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Hip Dysplasia Relief for Lab

Finding out that your Labrador Retriever or large breed pup has Hip Dysplasia is one of the most devastating diagnoses that any dog owner hears.

We are conditioned to think this is one of the worst large breed dog problems and that there is no hope for the pup after such a condition has been confirmed. Unfortunately, Canine Hip Dysplasia is not curable and can be quite painful if the Lab is not diagnosed early and necessary precautions made to increase the quality of life for the pup.

That is why it is important to become knowledgeable in how to lessen the chance for such a diagnosis, how to know when your pup needs to be seen by a veterinarian, and what treatment options are available.

The disease can occur in Labs that are just a few months old or it can strike later in the dogs life. I suppose it is this unpredictability that frightens most Lab owners.

Like most large, heavy breeds, the Labrador has a problem with Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). Canine hip dysplasia has puzzled researchers for the past 50 years. Although certain aspects of this degenerative, sometimes painful condition are now understood
(or at least agree upon in theory), much must still be learned about helping afflicted dogs and preventing the increasing incidence of the disease. Originally, the only means at the breeder’s disposal was to look at the dog’s movement in order to judge whether the hips seemed sound.

But many dogs with wretched movement never develop hip problems, and dogs with excellent movement can develop degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the hip joint.

Hip dysplasia is one of the most over-diagnosed and misdiagnosed conditions.

Hip dysplasia is defined as a deformity of the coxofemoral (hip) joint that occurs during the growth period. Hip dysplasia is caused by a variety of factors including genetic, obesity in the young puppy and excessive exercise, all of which contribute to a poorly
fitting hip joint. As the dog walks on this joint, arthritis eventually develops, causing pain in the joint. The degree of lameness that occurs is usually dependent upon the extent of arthritic changes in the hip joint.

It’s true that Labrador Retrievers are more likely to have hip dysplasia than some other breeds. But hip dysplasia, which is a fancy term for a poorly formed hip joint, isn’t only hereditary. It’s also influenced by nutrition and exercise.

Difficult to prevent and treat, canine hip dysplasia is among the most studied and the most frustrating diseases in veterinary medicine.

Hip dysplasia is the most common orthopedic problem in Labs (and in many larger dogs). Although not congenital (it isn’t present at birth), hip dysplasia is probably due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If your dog develops hip dysplasia (the condition can be seen on an x-ray), she may suffer no symptoms at all. Or she may eventually experience severe pain and even lameness. Some Labs require no treatment, but if your Lab develops hip dysplasia and does require treatment,  many excellent management strategies, treatments, and surgical options exist.

Veterinarians see more dogs for hip dysplasia than any other orthopedic condition.

Veterinarians recommend some of the remedies we review here.

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Labrador Hip Dysplasia Info

Hip Dysplasia is a widespread condition that primarily affects large  breeds of dogs. There is a strong genetic link between parents that have hip dysplasia and the incidence in their offspring.

Most dysplastic Labradors are born with normal hips but due to    genetic and possibly other factors, the soft tissues that surround the joint start to develop abnormally as the puppy grows.

Labradors of all ages are subject to the symptoms of hip dysplasia and the resultant osteoarthritis. In severe cases, puppies as young as five months will begin to show pain and discomfort during and after vigorous exercise. The condition will worsen until even normal daily activities are painful. Without intervention, these dogs may be unable to walk at all by a couple years of age. In most cases, however, the symptoms do not begin to show until the middle or later years in the dog’s life. Osteoarthritis is the result of degeneration of the joint due to hip dysplasia. Surgical and medical treatments such as Pet Bounce or Arthix are targeted to prevent and treat the resulting osteoarthritis. Canine Hip Dysplasia SymptomsA dysplastic Labrador will show discomfort and pain while running and walking. Some Labradors will limp and many will decrease their level of activity. As the condition progresses, the Labradors will lose muscle tone and may even need assistance in getting up. It is primarily a disease of purebreds although it can happen in mixed breeds, particularly if it is a cross of two dogs that are prone to developing the disease. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards appear to have a higher incidence.Dog Hip Dysplasia –  Nutrition

Carrying around extra weight will exacerbate degeneration of the joint in a dog with a loose hip. Overweight labs are therefore at a much higher risk. Weight management is the first thing that must be addressed. All surgical and medical procedures will be more beneficial if the animal is not overweight. You, as the owner, have control over what your Labrador eats. If you feed an appropriate food at an appropriate level and keep treats to a minimum, your lab will lose weight. There are a few recommended supplements that could help prevent and ease the hip dysplasia sympthoms.Exercise For Dogs With Hip DysplasiaWe know that dogs with large and prominent leg muscle mass are less likely to contract the disease than dogs with small muscle mass. So exercising and maintaining good muscle mass may actually decrease the incidence of the disease. Exercise that provides for good range of motion and muscle building and limits wear and tear on the joints is the best.Learn more about exercise for Labradors with hip dysplasia.Surgical treatment For Canine Hip DysplasiaThere are several surgical procedures available depending on the age and the severity of the joint degeneration. Total Hip Replacement: may be the best surgical option for dogs that have degenerative joint disease as a result of chronic hip dysplasia.Before you make a decision read about the surgical proceedures for canine hip dysplasia

Warmth and good sleeping areas Are Important For Labradors with Hip Dysplasia

Most people with arthritis find that the signs tend to worsen in cold, damp weather. Keeping your pet warm, may help him be more comfortable. A pet sweater will help keep joints warmer. Providing a firm, orthopedic foam bed helps many dogs with arthritis. Beds with dome-shaped, orthopedic foam distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on joints. They are also much easier for the pet to get out of. Place the bed in a warm spot away from drafts.

Medical Treatment for Canine Hip Dysplasia

Medical treatment of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis has greatly improved in the last several years thanks to the introduction and approval of several new supplements and drugs. Through proper diet, exercise, supplements, anti-inflammatories, and pain relief, you may be able to decrease the progression of degenerative joint disease. Because of the high cost involved with many surgeries, medical management is many times the only realistic option for many pet owners.

Agents such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin proved overwhelming success in treating patients with osteoarthritis, these products have come to the forefront of therapy and are becoming the most popular products for managing arthritis today. Glucosamine and chondroitin give the cartilage-forming cells (chondrocytes) the building blocks they need to synthesize new cartilage and to repair the existing damaged cartilage. Some tetracyclines such as doxycycline and minocycline have been shown to inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage. Natural supplements such as Vitamin C, Creatine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and others are important in improving dogs well being too. The most effective treatment known to date for dog hip dysplasia is Duralactin that I have personnaly used for my beloved Max (a 10 year old Lab), with overwhelming results.

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