|
Click Here to return to the Vets Advice search page.
A: Lab with Hip Dysplasia PetPlanet Vets PPAdmin pettalk@petplanet.co.uk
Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition in which the hip joint is malformed, causing problems with joint movement and abnormal wear of the articular cartilage. As the dog ages, degenerative joint disease develops, and arthritic changes occur. As your dog is now almost seven, it seems that she has coped well with this until these degenerative changes have started to
cause problems. Unfortunately, there is no cure as such, as by now irreversible damage has occurred. Treatment depends on relieving symptoms of lameness. If your dog is at all overweight, she should get on to a
weight-control diet as soon as possible, as any extra weight will cause the hip joint to bear extra loads. She may need medication from your vet in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), to ease inflammation in and around the hip joints. Exercise should be given in the form of short, frequent walks, rather that long marathons which will aggravate the problem. If you discuss these issues with your own vet I'm sure you can both come up with a treatment plan to help your dog continue relatively pain-free.
Sarah Mark BA VetMB MRCVS
(Vet for PetPlanet)
Similar Questions
|
