Dogs can suffer from diseases in their bones and joints, which considerably reduce their quality of life, causing them pain. One of the most common pathologies is hip dysplasia.
It occurs when the femur of the dog does not fit correctly in the hip socket, leaving the head of said bone displaced. As a consequence, there is constant friction in the joint that injures the cartilage and can cause osteoarthritis.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic or hereditary degenerative process. In fact, although any dog ​​can suffer from it, it is especially frequent in large breeds, such as the German shepherd, the Labrador, the mastiff, the golden retriever, etc. It can manifest from when they are puppies and worsen over time, or show its first signs at a later age.
The lifestyle and care received by the animal will also influence the progress of this condition. For example, if the dog is overweight, overexerted, or deficient in certain nutrients and vitamins, such as calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin C, hip dysplasia is more likely to worsen.
Although there is no cure for hip dysplasia, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms to improve discomfort in the animal so that it can lead a normal life. Therefore, early detection is essential in order to prevent the disease from getting worse. Recognizing the symptoms is of great help to go to the vet as soon as possible.
To diagnose hip dysplasia, it is usually necessary to perform an x-ray where the vet assesses the damage in the affected area. Treatment will vary depending on how advanced and severe the state of the hip dysplasia is. It may consist of the prescription of medications to reduce pain, such as anti-inflammatories and condom protectors. It will also be necessary to control the weight of the animal, with a diet and moderate exercise. It may even be necessary to take nutritional supplements.
In other cases, a surgical intervention is imperative with which to try to correct the posture of the joint. Another option is the use of implants or prostheses. Likewise, physiotherapy and rehabilitation are of great help to stop the degenerative process, combat pain and recover the mobility and muscle tone of the dog.
