Hip Dysplasia
What is hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is a prevalent and debilitating orthopedic condition that affects dogs, particularly large and medium-sized breeds. It involves an abnormal development of the hip joint, resulting in poor congruence between the ball of the femur and the socket of the hip bone. This malformation causes instability within the joint, leading to excessive wear and tear of the cartilage, inflammation, and eventually, the progression of arthritis. Dogs with hip dysplasia may experience varying degrees of pain, lameness, and difficulty in performing everyday activities like walking, running, and jumping. While genetics play a significant role in its development, environmental factors such as rapid growth, excessive weight gain, and inappropriate exercise can also contribute to the severity of the condition. Dogs often present either very young with signs of pain or instability in the hind end, or as they age due to prorgression into arthritis.
How do we treat it?
The treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs involves a comprehensive approach to manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for the affected animal. There a few surgical options available when a dog is very young that can help improve the congruency of the hip joint as a dog grows. There are also surgical options later on that may be considered when conservative treatments fail to provide sufficient relief. Procedures like total hip replacement and femoral head ostectomy aim to improve joint function and reduce pain by replacing the damaged or misshapen components of the hip joint.
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the management of hip dysplasia. Under the guidance of a rehabilitation specialist, modalities, hands on techniques, and controlled exercises can help reudce pain, strengthen the muscles around the hip joint, increase flexibility, and improve range of motion.
Weight management is essential in managing hip dysplasia, as excess body weight can exacerbate the condition. A balanced diet, portion control, and regular exercise tailored to the dog's condition can help reduce strain on the hip joint and slow down the progression of degenerative joint disease.
Joint supplements are commonly used to support joint health and promote cartilage repair. These supplements can help reduce inflammation, improve joint lubrication, and potentially slow down the progression of hip dysplasia.
Medication, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be prescribed by a veterinarian to manage pain and reduce inflammation associated with hip dysplasia. Pain management is essential to improve the dog's comfort and enhance its ability to engage in physical activities.