Website design By BotEap.comYoung large breed dogs, such as Labradors, St. Bernards, and Great Danes, are prone to developing a condition called canine hip dysplasia (CHD). So are some of the smaller breeds, such as Beagles, Bloodhounds, Brittany Spaniels, and Bloodhounds.

Website design By BotEap.comCoronary heart disease is a very serious disease that can cause a dog to suffer a lot of pain and even become lame. While most dog experts will admit that exactly what causes canine hip dysplasia cannot be determined, they will tell you that genetics play a role. If your dog’s parents suffered from canine hip dysplasia, your dog will likely develop it. However, there are other factors. For example, older dogs can develop this condition due to osteoarthritis. It can also be caused by overfeeding the dog with foods rich in protein and calories, and by prolonged inactivity or obesity.

Website design By BotEap.comSymptoms of coronary heart disease include a difficulty or stiffness when the dog stands up or goes uphill. You may also notice that it uses only its front legs when trying to get up, that it has a gait of the hind limbs like a duck, or that it is reluctant to jump, climb stairs. or exercise. If your dog has hip dysplasia, he may also take very short steps due to pain in his hind legs.

Website design By BotEap.comDiagnosis of hip dysplasia in dogs

Website design By BotEap.comAfter your veterinarian observes the dog walking and performs a general physical exam, he or she will perform an orthopedic evaluation to determine the best way to treat the dog. One of the things your vet will do is flex and extend the dog’s hip joint. If your dog has coronary heart disease, he will probably tolerate hip flexion, but abduction will cause the dog to be in pain. After your vet performs the physical exam and orthopedic evaluation, he will use an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease. For the X-ray, the dog is likely lying on its back with its legs extended.

Website design By BotEap.comX-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis of hip dysplasia because its symptoms can also be those of other conditions that resemble hip dysplasia in dogs. This includes lumbar-sacral spine problems, cranial cruciate ligament tear, osteochondrosis, panosteitis, degenerative myelopathy, and hypertrophic osteodystrophy.

Website design By BotEap.comIf the diagnosis is confirmed

Website design By BotEap.comIf X-rays confirm that your dog has coronary heart disease, treatment will depend on several factors, including finances. This is because surgery may be an option, but it will be expensive. In fact, if the problem is really serious, the recommended surgery could be a total hip replacement.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you catch hip dysplasia early on, the recommended treatment will likely be anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers to help the dog’s pain combined with changes in his exercise and diet. Medications are usually given for only a short time to help the dog stay active while you make lifestyle changes. These changes often include weight control and good exercise management. In other words, you will need to restrict the dog’s exercise and keep its weight at the recommended level.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *