Dysplasia in dogs how much does the test cost. Hip dysplasia in dogs - a detailed description of the disease. Symptoms of dysplasia in a dog

Experienced breeders know that most large pedigree dogs are prone to diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Animals with a massive physique, high body weight and constantly experiencing strong physical overload often have joint problems. Dysplasia in dogs is a disease that is often diagnosed as early as puppyhood. Timely treatment of the disease will help to avoid serious consequences, one of which is complete immobility.

Features of the disease

Dysplasia is a dangerous disease in which the dog's joint tissue is modified or destroyed (partially or completely). With the development of this pathology, too much gap appears between the head of the bone and the glenoid cavity, and the bone begins to incorrectly fit to the joint (normally, the fit should be quite tight). Upon contact, the bone tissues begin to rub, the joints are subjected to pressure, delaminate, become flattened, etc.

This pathology is almost never congenital, but can develop in a dog in early childhood. Doctors, looking at a high-quality x-ray, can diagnose "dysplasia" even in the initial stages (sometimes it is possible to determine dysplasia in 6-month-old puppies). Acutely pronounced symptoms of the disease, noticeable to people around, usually appear in animals by 1-1.5 years. It is during this period that intensive growth ends, and it is already possible to determine for sure what condition the articular tissues of dogs are in.

Almost all joints can be subjected to pressure and friction in the body of dogs. But the most impressive load during movement always falls on the hip joint (abbreviated as TBS), because. when running or jumping, the dog makes strong pushes, amortizes with its hind legs. Therefore, hip dysplasia occurs many times more often than knee or elbow dysplasia.

Who is at risk of getting sick?

Unpleasant hip problems usually appear in massive, heavy dogs. Animals of large build and tall stature are more likely to suffer from this disease.

Dysplasia can occur in divers, golden retrievers, shepherd dogs, great danes, malamutes and some other breeds.

Reasons for the appearance

It has been scientifically proven that the main cause of HBS in dogs is a burdened heredity. If a female or male has deformed articular tissues, then this problem can be transmitted at the gene level to their offspring. But even if a puppy has a great genetic predisposition, this does not mean at all that he will necessarily suffer from this disease.

There are many reasons that provoke the onset of the disease. Hip dysplasia in dogs can be caused by:

• unbalanced nutrition (if the dog eats meat products in unlimited quantities, eats only protein or eats cheap low-quality food, then over time she may experience severe joint pain);
• an excess of phosphorus and calcium (a large amount of these trace elements that enter the body of dogs along with food or dietary supplements can adversely affect the development of joint and bone tissues);
• obesity (extra pounds increase the load and pressure on the articular tissue, resulting in their gradual destruction);
• grueling workouts, hard physical exercises (during the formation of the skeleton, any excessive stress can harm the joints);
• inactivity (if the puppy walks on the street for 5-10 minutes, and spends the rest of the time in the apartment, then due to the lack of movement, his joints may develop incorrectly);
• injuries, bruises, sprains, dislocations of limbs.

Main symptoms

An attentive owner can always independently suspect joint dysplasia in his pet. This can be indicated by symptoms such as:

• limping and swaying when walking;
• incorrect placement of paws while running (when jogging, the dog can push off the floor with both hind legs at once);
• frequent rest while running or walking;
• stiffness of movements (it is difficult for a pet to get up from the floor, it is difficult to go up and down stairs, a dog with elbow joint dysplasia sometimes cannot even give a paw to a person at his command, etc.);
• an unusual position when lying down (if the dog is lying on its stomach, its hind legs can be unnaturally turned in different directions, you can understand exactly how this position looks like by looking at the photo);
• body asymmetry (with hip dysplasia, the puppy tries to transfer the main load from the hind legs to the front ones, so his chest and front legs become more massive, the pelvis looks narrower, and the muscles of the hind legs atrophy);
• swelling, swelling in the joints;
• pain in the thighs that occurs when palpating a limb.

The sooner the owner notices these symptoms in his pet, the easier it will be to treat. If you get to the doctor's appointment on time, the chances that the dog will recover and return to a full life increase significantly. Hip dysplasia in dogs diagnosed in adulthood is much more difficult to treat.

Diagnostic methods

To diagnose dysplasia, a veterinarian will need to conduct a thorough examination of the dog. The doctor will feel the limbs of the animal and conduct a test for mobility (try to straighten the joints, listen for squeaks, clicks or friction when bending the paws). Already at this stage, an experienced specialist will be able to preliminarily determine whether there is a pathology or not.

After that, the doctor can prescribe an x-ray to the dog (an x-ray is taken for animals only after the introduction of anesthesia; without anesthesia, it will be very difficult to take an x-ray due to the resistance of the pet patient). Such a study will allow us to consider how the articular cavity and the femoral neck are located. The finished clear picture will give the doctor an idea of ​​what pathological changes have already affected the hip joint.

Another examination aimed at an objective assessment of the state of the articular tissue and the recognition of dysplasia in dogs is arthroscopy. During an endoscopic procedure, the veterinarian will be able to view the cartilage structure using a miniature camera inserted through a small incision into the joint cavity. Although this study is informative, unfortunately, it is carried out only in the most modern, well-equipped clinics and costs a lot of money.

After all the studies carried out, the doctor will be able to put the degree of hip dysplasia. In veterinary medicine, the following categories are distinguished that describe the state of the joints of dogs:

1. A (articular tissue without severe pathologies);
2. B (predisposition to pathological changes);
3. C (mild initial stage of joint dysplasia);
4. D (medium dysplasia);
5. E (severe dysplasia).

