Hip Dysplasia

Coxofemural dysplasia is the pathology in terms of hereditary Orthotics more common in dogs. It can occur in any breed, but is more common in large or giant breeds such as Rottweilers, pastors and Molossoides, and mainly in animals that have a very fast growth.

Are very variable but signals an abnormal gait, difficulty sitting up or limping after a race, pain when handling situations to take attention and should serve as a wake-up call. The confirmation can only be effected after radiographic diagnosis.

This disease is characterised by malformation of the coxofemural, namely, the insertion of the hind limb in the pelvic girdle. The first symptoms appear principally around 4 to 7 months of life, when the affected animal begins limping and pain when moving, especially on slippery floors. Due to difficulty walking, the dog may not be able to move and and muscles can atrophy. However a dog can be Dysplastic without showing obvious signs of such. In young animals pain can disappear for a while and come back later in life.

                                                              Normal Hip

  With Hip Dysplasia 

Coxofemural dysplasia is genetically recessive, so both the male and the female have the disease, or at least the gene so that the dogs have. Even so, this deficiency became more common, as soon as the owners crossed animals affected without worrying about the transmission. . the dog is born with dysplasia, but due to the influence of environmental factors, food, over-exercising, etc., and attached to an important genetic component, originates from an imbalance between the muscle and the skeletal development.

Hip Dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. It is not uncommon as already mentioned that animals which have pain stop feeling for a few years and that seems to disappear for a few years to return when the changes become more obvious. Not all dogs with the genetic predisposition will develop clinical signs, depending on the conditions in the animal growth. The supercharged with high energy content calcium diets, vitamins, etc. should be avoided especially in the age of growth.

Currently, the strongest link to the factors contributing to the rise in animals genetically predisposed is associated with rapid weight gain and growth. In a recent study done in Labs a significant reduction in the development of hip dysplasia (about 25%) occurred in a group of dogs with controlled power versus a uncontrolled power.

Confirmation of hip dysplasia before treatment is necessary and must be used for radiographic method.

Main Animal Hospital