Early Detection & Prevention: Keeping Your Dog's Hip Jo

Early in their development, puppies may suffer from hip dysplasia, a condition that can lead to joint instability and dislocation. Without the presence of severe degenerative joint disease or wear, the symptoms may not be overt, often going unnoticed by their owners.

Why Does Hip Dysplasia Occur in Dogs?

1. Genetic Factors: Dogs may carry the genetic predisposition for this condition. Changes in the environment, such as rapid growth or excessive weight gain, can trigger the onset of the disease.

2. Loosening of the Joint Capsule: While a puppy's hips are typically normal at birth, the joint capsule and ligaments can become loose and malformed within the first few weeks, causing instability.

3. Maternal Factors: Certain hormones present in the mother's milk may affect joint development, leading to relaxed joint capsules and ligaments.

How to Identify Hip Dysplasia in Puppies?

Large and mediumsized dogs can experience a weight increase of 23 times their initial weight between 3 to 4 months and 1 year of age. It is advisable for owners to start Xray examinations for diagnosis when the puppy is around 4 months old.

What Symptoms Are Associated with Early Hip Dysplasia?

Most symptoms appear between 5 to 12 months, with a few dogs showing signs between 12 to 36 months, and some may not exhibit any symptoms for years. Affected puppies often become more lazy and less active, may exhibit a bunnyhop type of movement, have stiff and abnormal gait, reluctance to lift their legs when going up and down stairs, and difficulty standing up. In severe cases, other joints may be affected. Chronic pain can significantly reduce the dog's mobility and quality of life.

How to Treat Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

1. Medication: Early treatment may involve joint health supplements recommended by a veterinarian, such as chondroitin.

2. Surgery.

What Should Be Noted for Large and MediumSized Dogs with Hip Dysplasia?

1. Early Xray imaging for screening.

2. Control weight to prevent obesity and manage growth rates, aiming for a weight that allows the ribs to be felt easily.

3. Avoid excessive exercise for puppies under 2 years old, use leashes for controlled walking, and prevent fights with other dogs.

4. Use joint health supplements.

Tip: Click on "What to Do If Your Dog Has Hard Lumps on Their Joints" to learn more about other jointrelated diseases in dogs and their treatment methods.