Treatment

Joint dysplasia in large dogs can be treated in two main ways: conservative and surgical. Which treatment to prescribe is always decided individually and depends on the degree of damage to the articular tissues, the age and weight of the animal, its well-being, etc.

In the conservative treatment of HJ pathology, veterinarians usually prescribe medications (specially designed for animals) and procedures to help dogs to alleviate their suffering as much as possible. Most often, animals are prescribed the following groups of drugs:

• chondroprotectors (drugs that help restore the joints and cartilage tissue of dogs are prescribed in the form of intravenous droppers or intramuscular injections, and are also injected directly into the joint);
• antispasmodics (reduce the pain syndrome that occurs in the animal when moving);
• anti-inflammatory drugs (stop inflammation);
• food supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin (strengthen the bone tissue of dogs, promote joint regeneration in a short time).

If hip dysplasia in dogs has developed against the background of obesity, the owner will also have to completely revise the diet, put the pet on a low-calorie diet and make sure that the dog gradually begins to lose weight. During the period of weight loss, the animal must be given vitamin complexes.

In addition to taking medications and vitamins, physiotherapy is often prescribed for hip joint disease. The most effective are procedures such as paraffin therapy, ozocerite, magnetic and laser therapy. A good therapeutic effect will give a massage of the diseased joint (it should be performed by a professional). Treatment of hip dysplasia must necessarily include moderate exercise: swimming, light running, etc. But you can’t force dogs to jump and run fast.

It is impossible to completely cure a severe degree of dysplasia with sparing methods. If medications and procedures do not give the expected effect, and the pet’s condition only worsens, the best solution to the problem will be an operation, before which an x-ray will need to be taken again. During the operation, the doctor will be able to adjust the shape of the hip bone so that its head matches the size and shape of the glenoid fossa.

The complexity and duration of the operation will depend on how severely the dysplasia is running. In some cases, the surgeon will only need to remove a small piece of cartilage. In severe cases of the disease, the following types of surgery can be performed:

1. Complete excision of the neck and head of the femur. It is prescribed for advanced disease. The recovery period after such an operation can be very long, but after complete rehabilitation, the dog and his owner will be able to completely forget about the disease. The dog will be able to run, jump, perform any physical exercise and enjoy life. At the same time, no prostheses, etc., will be implanted into the body of the animal.
2. Osteotomy. During this manipulation, the doctor dissects the bones and changes the location of the glenoid fossa. Thanks to this, the hip joint is in the correct location (an x-ray will show how it will look). Such a surgical procedure can only be performed with an unaggravated form of dysplasia, not aggravated by arthritis.
3. Endoprosthetics. The affected hip joint is completely replaced with a prosthesis made of titanium alloy. With full recovery after such a procedure, the dog will be able to move normally without experiencing pain and discomfort.

Dysplasia is an insidious disease that is passed down from generation to generation. There are versions that the cause of its development can be trauma, malnutrition or insufficient physical activity, but genetic predisposition undoubtedly plays a leading role. Passion for large breeds of dogs did a disservice: not wanting to lose profits, breeders were not very conscientious about culling, sterilizing animals with pathologies.

As a result, the situation can now be called catastrophic - joint dysplasia is detected more and more often not only in dogs after 1.5 years, but also in puppies up to 6 months.

Description of the disease

Dysplasia is a disease that causes deformation and destruction of the articular, and then the bone tissue of the musculoskeletal system. An improperly formed joint or damaged as a result of an injury, when the gap between the head and the acetabulum is too large, with constant friction, it literally “eats” the cartilaginous tissue, causing severe pain. Then the process also affects the bone, eventually depriving the dog of the opportunity to fully move, lead an active lifestyle.

This is interesting! Most often, this disease affects the hip joints. It is on them that the greatest load lies when running, jumping, when the pet is forced to push its weight as much as possible in order to complete the movement.

Somewhat less commonly, one or all of the elbow joints are affected, causing lameness in the front legs. The dog refuses to follow some commands, for example, "Give a paw", "Down" - when running up the stairs, does not allow you to touch the affected area. You can also notice the disease by inflammation at the place of the fold, the appearance of thickenings.

The “knees” are the least affected, but this does not make the problem less significant. Dysplasia on the hind legs often appears after a fall, blow, any knee injury, due to which the paw could turn up, dislocate. To correct the joint on your own, in order to avoid consequences, the amateur will not succeed, the help of specialists will be required. But this does not guarantee a complete recovery. Pain and lameness can reappear at any time.

Erased cartilage tissue should prevent contact and damage to the bone. Exfoliating, the bone is destroyed, the joints change, not only disfiguring the paws, but also restricting movement.

If the disease begins an attack on the puppy's still unformed, growing body, the pathologies will become noticeable quickly, they will affect not only the joints, but the entire musculoskeletal system. But usually violations are detected by the age of 1.5, when the dog gains muscle mass, becomes heavier, and, accordingly, the load on the paws increases.

Important! The earlier the disease is detected, the easier it is to save the animal, adjust the treatment regimens and prevent exacerbations. If there are “relatives” with dysplasia in the “history”, it is best to get certificates about the successful passage of the test for the disease by the puppy’s parents.

If genetic disorders are suspected, it is worth doing an x-ray examination of the joints, in which it is easy to detect dysplasia even at the initial stage.

Which dogs are at risk

Symptoms of dysplasia in a dog

At first, the puppy is not very willing to take part in the fun, without which he could not imagine life yesterday, he gets tired and goes to bed, showing that he wants to go home, during walks, begins to be afraid to go down stairs or climb them. From time to time he has a lameness, which can disappear after rest. Dog breeders with experience start sounding the alarm already at this stage, hurrying to the veterinarians.

