Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip socket is malformed. It is common in dogs, but relatively rare in cats. The condition is progressive and can lead to painful and debilitating symptoms in pets.
Causes of Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is primarily an inherited condition. Large and giant breeds of dog such as Great Danes, German shepherds, and St. Bernards are most commonly affected. However, the condition is also seen in cats and smaller breeds of dog. Other factors that contribute to hip dysplasia include obesity, improper nutrition, and pelvic muscle mass. The condition can occur at any age but is most often seen in senior pets.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
Pets with hip dysplasia suffer from pain and inflammation when the hip socket and femur bone rub against each other. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following symptoms of the condition.
- Limping
- Difficulty lying down or rising
- Slowness
- Stiffness
- Swollen joints
- Unsteady gait
- Weakness in the hind legs
- Joint pain
- Decreased activity
Diagnosis of Hip Dysplasia
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for clinical signs of hip dysplasia such as loss of muscle mass in the thighs.
In most cases, routine diagnostic tests such as bloodwork and a urinalysis will be performed to evaluate your pet’s overall health and check for underlying conditions. X-rays of the hip joints will also be used to confirm a diagnosis of hip dysplasia and rule out other causes of your pet’s symptoms.
Treatment of Hip Dysplasia
Treatment of hip dysplasia will depend on the severity of the condition. In many cases, a combination of diet, weight management, and low-impact exercise will help improve your pet’s mobility and minimize painful symptoms.
Your veterinarian may prescribe medications such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories to ease pain and discomfort. Supplements like glucosamine may also be recommended to improve the function of the hip joints.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat hip dysplasia. Surgical options include total hip replacement and femoral head ostectomy, a procedure in which the ball of the hip joint is removed to improve mobility.
Prevention of Hip Dysplasia
Since hip dysplasia is usually caused by genetic factors, it is not considered preventable in the majority of cases. However, it is important to feed your pet a healthy, balanced diet and maintain their weight to prevent undue stress on the joints. Finally, please schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s health throughout their lifetime.
