Most dog owners have at one time or another, gone through the process of
purchasing or adopting a new puppy. We pay close attention to their
personality, the color and texture of their coat, long hair or short, bold or
timid etc. etc. But what about those hidden traits? What is lurking within
that cute, cuddly ball of fur that's going to cause us heartache a few years
down the road?
Since none of us have a crystal ball (well not one that works anyway), we have
to base our decision on whatever information is available at the time. Does
the pup appear healthy? What do the parents look like and are they showing any
signs of a genetic disease? If there is a history of a particular disease in
this breed, could it be that this playful pup now sleeping in your arms, is
one day going to develop a crippling illness?
While there are no guarantees, even with all the certificates and other papers
that accompany the new dog, we should all at least be aware of the most common
genetic disease - Hip Dysplasia (HD).
Despite more than twenty five years of organized effort to eliminate this
disease, more than a third of all cases seen by veterinary orthopedists have
joint disease related to HD. Although any breed can be affected, it is usually
more prevalent in the large and giant breeds. Dysplastic pups are actually
born with normal hips - this is a genetic disease, not a congenital one- and
then gradually between six and twenty four months, the dysplasia becomes
evident.
The actual cause of HD is basically unknown, but it is believed that certain
environmental and nutritional factors play a significant role in its
development. Heavy supplementation with vitamins and minerals together with
free choice of puppy food often leads to very rapid growth or obesity, and to
the clinical symptoms of HD. Typically, signs include limping, getting up or
lying down very slowly, difficulty with stairs and stiffness which gradually
improves with exercise. While some of these signs could indicate other
problems, a consultation with your veterinarian is essential to determine the
exact cause of discomfort. Its important to note that HD doesn't develop
suddenly - it starts off with very mild symptoms and gradually worsens over a
period of months.
In diagnosing the condition, your veterinarian will carefully manipulate the
dog's hips to detect any discomfort or "looseness" in the joints. In most
cases X-rays are needed, usually with the patient under sedation, to confirm
the diagnosis and determine how severe the condition is.
Treatments for HD will vary depending upon a number of factors including the
age of the dog, the degree of dysplasia and arthritis present in the joint,
the amount of discomfort shown as well as the owners preferences. In mild
cases, conservative treatment is certainly the best option. If the dog can
still run, jump and play normally, this should be the treatment of choice.
Three factors are involved here:
1) Weight control
2) Anti-inflammatory drugs
3) Exercise restriction
It is critical to discuss these three
factors with your veterinarian and obtain guidelines regarding optimum weight
for your pet and also which medications would be most beneficial.
In more severe cases, surgery is indicated to relieve the discomfort and to
allow the dog to resume most of its normal activities. Three primary surgical
procedures are available. Your veterinarian or veterinary orthopedic surgeon
will determine which one will best suit your pet. Briefly these are:
1) Replacing the natural joint, or total hip replacement
2) Removing the natural joint, or femoral head resection
3) Saving the natural joint, or triple pelvic osteotomy.
While hip dysplasia can be a very debilitating disease, especially in the
larger breeds, there are methods of treatment available to help your pet enjoy
a happy, pain-free life.
Ref: Canine Hip Dysplasia - Current concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment, The
Animal Referral Center.