If the pet has an almost constant lameness, he begins to waddle, as if staggering, when running, put his paws in an unusual way, trying to push off the ground with both hind legs, for example, you should rush to the specialists immediately. These symptoms can be noticed even by the one who first got a four-legged friend.

It is painful for the dog to move, run, it often lies down, stretching and twisting its paws. At this time, seals in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe joints are already clearly visible, the pet does not allow them to be touched in order to inspect. In babies, with the early development of the disease, asymmetry, an unusual breed, becomes very noticeable. When the hip or knee joints are affected, the puppy transfers the load to the front paws, so that they look more massive, better developed.

Important! Having noticed some of these manifestations of an insidious disease, you need to show the animal to the veterinarian, undergo an examination with him. This will help determine what kind of steel is dysplasia, how and with what you can help the dog lead a normal life.

In this case, the muscles of the back of the body atrophy. Not only examining, but even stroking the dog, you can find seals in the joints. Soreness causes the dog to shy away from attempts to caress it, and can also cause aggression.

Diagnostic methods

Not only a good specialist in the treatment of animals, but also an experienced dog breeder, breeder of large breeds of dogs, it will not be difficult to diagnose dysplasia upon examination. Already the fact that the pet does not like it when his paw is squeezed a little in the fold should alert. In addition, the inflamed or compacted area, with an already overgrown tissue, is easily palpable.

When the paw is bent, a characteristic sound is heard: a click, a crunch, sometimes you can feel the friction of the head of the joint on the bone. These are the very first signs that may not mean a disease, but speak of its imminent onset, a predisposition to dysplasia.

The veterinarian will need to take an x-ray of the affected area to see how far the disease has progressed. To do this, dogs are almost always given an injection that will anesthetize and deprive them of the ability to move (anesthesia, anesthesia). After all, it is impossible to make a puppy or a teenage dog lie motionless when there are so many unfamiliar people and objects around, and the situation looks threatening.

The owner needs to be ready for this procedure in order to reassure the friend, to show that he is safe, and the one he trusts is not going to leave him alone. A leash, a muzzle are a must for visiting the clinic, some animals react very aggressively to the white coats of doctors after the very first vaccinations, so you should not forget about elementary security measures among all the worries.

A rather painful procedure that requires anesthesia, the dog is subjected to a procedure in order to see how damaged the tissues are from the inside. It is called arthroscopy: a miniature camera, an endoscope, is inserted through a puncture into the joint. So you can get a very objective picture of the defeat of dysplasia. Equipment for such a procedure is available only in large clinics, so it is not done everywhere.

The letter "A" in the diagnosis will mean complete well-being, that is, the tissues are not affected.

"B" in the verdict means a predisposition to pathological changes, and this means increased attention to the pet, constant examinations, adherence to the prescribed lifestyle and diet to stop the process.

Important! The cost of the service is high, but the results will not cause the slightest doubt.

If the veterinarian writes the letter "C" - dysplasia has already taken over, the joints are affected, but the process can be brought under control.

"D" - the disease progresses, it is necessary to treat the dog in order to alleviate its condition, restore the ability to move normally, and then constantly engage in prevention so that there is no relapse.

The letter "E" means severe damage to the articular tissue, we can only talk about supportive treatment.

The serious condition of the dog is most often caused either by poor health, or by the complete unwillingness of the owners to take care of the pet, which they are obliged to take care of. An unnoticed disease, refusal to help veterinarians, an incorrectly chosen diet, lack of proper care and conditions for normal growth and development contribute to a very rapid, aggressive course of a genetically determined disease.

Treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs

Many dog ​​owners are afraid that there is no cure for dysplasia. They refuse a puppy that has a disease, sometimes simply throwing it out into the street and dooming it to vagrancy and quick death.

But even a pathology noticed at an early age can and should be treated. If lameness, soreness of the paws, frequent mood swings in the puppy and his not very active behavior are ignored, by 6 months he may simply be semi-paralyzed, any movement will cause him pain. And with increased weight gain (the animal remains large, actively grows, eats with appetite and cannot spend calories), it is threatened with death from obesity and related problems.

Both young and adult dogs are usually treated conservatively.. Therapy is carried out only by veterinarians, selecting medicines, physiotherapy, developing the necessary complexes of nutrition, training. Often a course of injections with drugs that relieve inflammation and pain (chondroprotectors) is required.

With any degree of dysplasia, physiotherapy and gentle training with a clearly regulated load show a good effect. It is impossible to allow the dog to completely stop moving, this will even more adversely affect health. Jogging next to the owner, small runs on flat terrain, ball games, swimming and swimming will help in the normal development of muscles, stop osteoarthritis.

Important! Veterinarians will definitely tell you what and how much supplements should be included in the diet. There are many vitamins that can have a positive effect on the condition of bone tissue.

In addition to conservative treatment, surgical treatment is also offered, however, an artificial joint is very expensive, not every dog ​​owner can afford such an expensive operation. In addition, this method is applicable only in cases where the animal is already fully formed, this method is not suitable for young dogs.

Dysplasia is a chronic disease, no medicine, no operation can completely heal a pet. Therefore, everything possible should be done so that the disease does not begin to develop. If it is detected, it is worth following all the recommendations of doctors, achieving a long and stable remission.

Dysplasia is a hip deformity that occurs during growth. Sometimes it is called underdevelopment of the articular cavity, previously the disease was called congenital subluxation or displacement.

The hip joint is a "hinged joint". During the development of the individual, both the head of the femur and the acetabulum must grow at the same rate. When hip dysplasia develops in dogs, there is no such uniformity in the growth rate of the constituent parts, the head, the cavity, or both components are deformed. The result is joint weakness followed by degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, which is the body's attempt to stabilize the weakened hip joint.

The manifestation of symptoms depends on the severity of these arthritic changes. Some animals with significant signs of hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis on x-ray show no clinical signs, while others with minimal changes show severe lameness and complain of pain in the affected area.

Reasons for development

There are two main causes of hip dysplasia, genetics and malnutrition. Most often, the development of the disease occurs precisely because of a genetic predisposition. Ecology plays a significant role, that is, the state of the environment in which an individual develops.

Advances in nutritional research have shown that diet also plays an important role in the development of hip dysplasia. Puppies of large breeds should develop gradually, it is better if there is not enough weight for their age than there will be at least a slight overabundance. You should not overfeed them, accelerating growth, because this will ultimately lead to excessive pressure on the joints.

First of all, it is necessary to properly feed puppies and young dogs, because the body's need for calcium and phosphorus increases during growth. It is necessary to remember about the correct ratio of calcium-phosphorus. When both minerals are present in the diet, bones can develop soft and unstable. In commercial foods, there is often a conflict situation, that is, an overabundance of minerals, and the addition of calcium-rich supplementary food in the form of bones or special vitamins leads to the fact that the puppy absorbs more calcium and phosphorus than he needs. In this case, an excessive amount of minerals enters the body and the bones become brittle.

In adulthood and older age, extra pounds can further increase pressure on the joints. A study of puppies at risk for hip dysplasia found that two-thirds of the puppies were affected with unrestricted feeding and one third with normalized feeding.

A study of German Shepherds found that overweight puppies were almost twice as likely to develop hip dysplasia than normal weight dogs.

Excessive stress on the joints during walking, training or its lack can also lead to dysplasia. Mechanical impact or impact often leads to the development of pathology.

Predisposed Dog Breeds

Although any dog ​​can suffer from joint disease, it is predominantly found in larger dogs. Almost every such dog can develop joint disease under certain conditions. The most susceptible breeds are:

• German and other shepherds;
• labradors;
• golden retrievers;
• great danes;
• bulldogs, etc.

Large mixed breed dogs are also at risk of developing hip dysplasia and should be fed a special diet designed for growing large breed dogs in their first year.

Symptoms

Weakness and pain in the hind legs are typical symptoms of dysplasia. The dog appears wobbly and is reluctant to rise from a sitting or lying position. Some dogs may limp when walking or be reluctant to climb stairs. Sometimes dogs cannot walk for a long time. They constantly have a desire to return home or sit down for a rest. The path may be short, and the dog will sit down several times during this time.

These signs are visible in puppies as early as the first few months of life, but are most common in dogs between one and two years of age. Although canine hip dysplasia begins in infancy, most do not show clinical signs until they are older.

Therefore, minimal arthritis without evidence of dysplasia can be detected on x-ray. Small puppies suffering from pathology may lie with their hind limbs spread out, and also tire quickly when walking at a fast pace.

In the case of advanced pathology, deviations are visible even to a non-specialist. When examining the dog, asymmetry may be detected. The forelimbs become more powerful, while the hind limbs begin to atrophy.

Sometimes individuals with pathology, to alleviate their condition, run at a horse gallop, that is, they push off with pairs of paws, and do not touch each limb in turn. Often, bone degeneration occurs gradually until the dog begins to show visible symptoms through its behavior.

Diagnostics

Before starting treatment, a complete diagnosis of the state of the body is made. In this case, five degrees of development of pathology are revealed:

1. there are no deviations in the development of the joint;
2. there is a predisposition to pathology;
3. mild degree of dysplastic osteoarthritis;
4. moderate dysplasia;
5. severe form of dysplasia.

To detect inflammation, blood and urine are taken for analysis. The preferred method for diagnosing hip dysplasia is an x-ray of the hip under a general anesthetic. Without anesthesia, the animal can keep the muscles in tension, which interferes with the determination of the clinical picture. It is advisable to prescribe this procedure to individuals over the age of one year and visit a cardiologist before it, take a blood test, in order to exclude severe consequences from anesthesia.

Visible signs and palpable joint weakness can also indicate hip dysplasia. During the examination, the doctor pays attention to the correct setting of the limbs, the absence of body movements that are atypical for a healthy individual. To assess the condition of the joints, the specialist will bend the joint, observe the reaction of the dog, note the presence of atypical cracking and crunching. Any pet suspected of having hip dysplasia should be examined by a specialist as soon as possible.

Sometimes examination and x-rays do not give a complete picture of the changes taking place, then arthroscopy helps. The joint is examined through a puncture. A mini-camera is placed in the puncture area, through which the pathological area is viewed and the tissue structure is visible. During this procedure, the condition of the animal may worsen, since the reaction of the body to the puncture may be different. This service will result in a considerable amount, if at all, will be provided in the selected clinic.

Treatment of dysplasia

Depends on the clinical signs found in the pet, the discomfort caused to him, body weight, age and the presence of other concomitant diseases. Dysplasia is treated conservatively (medication, physiotherapy) and surgically (operable).

This disease is incurable, all therapy is aimed at reducing discomfort, discomfort in the dog, and stopping the development of pathology.

Conservative method of treatment

There are very effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with minimal side effects. The choice of remedy is made on an individual basis, and various remedies may be tried before the most effective remedy is found.

