Contents
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a rather common health problem for some breeds.
Hip dysplasia in dogs is generally treated through a surgical procedure. However, with physiotherapy and phototherapy (which have a more conservative approach) is also possible.
Dog owners of Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers might have heard of an issue called hip dysplasia. In these breeds, it is more frequent.
In general, these breeds are more affected by this condition due to a malformation in the hip joint. It generally appears during the growing stages. But we should not forget that even mixed-race dogs or other breeds may also suffer from this condition.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Symptoms
Hip dysplasia in dogs diagnosis is generally determined after identifying some symptoms. This is carried out by the owner and, therefore, after this, we recommend a visit to the doctor.
The most common symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs are:
- Sudden tiredness to do physical activity;
- Problems to carry out simple and common movements, like climbing stairs or getting up on the back legs;
- Limping.
If your dog suddenly shows any of these symptoms, the best piece of advice is to take it to the vet immediately.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Veterinary Procedures for Treatment
Depending on the dog’s age and dysplasia gravity, there are several veterinary procedures to solve this canine health problem.
After an early diagnosis in puppies within their first 4 months of age, a juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) is carried out, this is a preventive type of surgery.
When hip dysplasia in dogs is diagnosed from 5 to 9 months of age, a different kind of surgery is required to reshape and reorient the acetabulum and/or femur: it is called an osteotomy. It is also known as Double Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO), and it consists of applying prosthetics.
One should emphasize that a surgical intervention is recommended for serious dysplasias in adult dogs. However, in a diagnosis carried out within the first year of life, a vet generally opts for a femur head and neck osteotomy.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Physiotherapy
In all hip dysplasia cases in dogs, veterinary physiotherapy is essential for fast and complete recovery when it comes to the dog’s mobility. This is applied in puppies subject to pubic symphisiodesis to the most serious ones.
When a prosthetic is preferred with proper veterinary physiotherapy treatment a professional can considerably reduce recovery time. For instance, with proper physiotherapy treatment, after pubic symphysiodesis puppies may recover completely in just 3 days, in comparison to the 10 days it takes with other options.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs, without Surgery, 100% Natural
When hip dysplasia in dogs is not so serious, it is possible to intervene with a more conservative approach, without the need to have invasive surgery.
With a proper treatment, involving physiotherapy and veterinary rehabilitation with low level laser therapy (LLLT) and analgesic electrostimulation, combined with supplements for dogs with chondroprotectors and antiinflammatory fit therapies, it is possible to keep the dog’s hip in good condition without having to deal with surgeries.
If you have more doubts, you may consult a professional near your house, who will provide the best attention and answer all your questions.
