Canine Hip Dysplasia

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a misunderstood but painful and crippling disease that results in a weakened hip joint in dogs that causes painful inflammation and decreased flexibility. Canines have historically been given NSAID treatment for this condition, but many vets are now recommending glucosamine for this condition instead. The purpose of this article is to provide you with a basic understanding of Canine Hip Dysplasia and give you insight into its causes.

The word dysplasia means improper growth. Canine Hip Dysplasia literally means improper growth of the canine hip. This improper growth makes the hip loose and wobbly, leading to increased movement of the hip. This will result over time in arthritis and lameness of the animal if left untreated. CHD is a condition that while progressive, is a disease that may manifest in vastly different levels of severity in different animals. Large breeds are the most susceptible to Canine Hip Dysplasia, as up to 50% may have evidence of CHD but many small and medium sized animals go on to develop CHD. Even felines are at risk for a similar condition known as Feline Hip Dysplasia.

Many animals afflicted with hip dysplasia will likely have problems walking up stairs, slowness in rising, lameness after exercise and they may exhibit personality changes due to their ever present pain. Animals with hip dysplasia are at greater risk of injury through strenuous activity. It is entirely possible for a dog to have CHD but show no symptoms (yet) or a dog to have severe crippling symptoms. The only way to tell for sure that your pet has CHD is via a radiographic (X-ray) exam. Normally your vet will identify your dog's x-ray themselves but there is also a specific organization known as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals that is comprised of specially trained groups of veterinatians that know how to correctly identify hip dysplasia in pets. They are available as a second opinion if needed.

The interaction between genes and the environment plays a large part in determining if a dog will develop hip dysplasia. While poor breeding does not always mean the animal will surely be afflicted with hip dysplasia, there is a genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia, especially in larger breeds. If during puppyhood the animal is malnurished, excessivly exercised or simply has the genetic precursors to hip dysplasia, there is a greater chance that he or she will go on to develop hip dysplasia later in life.

Canine Hip Dysplasia Facts

The hip joint is not the only area of the dog that is affected. Knee, shoulder and spinal joints also can show evidence of changes. The gradual loss of cartilage, joint inflammation, bone spurs and pain can all result from osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia.

Because the parents of your pet did not ever develop hip dysplasia, it does not mean that your pet will not develop hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia can result from genetic mutations or simply from masked hidden genes that can skip one or more generations.

Labs, Golden Retreivers, Bloodhounds, St. Bernards, Boxers and Rottweilers are some of the more common candidates for hip displasia but not every large breed dog is likely to get hip dysplasia. Siberian Huskies and Dobermans tend to be at a lower risk for CHD.

Diet can also contribute to hip dysplasia. Feeding puppies a leaner diet during their formative years may help mitigate the risk of hip dysplasia and make them less susceptible to developing CHD later in life. By reducing the amount of food that has been given to puppies by 25%, it has been shown to reduce the rate that hip dysplasia occurs.

Other Information

Be sure to visit the Glucosamine Product Guide for a review of commercially available glucosamine products.