NSAIDs are able to relieve inflammation and pain, but their use not only does not stop, but continues to develop dysplasia. The dog will feel better, lameness will go away, but when using drugs for 5 – 28 days may have a negative effect on the stomach. Even when the drug enters through the blood, it spreads throughout the body with it and enters the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, which suffers. In case of indigestion and vomiting, the administration of the drug should be suspended or a blocker (ranitidine) should be prescribed.

NSAIDs cannot be used for abnormalities in the kidneys or liver of the animal, which is detected by a complete analysis of urine and blood. These drugs in small doses, agreed with the veterinarian, may not have side effects and a negative effect on the articular cartilage, then their use in order to relieve symptoms is advisable. Most often, such drugs are prescribed: ketofen, movalis, quadrisol. They are administered orally, not more than 1 time per day, the dosage is determined by the doctor, in accordance with age and weight category.

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is possible in the period after surgery. They relieve inflammation and swelling, but when used for more than three days, they lead to divergence of the seams, which leads to healing by secondary intention. NSAIDs reduce the production of collagen, which allows tissue to fuse.

Most dogs with hip dysplasia require veterinarian-approved glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acids to help improve joint health and strengthen cartilage. In addition, injections of glycosaminoglycan are required, which starts the regenerating process in the joints.. In some cases, doctors recommend the use of homeopathic remedies.

High-quality treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs is facilitated by moderate daily exercise that does not require high activity. They support the mobility of the patient, strengthen the organs. Specialists tend to believe that physical activity is very effective in improving the quality of life of an affected dog and should be an integral part of any treatment.

Because being overweight puts undue stress on the hip joints, weight loss measures are highly recommended for excess weight. To determine the need for weight loss, it is enough to feel the dog in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe ribs. If there is no excess, then they are well palpable, and in dogs with short hair they are clearly visible while walking.

If you lose weight, pressure on the pelvis will decrease, which can lead to improvement and discontinuation of injections with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Sick individuals are shown physiotherapy. The affected joint is warmed up using paraffin, or the sore spot is exposed to electromagnetic radiation. This type of therapy gives good results, especially when combined with other methods of treatment.

Sick dogs or with a predisposition to pathology, in the growth stage, it is worth limiting motor activity so as not to provoke the development of dysplastic osteoarthritis. If after walking the dog is weak on its feet or limps, then the load on the limbs was excessive and should be reduced next time.

At home, the individual must move on a rough surface so as not to additionally deform the thigh. The dog's home should be warm and dry, otherwise pain may worsen, lameness may increase. It is better not to walk sick dogs on paved areas, but to give preference to lawns. Sick dogs benefit from swimming, as it does not burden the joints, but strengthens the periarticular muscles.

Surgery

An alternative to conservative therapy is surgery. There are several surgical procedures designed to treat pet hip dysplasia. A few of the main ones stand out:

1. juvenile pubic symphysiodesis often used to treat and prevent the development of pathology in dogs. During this operation, some growth zones of the pubic bones are excised, which helps to slow down the growth of bone tissues and close the head of the femoral neck with the acetabulum.

The operation is indicated for young puppies under 16 weeks of age. It allows you to remove lameness for up to several years, is indicated for the ineffectiveness of drugs;

1. Rsectional arthroplasty is aimed at reducing pain in a patient at the contact of the glenoid cavity and the head of the femoral neck. For this, they are resected. The procedure is indicated for individuals weighing less than 22 kg, but even larger dogs showed good results.

This operation is performed when other surgical methods of treatment cannot be applied, and in the absence of a positive result from drug therapy. Specialists tend to carry out this procedure not only with severe pain, but also with severe lameness;

1. Tpelvic rhinoplasty involves artificial breaking of the pubic, ischium and ilium, followed by the imposition of an implant on the ilium and fixation of the ischium with a wire suture.

This operation is performed with lameness, fatigue, subluxation of the head of the femoral neck. Age does not play any role in choosing this type of treatment, unlike the state of bone tissue. Thanks to the operation, the femoral neck is closed by the articular cavity, the pressure on the joints is evenly distributed, which relieves pain;

1. dinnervation of the joint capsule also applies to dysplasia. During this operation, the pain syndrome is removed, which has a positive effect on the state of the joint, which begins to strengthen, building up muscle mass during painless walking.

At the same time, the gait of the animal does not return to normal, but the advantage of this procedure is its relative ease, which allows resorting to more radical interventions in the future;

1. Total arthroplasty applicable in the most difficult situations, when none of the methods showed the desired result or no longer makes sense. Then, both the articular cavity and the head of the femoral neck are replaced with stainless steel prostheses.

This operation allows the dog to live a full life, without experiencing such terrible torment as in the preoperative period.

Prevention

To avoid transmission of hip dysplasia to offspring, the necessary measures are taken by breeders. Thus, individuals with pathological changes are excluded from breeding.

In addition, under light anesthesia, an X-ray examination can be performed in dogs from the age of one year to assess the general condition and the presence of abnormalities in the joints.

Thanks to breeders, breeders can get a healthy puppy, but according to scientific evidence, diet at an early age also has a big impact on joint health.

However, positive results can also be achieved with a special diet even in already ill dogs. Therefore, at the stage of development of the body, a balanced intake of vitamins and proteins is necessary for health.

In addition, puppy food should contain adjusted levels of phosphorus and calcium. Depending on specific requirements, a calcium content in dry food of 0.9 to 1.6 percent and phosphorus of about 1.3 to 1.9 is recommended. These indicators should be reduced with age, and food again adapted to a particular individual.

Prevention of dysplasia in dogs provides for certain norms of stress on the joints of both a healthy and a predisposed animal. With signs of severe fatigue, the dog must be protected from stress and monitor its condition.

Overweight dogs need to reduce it to reduce pressure on the joints. It is important to reduce the energy content of the feed, but make sure that there is no shortage of it. Also, when calculating the diet, the level of activity of the individual should be taken into account, since less active dogs are prone to obesity. Losing weight may not eliminate the disease, but it will reduce joint pain and associated symptoms.

Special ingredients in dog food can have a positive effect on joints. The addition of antioxidants, in particular vitamin E and C, as well as unsaturated fatty acids, can stop joint inflammation. Nettle extract as a natural medicinal plant also has a positive effect on the joints due to its anti-inflammatory nature.

All of the above components must be ingested by the individual along with the food. If it is not possible to create a balanced diet focused on the needs of the canine body on your own, you can contact your veterinarian for its implementation.

Hip dysplasia in dogs, the signs of which are not always noticed by novice dog breeders, is one of the most severe and, unfortunately, common ailments of the musculoskeletal system of our four-legged pets. As the disease progresses, the animal's hip joints endure. This causes severe pain and problems with movement.

If the disease is not treated, it will cause irreversible changes and the dog will lose the mobility of the hind limbs. The most severe pain causes the suffering of animals. Often, people who have never had pets before are interested in: “How long do dogs with hip dysplasia live?”. With early diagnosis, timely and competent treatment, and the fulfillment of all prescriptions and recommendations of the veterinarian, most animals with this disease lead an active and fulfilling life for many years.

What is dysplasia?

This is a deformation of the so-called. A rather large gap is formed between the articular cavity and the head of the bone, which, when moving, does not fit correctly to the joint and rubs against it. Bone tissues stratify, their structure changes, they become brittle. The disease leads to partial, and often complete destruction of cartilage and joints, loss of motor functions.

Veterinarians distinguish between different degrees of hip dysplasia in dogs, according to the FCI classification:

• 1 (A) - normal: no symptoms or disease as such;
• 2 (B) - borderline state;
• 3 (C)) - a mild form of the disease, when the animal has dislocations;
• 4 (D) - moderate form;
• 5 (E) - severe: serious, sometimes irreversible joint dysfunction.

Finding symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs, treatment should begin immediately. With timely treatment of the disease in the early stages, it is possible to alleviate the suffering of your friend, slow down degenerative processes.

Veterinarians note that in recent years the number of dogs suffering from this disease has increased significantly. It most often affects animals of giant and large breeds. In small animals, this disease is extremely rare.

Causes of the disease

Unfortunately, today it is very difficult to name the exact causes of the development of this disease. However, veterinarians are increasingly inclined to believe that hip dysplasia in dogs (we posted a photo in this article) is a genetic disease. But its course can be influenced by factors such as nutrition, regimen, physical activity, and the habitat of the animal. Breeders of large breeds should pay special attention to their pets:

• St. Bernards.
• Labradors.
• Sheepdog.
• Newfoundlands.
• Divers.
• Dogov.
• Rottweilers.
• Chow chow.

The peculiarity of the disease is that the symptoms of hip dysplasia in a dog, as a rule, appear a year and a half after the birth of a puppy.

It is extremely rare to diagnose it in six-month-old babies. Today, the main reasons that can cause the development of DTBS, veterinarians include:

1. Heredity: often in breeding use dogs that have not been tested for the presence of this disease, which leads to the manifestation of the disease in offspring.
2. The rapid growth of articular and bone tissues in the first six months of a puppy's life.
3. Overfeeding and an unbalanced diet, which is manifested by a deficiency of phosphorus and calcium, an excess of protein. As a result, excess weight will aggravate the course of the disease.
4. Excessive physical activity. We must not forget that puppies under the age of eighteen months (during the period of growth) are contraindicated in large physical exertion. First of all, this applies to dogs of large breeds.
5. Lack of Movement: Young dogs and puppies need to move a lot for proper bone and muscle development.
6. Injuries: often dislocations or injuries of the joint can cause the development of the disease.

Symptoms of the disease

Treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs should be started as soon as at least one of the symptoms listed below is identified. In the body of a dog, the hip joints are among the most vulnerable. During running and jumping, they are subjected to a powerful load and shock absorption.

A healthy animal does not experience discomfort even during grueling and long workouts and serious physical exertion. An animal with an initial stage of dysplasia, the symptoms of which an inattentive owner can immediately suffer from every movement that causes pressure on the affected joint and acute pain.

How to identify hip dysplasia in dogs? It should be noted that it is almost impossible for a non-professional to determine this ailment by eye in the initial stages. But veterinarians advise owners to pay attention to a number of characteristic symptoms:

• the animal's gait changes: the dog shakes its body, limps, its paws bend down;
• the pet does not withstand the usual physical exertion for him before:
• the animal rests for a long time after running, jumping;
• "Rabbit" run: while jogging, the animal is repelled by two hind legs;
• movements are difficult: the dog hardly gets up, lies down, climbs the stairs;
• while resting or sleeping on your stomach, your pet may take unnatural poses: it strongly turns its paws in different directions - the frog pose;
• in puppies, if they manage to diagnose the disease, one can observe the asymmetry of the body: the front legs are powerful, the chest is developed and at the same time the hind legs are weak;
• pressing into the joint area causes pain in the dog, it shows anxiety, and may whine.

These are the main symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs. Treatment, started in a timely manner, will prevent its serious consequences.

Diagnostics and testing

An attentive owner will surely notice changes in the behavior of his pet, but only a veterinarian can determine what is happening to the dog and prescribe treatment. An experienced specialist will first examine the animal, try to identify problem areas by touch. Bending and unbending the joints, listen for squeaks, clicks and friction sounds. Already by these signs, he will be able to identify the pathology.

The next stage of the examination will be an x-ray, which will confirm the diagnosis and reveal the degree of deformation of the articular and bone tissues. This procedure requires complete immobility, but it is almost impossible to get the dog to lie down in a certain position without moving at all. Therefore, the animal is administered sleeping pills.

Experts consider arthroscopy to be the most informative diagnostic method. A puncture is made in the abdominal cavity, into which a microcamera is inserted, penetrating into the center of the problem area. It shows the structure and condition of the cartilaginous tissue with an accuracy of up to a millimeter. Such a procedure is able to accurately determine the degree of damage to the joint, the stage of dysplasia. The operation is performed in modern clinics with the latest equipment and only under anesthesia.

hip joint in a dog?

Veterinarians say that the advanced, last stages of dysplasia are extremely difficult to cure. However, this does not mean at all that your pet is doomed and you need to let the disease take its course. Without treatment, it develops into an even more formidable disease - osteoarthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilaginous tissues and degeneration of the joints. The dog is completely immobile.

To prevent this, veterinarians use treatment focused on inhibiting the disease, stopping and slowing down pathological processes.

How is the treatment carried out?

Having identified the treatment, the veterinarian prescribes based on the results of various types of studies. The choice of treatment method largely depends on the stage of the disease, the general health of the animal, and its age.

Medical therapy

To restore cartilage tissue, veterinarians prescribe drugs that stop pathological changes in the joints - chondroprotectors (Stride, Bonharen). The latter drug helps to strengthen articular cartilage and relieve pain. It is important that these drugs have practically no side effects. However, the action of such a drug gives a very short-term positive effect and only in the initial stages of the disease.

They are administered intramuscularly or directly into the joint. Drug treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs may include the intravenous use of chondroprotectors. Injections into the joint are most effective, but only a specialist can do them.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are used only those that are intended for the treatment of animals. Of the painkillers, Deramax, Rimadil, Ketoprofen have proven themselves well. Treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs is impossible without the use of food supplements "Glucosamine", "Chondroitin". They can be given to the dog continuously to prevent tissue destruction. In the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs, only a doctor prescribes drugs, since the dosage and their combination depend on the degree of the disease, the general condition of the dog, and the presence of chronic diseases, which the specialist takes into account.

Homeopathy

The use of homeopathic remedies in the treatment is rather a supportive, preventive procedure. Such medicines cannot stop the pathological damage to bones and joints. And despite this, entrust the veterinarian with the selection of these funds, of course, if he deems their use appropriate. Independent use of even herbal preparations can lead to disastrous results.

In veterinary medicine, the drug "Discus compositum" is quite often used for dogs under the age of nine months. It is given to puppies from the first weeks of life twice a week. Good reviews are received by the homeopathic preparation "Chondratron", which is made on the basis of comfrey, rhododendron, bee venom, cinquefoil and other natural ingredients.

Often, the treatment of dysplasia is supplemented with antibiotics - Cephalosporin, Lincomycin or Chloramphenicol.

Physiotherapy

Conservative therapy must certainly be supplemented by physiotherapy.
Often in veterinary clinics, dogs are prescribed laser therapy and electromagnetic radiation. The action of these procedures is aimed at warming the joints. However, such treatment does not always bring the desired result. The fact is that there are a number of contraindications when exposure to a magnet and a laser can be harmful.

Treatment should be carried out only under the supervision of a veterinarian who will schedule the sessions, as well as prescribe their duration.

Surgical techniques

These methods cannot cure the last stages of hip dysplasia in dogs. The operation in this case is vital. Such treatment is not cheap, but the most effective. In most cases, it is thanks to the intervention of surgeons that the dog begins to walk normally. Today, veterinarians can offer three types of operations: arthroplasty, triple osteotomy and arthroplasty. Let's explain what they mean.

Arthroplasty

In this case, the head and neck of the femur are removed (in whole or in part). Such an operation is recommended at the 4th or 5th stage of the disease, when the processes become irreversible, the pathology of the joints passes into the next phase - osteoarthritis.

Triple osteotomy

The purpose of this operation is to surgically improve the angle of the acetabular component of the joint, which is in contact with the head of the bone. It is usually given to young animals at the age of nine to ten months, when the skeleton, cartilage and bones are already formed.

Endoprosthetics

During this operation, the joint is replaced with a prosthesis. We will not hide the fact that this is a complex procedure both in the technique of execution and in the rehabilitation of the animal's body. The risk of rejection of the prosthesis is not excluded. But in the vast majority of cases, endoprosthetics shows excellent results. Animals return to active life, jump, run, do not experience pain during physical exertion.

Basics of competent nutrition

• Cook broths for your pet. Liquid food quickly saturates, stimulates secretion, and is easily digested.
• From the first days of life, feeding with "Chondroitin" and "Glucosamine" should be added to the puppy's diet, preventing the development of dysplasia.
• Choose a balanced diet enriched with essential minerals, vitamins, probiotics.
• Choose ready-made mixtures according to the weight and age of the dog.

Prevention of hip dysplasia in dogs

The disease can develop both at the gene level and due to improper lifestyle and nutrition. Below we will present you with the main preventive measures that will help you avoid the development of this serious disease:

• Carefully observe the behavior of the puppy, especially in the first six months of life, when his skeleton is being formed, joints and bones are growing. In large dogs, these processes are often very intense.
• For prevention purposes, regularly visit the veterinary clinic, examine the pet's body, monitor its development.
• Do not abuse the protein in the animal's diet. The components must be balanced. Fats and proteins, fiber and carbohydrates, vitamins and probiotics, minerals, phosphorus and calcium should be part of your pet's daily diet.
• Obesity is one of the main provoking factors. Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on your joints. Until a year and a half, do not allow excessive physical exertion and exhausting workouts. Full evening and morning walks strengthen muscles and saturate the body with oxygen.

