It seems that hip dysplasia is one of the more commonly discussed medical issues for pet owners. As a hot topic about dogs, it would seem that dog owners know all about this condition. However, many dog owners don’t seem to know much about the hip deformity. There is a lot to know about his debilitating condition, but here are five need-to-know facts about hip dysplasia in dogs.
Genetics Plays a Role in Hip Dysplasia
While there are other factors to consider, one of the key causes of hip dysplasia is genetics. Surprisingly, however, these genes are still a mystery. It is clear that there is a genetic component to the disease because certain breeds are more prone to the condition than others. Scientists have been unable to identify one gene responsible for the development of hip dysplasia after years of research, however. Genes that appear to be associated with hip dysplasia have been identified in some dog breeds, but they are only breed-specific. For example, the genes associated with hip dysplasia in German Shepherd dogs will be different than those in Labrador Retrievers. In fact, genes that could cause hip dysplasia haven’t been determined in any breed of dog.
Generally, large breed dogs are more commonly affected. This includes large mixed-breed dogs. Some breeds that are at high risk for developing hip dysplasia include Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, and more.
Unfortunately, hip dysplasia is a very complex condition that is influenced by both genetic and environmental components, so it is not going to be easy for researchers to find a genetic solution to hip dysplasia.
Body Weight Causes Problems with Hip Dysplasia
Dogs that are overweight are much more likely to deal with the pain of hip dysplasia. In fact, weight is one of the most important environmental factors associated with hip dysplasia problems. Part of this is due to the fact that the more weight that is put on hip joint causes additional force to allow your pet to walk and run around. Carrying around extra weight can lead to both hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in dogs.
An unrestricted diet can cause dogs to gain too much weight. This is especially concerning in puppies. Puppies that are heavier at birth and those that have higher growth rates are more likely to develop degenerative hip joint diseases, such as hip dysplasia. Puppies that are kept on a restricted diet are much less likely to develop hip dysplasia later in life than those kept on normal diets.
There are so many dogs that are overweight or obese in the United States, which could be why so many dogs are struggling with hip dysplasia. Fortunately, weight is a controllable factor, unlike genetics in many cases.
Exercise Is Both Good and Bad for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia
Exercise is a double-edged sword for dogs with hip dysplasia. While exercise strengthens muscles in the legs and pelvis to increase the stability of the hip joint, when done incorrectly, it can also cause problems for dogs. For example, puppies with access to slippery surfaces and stairs when they are younger than three months old have a higher risk for developing hip dysplasia later in life than dogs who are raised on soft surfaces.
Additionally, dogs that are born in the summer tend to have a lower risk for hip dysplasia, possibly because they have the opportunity to get more exercise outdoors.
It can be difficult for dogs with hip dysplasia to exercise normally. With hip dysplasia, exercise can be painful.
Early Intervention Is Essential
The younger the dog, the easier and more successful the treatment of hip dysplasia. Early symptoms shouldn’t be overlooked. If dogs are brought in after 24 months or more, the window of time with the best prognosis will be over. Signs generally begin with lameness when the puppy is between four and six months old. Often, puppies will appear to be better after a month or two, because the damage to the acetabular rim will have healed and pain has subsided. However, development of hip dysplasia will continue. As the damage progresses, it will become harder to treat the condition, because skeletal growth will end.
Puppies with Hip Dysplasia Are Born with Normal Hips
Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but it is not a congenital defect, which means that it isn’t present at birth. This means that when a puppy is born, you will see no signs of hip dysplasia. If a puppy is going to develop the condition, the disease will start to progress shortly after the puppy is born. You may start to notice symptoms when your puppy is around four months old.
Since hip dysplasia is such a common disease in dogs, it is surprising that many dog owners know very little about it before their dogs are diagnosed with the condition. Even owners of dogs don’t always know very much about hip dysplasia. With a little extra knowledge, you can help your dog by recognizing the symptoms and taking your pet in to see a veterinarian right away.