What Factors Contribute To Canine Hip Dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is defined by an unstable hip joint. It affects millions of dogs, and can impair their ability to move around without discomfort. The joint has a ball-and-socket configuration, with the ball (femoral head) rotating within the socket (acetabulum). Ligaments and connective tissue hold the bones together, ensuring the joint works properly.
In dogs with hip dysplasia, the anatomy of the joint is deformed. The shape of the femoral head causes it to fit less securely within the socket. Additionally, the ligaments and connective tissue are loose, and thus provide less support. The result is that the hip becomes increasingly unstable, exposing the canine to intermittent dislocations.
Below, we’ll describe the symptoms dogs display once the condition develops. It is important to be able to recognize them, so you can improve your pet’s comfort. We’ll also present some of the factors that contribute to the disorder.
Signs Your Dog Suffers From Hip Dysplasia
Depending on the severity of joint laxity and the onset of arthritis, canines may display symptoms in early puppyhood. In most cases, however, the condition becomes noticeable in later years, and becomes steadily more pronounced as the affected joint wears down.
Your pet may initially show signs of stiffness in his rear legs after waking up in the morning. Once he warms up, this stiffness will likely disappear. As the disorder worsens, however, his legs may appear stiff for longer periods, and eventually, throughout most of the day.
Dogs with advanced hip dysplasia will often run with an abnormal stride. Some avoid running altogether since doing so produces discomfort and pain. Canines that have shown a tendency to jump in the past will become less inclined to do so. They may also display a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed (e.g. playing fetch, jogging, etc.).
Genetic Predisposition To Joint Laxity
Although any dog can develop hip dysplasia, it usually presents in larger breeds. One of the main contributing factors is heredity. If one of the animal’s parents has the disorder, it is likely that the descendant will also have it. If both parents suffer from hip dysplasia, the likelihood of incidence in the offspring is much greater.
Professional breeders try to minimize the susceptibility of their canines to the disease, but are limited in their ability to do so. The reason is because an animal can carry the gene that leads to dysplasia without showing symptoms. This gene is passed to its offspring.
Improper Food Consumption
Laxity of the hip joint, while genetic in nature, can be exacerbated by a dog’s diet and nutrition early in life. Canines that consume a substantial number of calories as puppies are believed to be more susceptible to severe dysplasia due to the extra stress placed on the joints. In addition, young pups that develop more rapidly than normal as a result of high caloric consumption have displayed a higher incidence of dysplasia in the hips. This is particularly the case among those whose parents suffer from the condition.
Considerations Regarding Exercise
Exercise is essential to a young puppy’s health and happiness. Not only does it improve the condition of his body, but it also allows him to burn off excess energy. That said, overly-strenuous activity early in life may expose a genetically-predisposed pup to a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia. Moderate, routine exercise will help to develop muscles that can minimize the effects of joint laxity, but too much can prove harmful.
If your canine suffers from hip dysplasia, consult a veterinarian for advice regarding how to make him more comfortable. Also, ask about treatment options that can reduce some of the discomfort your dog is experiencing.
