Hip Dysplasia Treatment for Dogs

Effective and Safe Hip Dysplasia Treatment for Dogs
© by Bree Weasner, PreciousPets.org LLC

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a painful genetic disease that is extremely debilitating. The disease causes the dog's hips to become weak, deteriorated and extremely arthritic. The disease is congenital and is the #1 cause for lameness in dogs. CHD is common in large breed dogs, although small dogs and cats suffer from the disease also. Hip Dysplasia is inherited, but it can occur in animals whose parents do not have CHD.

Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia Include:

• Trouble moving/getting up from positions, climbing
• Moving rear legs at the same time while walking
• Pain when back legs are extended
• Dropping of pelvis
• Swinging while walking
• Change in behavior/painful response to touch
• Whining
• Not wanting to walk, play, jump
• Lameness after exercise
• Hunching of back

CHD can only be diagnosed through X-ray as the symptoms above may occur in dogs with other joint/bone problems. In healthy dogs without CHD, the ball and socket joint of the hip fit well together. If ligaments do not hold the ball and socket together properly, swelling and rupture of the ligaments can occur, leading to wear on cartilage and the hip joint, causing CHD.

Treatment of Hip Dysplasia in Pets

If your dog or cat has Hip Dysplasia, there are many options for treatment but, beware. While the treatment may be effective in the short term, it could cause problems in the long run. Painkillers are often prescribed as a first course of action, and while they will decrease pain, they do not help the root cause of the Hip Dysplasia. In addition, painkillers can cause liver failure, kidney failure and gastrointestinal bleeding. Some research has shown that NSAIDs may even slow cartilage repair and speed up the destruction process!

In severe cases of Hip Dysplasia, your veterinarian may suggest surgery. Surgery is expensive and can be very painful for your pet. Pain may be reduced in the long run, but their quality of life will decrease as they will not be able to play and jump like they were able to in the past. So what can you do? Well, there ARE alternative treatments available!

Recommended Courses of Treatment for Hip Dysplasia

Holistic and progressive veterinarians that are knowledgeable about studies, clinical trials and the like know that glucosamine has proven to be quite effective in treating Hip Dysplasia. An over-the-counter supplement, glucosamine stimulates the production of proteins found in cartilage to lubricate joints. When used properly, glucosamine has shown to treat pain and rehabilitate damaged cartilage. Glucosamine is safe to use and does not have negative side effects like NSAIDs.

How to Select the Proper Glucosamine Product for your Pet

There are many glucosamine products on the market and many work differently. The better quality of glucosamine that you use, the greater relief your pet will receive. Pharmaceutical Grade Glucosamine is the highest quality glucosamine available and you should only use products that use pharmaceutical grade glucosamine. You should also look for glucosamine that comes in liquid form as opposed to capsules.

The other ingredients that are included in the product are very important, as for most pets, glucosamine is not a cure all. You should look for a product that includes chondroitin, Boswellin, bromelaine and vitamins.

To learn more about pharmaceutical grade liquid glucosamine that contains the recommended ingredients, click here.

If you prefer to give your pet a chewable, we recommend Agility by Life's Abundance. It is a safe and highly effective holistic treatment for Hip Dysplasia.