Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dysplasia in dogs is an abnormal formation of the hip joint. The disease occurs in both puppies and adults. Pathology can be triggered by heavy loads on the musculoskeletal system, which are fraught with subluxations, dislocations and arthrosis.

Causes of dysplasia

Most often, it is possible to diagnose the disease at an early age – from 6 months or more. But finally, bone and cartilage tissue is formed in a pet in a year and a half. Already during this period, the veterinarian can identify problems with TB.

The main reason for the development of hip joint pathology is a genetic predisposition. The puppy is prone to diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Important! Genetic predisposition is only a risk factor. Dysplasia can also develop in a dog whose parents are healthy. Therefore, it is necessary to properly care for the pet and monitor its condition. But puppies at risk of pathology, on the contrary, can grow up healthy if they perform specially selected exercises and workouts.

There are also predisposing factors that cause dysplasia. These include:

• improper nutrition,
• excessive calcium and phosphorus content,
• rapid weight gain,
• intensive training and physical activity,
• low activity of the dog,
• injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

Dysplasia can occur in any dog, but there are breeds that have a predisposition to the disease. Among them: Great Danes, Labradors, Shepherds, Rottweilers and other massive and tall individuals.

The clinical picture

The main and pronounced symptom of dysplasia is lameness during movement, accompanied by a shaky gait. However, there are other signs of the disease.

• Incorrect positioning of paws during running – the dog pushes off with two hind legs at once, which indicates violations of the musculoskeletal system.
• Rapid fatigue and apathy – the pet began to lie and sit more often, play and run less.
• Stiffness in movement – there are problems with descending the stairs (or climbing), in advanced stages it is difficult for the animal to get up on its own.
• Unusual sleeping position – with dysplasia, the dog spreads its paws in different directions.
• External limb deformity – sore paws become less massive, muscles atrophy.
• The appearance of joint swelling and pain during palpation.

Treatment of dysplasia The sooner you go to the vet clinic for help, the better the prognosis will be. There are two types of therapy: medical and surgical. Only a doctor can determine the course of treatment after diagnosis and examination of the pet. It is important to take into account the severity of the disease, the age and weight of the pet, as well as the presence of concomitant pathologies. In addition to medications, the veterinarian may prescribe physical therapy to relieve pain, inflammation, and speed up the cartilage repair process. It can be a massage course, swimming, moderate running. During treatment, it is important to avoid heavy physical exertion and excessive activity. If dysplasia cannot be cured with medications and physical therapy, the veterinarian may prescribe surgery. In any case, self-medication is prohibited. If dysplasia is suspected, it is better to immediately seek advice from a veterinary clinic.