WHAT IS CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA?
Hip dysplasia is a disease that is heredity and can be very painful. Even though it can be found in many different animals, it is most commonly found in dogs. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and the environment.
It is more common for large breed dogs to have this disease. Cats can also get hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia occurs in dogs by a very young age - usually by the time they are 18 months old.
SYMPTOMS
A dog might appear to be stiff and sore after getting up.
A dog might refuse to exercise.
Abnormal movements of the legs when running.
TREATMENT
X-Rays will often confirm the presence of hip dysplasia.
Since dogs get hip displasia when they are very young, they grow accustomed to the pain and do not let it show. This is why the owner is normally the one to notice something abnormal about the way the dog is sitting or walking.
There is no cure for hip displasia. It is important to try and give the dog a good quality of life. Medications, weight control and exercise are used to treat the pain and if necessary, surgery might have to be done.
It is very important not to overfeed young dogs, particularly large breeds.
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