Dogs age and get injuries, just as humans do. Dogs moving at a slower pace may be early signs of arthritis in dogs. But dogs barely moving because they are in so much pain, is a bigger problem. A visit to the veterinarian is required to find out if it is hip or elbow dysplasia.
The good news is your dog can still live an active life. Unfortunately, hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common skeletal diseases in dogs. Here’s what you need to know about hip and elbow dysplasia.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are one of the most common skeletal diseases in dogs. When it happens, the ball and socket of the hip or elbow joints becomes loose and unstable. Long-term joint issues cause scar tissue around the joints. Bone spurs can develop, and the pain associated with it grows. Here are images of unhealthy hip joints. Here is an image illustrating he area these diseases take place.
Unfortunately, some dogs have this as an inherited skeletal disease. Hip and elbow dysplasia occur when the dog’s joints are not developed quite right. The biggest factor is genetics. However, rapid weight gain and obesity can force the issue to the point the joints are giving out.
While symptoms vary, some things to look for include:
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent it from happening. It is an inherited joint disease and it can impact a dog a young as age 1. Larger dogs are most susceptible due to their size. If a dog already has the skeletal disease, you may not know. Weight gain and age can make for a painful mobility with will grow into a concern requiring a veterinary office visit.
Every dog is different. However some breeds are more susceptible to this illness. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), they have tracked and ranked dogs most likely affected by hip dysplasia. This group came up with a list of the top dog breeds affected. The results may surprise you. While these problems rank high in large and giant breed dogs, there are other smaller dogs who might get it too. Here are the top 5 dog breeds for hip dysplasia:
According to the same group, they ranked those dog breeds more likely to have elbow dysplasia. Here are the top 5 dog breeds:
Check out the full list here and clicking on either “hip dysplasia statistics” or “elbow dysplasia statistics.” You can also click on your favorite breed and learn the statistical data they have for all OFA disease database entries.
Your veterinarian will offer the treatment plan which is best for your dog. Here are some treatment options:
Unfortunately, there is also no way to reverse the effects of hip or elbow dysplasia. A plan of treatment is required. While you may consider prescribed medication, remember just as in humans, pain medication may not be a good long-term solution.
Consider using all-natural supplements, such as Glyde® Mobility Chews.
Your veterinarian may recommend your dog lose weight as a first effort to alleviate painful symptoms. This will not cure the issue, but it may make it so your dog can move easier. It is always important to have your dog on a healthy diet, especially if it is a large breed dog. Talk to your veterinarian about a good exercise and diet routine, if weight gain is an issue. Simple steps might be adding a casual 20-minute walk into your dog’s routine as well as adding a joint supplement to reduce swelling of the joints and pain.
Parnell Living Science are the makers of Glyde Mobility Chews, a natural joint supplement with strong scientific backing to combat joint pain. The ingredients contain a unique combination of green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, and chondroitin to promote healthy joints. Green-lipped mussel (GLM) contains beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans, and antioxidants. Combined with glucosamine and chondroitin, GLM (one of the best sources of Omega can help decrease pain and preserve joint function. Glyde Mobility Chews are the only joint supplement with proven levels of these key ingredients to help maintain youthful mobility throughout your dog’s life.
Simply think of what might help you if you had joint pain, and the tips are about the same for your dog. Here are a few ideas:
While it is hard to detect what might be the mobility issues you are seeing in your dog, it is always good to visit your veterinarian with any concerns. Arthritis in dogs is also a joint disease. Take the arthritis quiz by clicking on the link below!
Of course, we love our fur-babies and want nothing but the best for them. As with anything, if you see obvious behavior changes, call your veterinarian and schedule an appointment.
Sources:
Pets & WebMd, "Hip Dysplasia in Dogs"
WikiHow Pets, "3 Ways to Manage and Treat Hip Dysplasia in Dogs"
WikiHow Pets, “Deal with Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs”
VetDepot, "Hip and Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs"