-vaccination Many holistic veterinarians believe that over-vaccination can increase the risk of developing hip dysplasia in dogs. They advise that if your dog is young and is genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, you should consider not vaccinating every year. Diet Feeding a diet that has too much or too little calcium or other minerals can also have a detrimental effect on the development of the hip joint. In addition, vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin C) can also cause canine hip dysplasia. Dogs who are fed low-quality commercial pet food are at higher risk of suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Feeding a dog home-made dog foods also risks nutritional imbalance and these diets must be carefully monitored to make sure that the dog is getting all the nutrients, essential minerals, and vitamins he needs. Obesity It is easy to understand that if a dog is obese, the extra weight will put more stress on the legs and joints supporting the body, thus exacerbating degeneration of the joint in a dog with hip problems. Exercise For young growing puppies especially those who are predisposed to hip dysplasia, the type and the amount of exercise is important. Any activities that put a lot of force on the joints are not good. One such activity is playing Frisbee. For dogs prone to hip dysplasia, exercise should be moderate and focused on developing, strengthening, and maintaing good muscle mass, such as running and swimming. TopSymptoms of Hip Dysplasia in DogsThe symptoms of canine hip dysplasia are very similar to that of osteoarthritis:
Conventional Treatment for Hip DysplasiaConventional treatment includes surgery (e.g. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, Total Hip Replacement, Femoral Head Ostectomy), and/or pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, and oral supplements.Natural Remedies for Hip Dysplasia in DogsQuite a few natural remedies and supplements can be used to help repair joint tissue damage and to relieve pain and inflammation caused by the condition. Glucosamine and Chondroitin These supplements are effective for arthritis due to wear-and-tear joint deterioration both in people and dogs. Visit our page on Dog Arthritis Glucosamine for more information. MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane) MSM is anti-inflammatory and is effective in relieving pain and inflammation in the joints. Visit our page on MSM for Dogs for more information. Fatty Acids Fatty acids are found to be effective in reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia. Visit our page on Fatty Acids for Dogs for more information. Vitamins C and E Pain of hip dysplasia in dogs is very often caused by inflammation both inside and surrounding the joint. Vitamins C and E have been found to reduce inflammation and cartilage damage, so it is advisable to give vitamins C and E to a dog with hip pain. Colostrum Colostrum is the protein-rich pre-milk fluid produced from a mother's mammary glands during the first 72 hours after birth. It has been found to be highly nutritious; it contains immune and growth factors, enzymes, proteins, and many other beneficial substances. Colostrum has been used by holistic veterinarians to treat a lot of dog health problems. For example, problems with joints and connective tissue, such as hip dysplasia, degenerative arthritis, or cruciate ligament issues respond well with supplementation of colostrum. The growth factors in the colostrum facilitate the body's own regenerative processes and even better utilize supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine. Herbs Dandelion/Nettle These herbs are rich in minerals and vitamins and are effective in helping joint repair as well as removal of metabolic wastes from the body, which otherwise may contribute to solid buildups in the joints. Alfalfa Alfalfa has long been considered as one of the most effective herbs for relieving pain and discomforts resulting from arthritis. It also helps with the transport of systemic waste from body tissues. Licorice/Yucca These herbs have anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve pain of arthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs. Ginkgo/Hawthorn/Rosemary These are tonic herbs that are effective in improving blood circulation. An increase in blood flow in the tissues surrounding the painful joints will result in more flexible muscles and less stiffness. Caynne/Ginger These herbs also help increase blood circulation by slightly dilating the blood vessels and capillaries.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs - Things We Can DoKeep the Dog's Weight Down Obesity can aggravate the condition of hip dysplasia in dogs. If your dog has hip dysplasia, therefore, try to keep her slim. If necessary, consult a veterinarian about putting her on a special diet or weight-loss program. Regular Exercise Exercising daily is important but not all exercises are the same. For dogs with hip dysplasia, choose exercises that can:
Related Topics Dog Arthritis Natural Dog Arthritis Treatment Dog Arthritis Glucosamine MSM for Dogs Herbal Pain Remedies References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). PetEducation.com The Whole Dog Journal, January, 2004 Issue. TOP of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs |
| ||||
|
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service? |
|||||
| Homepage | Join Our Community | Funny Dog Pictures |
Dog Ecards | | Links | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Template Design | It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian. |
|||||
|
| |||||
