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.
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.
My name is Bree Weasner, and I’ve been bringing pet owners like you
valuable information on pet nutrition and natural holistic alternatives to
conventional pet care since 2001.