Relief For Dogs Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip sockets that allows excessive movement in the joint causing chronic inflammation and calcium deposits. Over many years, this condition produces pain and stiffness in the joints, making normal canine activities like running, jumping and playing more and more difficult.

If the dysplasia sets in as your dog ages (which is more common), you will notice your dog beginning to suffer the older he or she gets.

Here are a few common symptoms that MAY indicate hip dysplasia:

Your dog might show stiffness in the legs after a long walk or first thing in the morning

Your dog might resist movements that require full extension of the back legs

Your dog might walk or run with a strange gait

Your dog might need help getting up

Your dog might lose muscle tone

Many dog owners attribute many of these symptoms to normal aging, but since treatment can significantly reduce these symptoms, it's important to get a proper diagnosis.

The treatment for hip dysplasia is often surgery. Surgeries run the gamut from a simple laser surgery to full hip replacement. Your vet will decide based on your dog's current condition and prognosis. The earlier you seek treatment, the better for your dog.

Because surgery can be so prohibitively expensive for many dog owners, dog experts and veterinarians recommend medical treatments whenever possible, rather than surgical treatment.

Some of these medical treatments include:

Weight Management: Overweight dogs are twice as likely to develop hip dysplasia as dogs of normal weight. In addition, if your dog gains weight after a diagnosis of dysplasia, that extra weight will make it more difficult for your dog to deal with the many discomforts associated with the disease. Just be sure to give your dog only appropriate amounts of food and occasional treats.

Exercise: One of the most important components in reducing the symptoms of hip dysplasia is regular exercise. Just as with humans, if your dog is exercising regularly and keeping his or her joints loose and strong, there will a reduced risk that he or she will develop hip dysplasia. Note: You must keep in mind what appropriate exercise might be. Taking a morning jog with you is not a good idea. But swimming is excellent for your dog's joints or maybe a simple and easy walk. Other exercise treatments include: walking on treadmills and walking up and down stairs.

Physical Therapy and Massage: Your Vet can help you learn how to massage your dog to make his joints feel better and help him feel looser and happier. Your dog might not like it at first (remeber he's in pain). But if you build trust and are patient, your dog will likely begin to enjoy the sessions.

A Warm, Comforatble Place To Sleep: Anyone who has ever experienced arthritis pain, will understand the importance of having warmth and comfort. If you make your dog sleep outside every night in the winter, he or she will likely suffer greater pain than if you create an inside sleeping area for him or her. Additionally, you can purchase an orthopedic foam bed which reduces the pressure on your dog's joints. These beds are also easy to get out of, which your dog will really appreciate.