Summing up

So, how to defeat this formidable and insidious disease? You need to be aware of its existence and be mentally prepared for its appearance. According to veterinarians, dysplasia often occurs in perfectly healthy animals that did not show any developmental pathologies for the first six months of life. The sooner a dog is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be cured.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder that occurs when your dog's hip is misaligned. Such a disease can lead to arthritis because the misalignment of the hips causes the bones to rub against each other. Hip dysplasia is more common in large dog breeds, and usually occurs in older dogs, although some puppies and young dogs may also have the disease. There are general signs of the disease in all dogs, as well as specific changes in your older dog's lifestyle. If you are concerned that your puppy has hip dysplasia, go to step 1 for more information.

Steps

Presence of signs of joint dysplasia in older dogs

Watch your dog as he moves around and see if he jumps "like a rabbit". Dogs that have sore hips have shortened strides and tend to take their hind legs further forward under their belly. This can lead to "bunny hopping", which means your dog keeps his hind legs together and drags them like a rabbit when he walks. Watch the dog, the main signs are: he :

• Hips as if articulated when the dog walks.
• Links her hind legs together so that when she walks, her hind legs hop "like a rabbit".
• Limps or has other abnormal movements.
• General state.

1. See if your dog is having a hard time getting up or lying down. Hip dysplasia pain can worsen even more if your dog remains at rest. This is especially true in the morning after your dog has slept all night. In this regard, you may notice that your dog:

   • Hesitating to lie down if she got up.
   • Difficulty getting up when lying down.
   • Seems tougher in the morning or when the weather is cold.

2. Monitor your dog's activity and see if it decreases. Reduced amount of physical activity is one of the most common signs of pain caused by hip dysplasia. All dogs become slower with age, but a decrease in activity should not occur until your dog is older. Unless your dog is sick or overweight, he should maintain roughly the same levels of activity as he would in his adult years. Look at:

   • Lack of interest in running or doing other physical activities with you.
   • Lies, but does not run in the yard.
   • When he plays, he gets tired faster.
   • Prefers to sit rather than stand and walk when on a leash.

3. Listen for the noise - the sound of a click when your dog moves. The term "creaking of the bones" can be applied to a dog with hip dysplasia. You may have noticed a clicking sound when your dog moves. These are her bones. Listen to this noise. when:

   • Your dog should get up after lying down for a while.
   • Walks.
   • Movement.

4. Check if your dog is ready to climb up the stairs. You may notice that your dog is suddenly lifting more heavily, or is hesitant to climb stairs, although he had no difficulty with this before. This is because hip dysplasia causes heaviness in your dog's legs to climb stairs or walk down slopes, as his hind legs are stiff and he cannot control them as well as use them.

5. Check your dog for rashes caused by overgrooming. Inactive dogs that cannot move are afraid of getting bored. To pass the time, they tend to lick themselves more than usual. If you notice that your dog spends more time washing himself, get him checked for rashes or hair loss, as both of these things can be caused by over grooming. In particular, check:

   • Your dog's thighs.
   • Sides of your dog.
   • Your dog's legs.

6. Look for pressure calluses and sores on your dog's body. Inactive dogs often develop pressure sores or calluses in areas on the body that have the most pressure and minimal padding. This problem becomes even worse if the dog is constantly lying on the hard surface. Check with your dog:

   • Elbows.
   • Hips.
   • Shoulders.

7. Feel your dog's back legs to see if he has lost muscle mass. If your dog stops using his hind legs, it is likely that he has lost some of the muscle mass in his hind legs. This condition is called atrophy. Feel your dog's back legs for things like:

   • The dog is able to feel its bones more easily.
   • Feel less muscle.
   • Sunken thighs.

8. See if your puppy or young dog is hesitant to jump on things. If your puppy has hip dysplasia, he will most likely avoid bouncing on soft sofas, knees, etc. This is because his hind legs are not as strong as his front legs and this can prevent him from applying enough force to his hind legs to help himself jump onto things.

   • Pat the couch next to you. If your puppy wants to jump up but doesn't, or tries and then complains of pain, he may have hip dysplasia.

9. Watch the young dog to see if he has a wobbly, unsteady gait. As mentioned above, puppies and young dogs that have hip dysplasia have a harder time getting around than other dogs. This can cause your dog to develop an unsteady walk, which can be described as:

   • Swinging.
   • Weaving.
   • Tipping violently.

10. See how your puppy is standing and whether he is putting more weight on his front legs. Puppies and young dogs with hip dysplasia tend to stand with their hind legs slightly forward so that their front legs can support more weight. This can result in the forearms being much more developed than their hind legs. When the puppy is standing:

    • Check if his hind legs are pressed forward a little.
    • Feel his forearms, they may be more muscular, compared to the hind legs, which may be more bony.

Preventing hip dysplasia from progressing

1. Take your dog to the vet for a checkup if you notice signs of hip dysplasia. Talk to your veterinarian right away and have your dog examined. There are ways to prevent hip dysplasia from getting worse, as well as nutritional supplements and medications to relieve your dog of the pain caused by hip dysplasia.

   • Talk to your veterinarian about giving your dog supplements before giving her medication. Some natural supplements can help your dog regain bone strength. These supplements include omega-3s, antioxidants, and joint supplements.
   • Your veterinarian may prescribe medication for your dog. Make sure you know when and how often your dog should take them.