Hip dysplasia is a problem related to the bones of the dog's hip, which affects mainly (although not exclusively) large breeds over 20kg. It is a hereditary disease, that is, it passes from parents to children.
What are the symptoms? If your dog has started to walk in a strange way, swinging, do not stop reading this article. We tell you how to know if my dog has hip dysplasia.
What is hip dysplasia?
When we walk, the leg bone and the hip bone fit together and coincide, as if it were a puzzle. However, when there is dysplasia, what happens is that the head of the femur does not fit well with the cotyloid cavity, which is the hollow of the hip. Thus, the dog will quickly have problems walking well, and his mood will decrease as time passes.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are the following:
- Trouble walking properly on all 4 legs.
- Spend a lot of time resting.
- Loses interest in things that you used to love, such as games or walks.
- When standing, the hind legs are held close together.
- Get up, lie down, and walk slowly.
Any of these symptoms can appear early, between the first 3 and 7 months of the puppy's life. Although you must always be alert since they could appear later, with 7 years or more.
Treatment for hip dysplasia
If you suspect that your dog has hip dysplasia it is important that you take him to the vet as soon as possible so that they can give him the most appropriate treatment for his case, which It may consist of administering anti-inflammatories, putting on a brace or even recommending you use a wheelchair for dogs with which you can walk without having to overload your affected hip.
Thus, you can lead a long and happy life 🙂.