Hip dysplasia is not something that pet owners necessarily know anything about until their dog or a friend’s pooch develops a swaying gait or a sensitive pelvis and needs a diagnosis. It’s only then that they may hear the term ‘hip dysplasia’.
In this article, we touch on what it is and how it can be managed to give your dog a fuller life if they develop hip dysplasia.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
The reason your dog would usually develop hip dysplasia is that their hips and the joints integral to the hips never completed their development. As a result, from time to time, their hips will pop out of position and can dislocate entirely.
Naturally, you can imagine that it’s an extremely painful condition for a dog and will cause some mobility issues. There’s no predicting when the hip will move out of position, so this can occur at unexpected times, causing them to wobble or stumble as they adjust to it.
The medical condition is mostly one that impacts larger breeds particularly, but any dogs can get it. It’s also not specific to a certain type of breed either.
Dog Wheelchair or Harness
A dog wheelchair or harness helps to support dogs with hip dysplasia by taking most of their weight off their hips and joints directly.
They’re able to move their legs back and forth and be self-directed. It provides freedom for them when they are out of the house and can walk around with their owner. This is an increasingly comfortable option for owners who find surgery or alternative treatments too expensive or risky at their dog’s advanced age.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Getting your dog a hip replacement is a surgical option that’s had considerable success.
This is usually an option selected for any dog having severe symptoms, which have become very unmanageable. Not every dog is suitable for surgery though. They’ll usually need to be slim and other than their hip dysplasia, in relatively good health.
There’s over a 90 percent successful outcome for dogs getting this type of surgery. It is one of the more expensive treatment options at between $1,500 to over $5,000, depending on the veterinary practice.
Stem Cell Treatment
One of the latest treatment options is with stem cells. Currently, veterinarians are approved to perform the procedure within the US. Dr. Maya, a vet in Seattle, offers this treatment to dogs that suffer from this medical condition.
The process works by accessing stem cells from some of the fat inside your dog. Subsequently, this is injected back into their body. The idea with this course of treatment is that it’s another option versus taking anti-inflammatory medicine.
Fortunately, pet care has advanced so much in recent years that even a serious issue like hip dysplasia in your favorite friend is controllable. There are various treatment options, so it’s best to talk to your vet to discuss them and see what they recommend. You might also want to get a second opinion from another vet to know the advice you’re getting is impartial, as it’s a serious decision about what to do next.