hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is common in large breed dogs. This condition is hereditary and amplified by environmental conditions such as excessive growth, weight, diet, and exercise.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

In order to understand this common skeletal condition, you need to know the basic anatomy of the hip. The hip joint consists of a ball and socket. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the hip joint fails to develop properly. It rubs and grinds against the socket, as opposed to sliding smoothly. Over time, the joint deteriorates and eventually becomes unusable.

Hip dysplasia reduces quality of life as it causes pain and discomfort for dogs affected. Some dogs begin showing symptoms of this condition as puppies, although symptoms are more common later in life. The severity of symptoms depends on the level of inflammation. Common symptoms include:

Decreased activity
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty rising, jumping, and running
Pain
Stiffness
Lameness
Narrow stance
Swaying gait
Audible grinding of the hip joint
Loss of muscle mass in the thighs

If your pet is exhibiting any symptoms of hip dysplasia, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your vet. Your veterinarian can help you determine if your pet is suffering from hip dysplasia through physical examination and x-rays. Proper diagnosis is important, as the type of treatment used depends on the severity of the condition.

Hip Dysplasia Treatment

Treatment for hip dysplasia commonly revolves around lifestyle changes. It’s important that your dog loses weight to remove any additional stress to the joint. Physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications are often recommended. You may wish to restrict your pet’s activity as well.

Surgery might be necessary if symptoms are severe. The most common surgeries used to treat hip dysplasia include:

Double or triple pelvic osteotomy
Femoral head osteotomy
Total hip replacement

Special Consideration – Grooming

Dogs with hip dysplasia often have difficulty standing. This makes grooming painful and uncomfortable. Many grooming salons are not properly equipped to deal with this common condition. At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we care about your pet. We want to make sure that they are comfortable and safe while in our care. Our salon has a lower tub for easy access by pets with special needs. We also offer grooming on the floor.

Our professional groomers have years of experience working with pets. They know how to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety. Please call 714-962-1005 to schedule a grooming appointment today!

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia is extremely common, affecting mostly large breeds of dogs. When a dog has hip dysplasia, the ball and socket of the hip are malformed. This creates a joint that rubs and grinds as apposed to sliding smoothly.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Signs of the disease can be seen in pets as young as four months old. Hip dysplasia that occurs later in life is typically due to osteoarthritis, a form of joint inflammation.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

Dogs with hip dysplasia often experience decreased activity, difficulty rising, an obvious reluctance to run, jump or climb, limpness of the hind limbs which is typically worse after exercise, pain in the hip joints, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. Dogs that are suffering from hip dysplasia might sway or bunny-hop.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Only a qualified veterinarian can diagnose hip dysplasia. A physical exam, blood test, and x-rays are generally necessary. It’s important to provide your veterinarian with a detailed history of your dog’s condition including the date that symptoms began and whether injury occurred prior to their onset.

Treatment is generally outpatient unless surgery is required. Weight control is extremely important. Any excess weight can put additional pressure on your pet’s joints. Your veterinarian might prescribe a special diet, as well as anti-inflammatory and pain medications.

Hip dysplasia can be extremely painful. It’s crucial that you do all that you can to reduce your dog’s discomfort.

Grooming Dogs With Hip Dysplasia

Grooming can be difficult for pets with hip dysplasia. Moving in and out of a raised tub and on and off a grooming table might be more than these pets can handle.

At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we understand the unique needs of dogs with hip dysplasia. We have low tubs and are able to bathe and groom dogs on the floor if we feel it is best for their comfort and safety.

Our professional groomers truly care about your pet. If you are concerned about having your pet groomed because of their hip dysplasia or other needs, please stop by our Orange County grooming shop to see how we can help.

Please call 714-962-1005 to set up a grooming appointment.