Hip Dysplasia is a disease that can be treated in dogs.
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip bone rubs against other bones.This causes a dog to be immobile.If you have a young dog who is starting to show signs of hip dysplasia, or an old dog that already has the condition, there are ways that you can both manage and treat it.Increasing a dog's exercise routine can be used to manage it.You can have a discussion with your vet about your medication.If surgery is needed, it can be an option as well.
Step 1: Discuss exercise with your doctor.
The age, breed, and weight of your dog will affect the amount of exercise it needs.It's a good idea to have a conversation with your vet about a safe level of exercise for your dog.When your dog is tired, the muscles can become fatigued and stop supporting the joints.Your dog should not be lagging behind on walks or runs if you stay within your dog's limit.Your vet may suggest starting small.They might want you to work your way up by exercising your dog for 20 minutes a day.For a dog with hip dysplasia, long distance exercise is not recommended.You should walk and run.Maintaining a regular exercise routine is important for a dog with hip dysplasia.A lack of exercise can cause your dog to gain weight.
Step 2: Control the weight of your dog to manage this condition.
Hip dysplasia can be prevented if you keep your dog at a healthy weight.Inflammation and pain can be caused by the increased strain on the joints of overweight or obese animals.Stick to the diet and exercise program if your dog is at a healthy weight.If hip dysplasia gets worse, you may have to adjust your dog's diet.With time, your dog may become less active.If your dog is overweight, you will have to eat less and exercise more.Discuss a weight loss program with your doctor.
Step 3: Make your environment dog friendly.
It's important that a dog with hip dysplasia can navigate your living space.You don't want your dog to have to jump to get to the places you want him to go.There should be ramps and steps in the house.If your dog is allowed on the couch, place a ramp or staircase near it.A portable ramp or staircase can be used to help your dog climb in the car.traction is important if the floors are slippery.Hip dysplasia can be caused by slippery surfaces.Place carpet on tile, wood floors, and linoleum.
Step 4: Warm and comfortable sleeping areas are provided.
A dog with hip dysplasia needs more comfort when sleeping.It is possible to help soothe sore joints with warmer bedding.Make sure your dog has plenty of places to sleep.Your dog should have a mattress and soft bedding.If you live in a cold climate, a heated dog bed can be helpful.Exercise caution if you use heating pads.It is possible that heating pads could burn your dog.When you're not at home, wrap a heating pad in a blanket and never leave it on.
Step 5: Ask your vet about supplements.
You can use oral supplements to treat the symptoms of hip dysplasia in your dog.Talk to your vet about incorporating supplements into your dog's diet.Inflammation and pain can be reduced with the help of supplements.Hip dysplasia in dogs can be treated with supplements like Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Step 6: Try anti-Inflammatory drugs.
The symptoms of hip dysplasia can be treated with non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs.Your vet will recommend a treatment regimen for your dog based on its age, current health, and state of hip dysplasia.Before starting to treat your dog with drugs, make sure to talk things over with your vet.Before trying to treat the pain with drugs, your vet may want to try to manage it naturally.
Step 7: Your dog needs physical therapy.
Swimming can help keep your dog's muscles strong without causing it pain.Swimming supports your dog's joints.Do not try physical therapy without the help of a vet.A vet can recommend a pool.A physical therapist can help alleviate pain associated with hip dysplasia by massaging your dog.
Step 8: Discuss hip replacement with your doctor.
It may be necessary for your dog to have its hip replaced if it cannot be controlled through other means.If your dog's pain is becoming too much, the surgery may be worth it.This surgery can greatly improve your dog's quality of life.It comes at a very high price.Hip replacement is used after other options have been exhausted.Hip replacement can take a long time.After the surgery, your dog won't be back to normal functioning for four to six weeks.
Step 9: Consider removing the femoral head and neck for your dog.
Dogs under 44 pounds are more likely to have this surgery.The surgery removes the top of the femur in order to not cause pain.This increases your dog's mobility.Under certain circumstances, the surgery may not be successful.The surgery is not recommended for obese animals.Before the surgery, your vet may want your dog to lose weight.
Step 10: Talk to your vet about triple pelvic osteotomy.
Dogs between 6 and 12 months of age are most likely to have this surgery.Your dog's bones will be broken during surgery.Many symptoms of hip dysplasia can be prevented by this surgery.It can be very expensive.