A Chiropractor's Take on Hip Dysplasia!

• Posted on 31 May 2023
• By Dr. Christina Cole
• Posted in Dr. Cole, hip dysplasia, pet chiropractic, symptoms hip dysplasia
• 0

Hip dysplasia does not have to be the sentence of doom it once was and, more often than not, it can be managed in both an affordable and non-invasive way.

Hip dysplasia is one of the most dreaded diagnoses one can hear as a dog owner. Recently, the prevalence of hip dysplasia seems to have increased, yet the number of solutions remains the same. When it comes to this disease, little pet owners are offered. Well, it's time for that to change. Hip dysplasia does not have to be the sentence of doom it once was, and, more often than not, it can be managed in an affordable and non-invasive way.

For those unfamiliar with the disease, it's probably because you tend to have cats or smaller dogs. Hip dysplasia is found predominantly in large-breed dogs, such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, Mastiffs, Great Danes, Rottweilers, and Labradors. While not as common, hip dysplasia can also occur in medium-sized dogs, and although very rare, a small-breed dog can be born with it. There has been speculation lately that hip dysplasia is becoming more common in certain breeds due to bad breeding, inbreeding, and nutritional deficits. If this were the case, one would suspect selective breeding would be a great way to help eliminate the problem.

What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a malformed hip joint. The hip is a ball and socket joint, the femur head being the ball, and the acetabulum on the pelvis acting as the socket. The femur sits nicely within the acetabulum, surrounded by an army of ligaments, muscles, and connective tissue. In a dysplastic dog, the femur will subluxate (move out of normal position) from the acetabulum, often due to ligament laxity. As the two joint surfaces separate, the ligaments begin to lose elasticity, the bones start to develop abnormal wear patterns, and the overall structure of the joint deteriorates. With abnormal structure in the joint, there will be abnormal pressure and weight bearing. When abnormal pressure is placed on a joint, the body will counteract by developing more bone to support this pressure, also known as arthritis. Dysplastic dogs tend to develop arthritis very early in life, worsening as they age. Dysplasia can be in one or both hips; it truly depends on the animal's genetics and makeup. Hip dysplasia is most commonly diagnosed using radiographs. Multiple sets may need to be taken to monitor the progress of the disease.

What are the symptoms?

Dogs with hip dysplasia may begin showing symptoms as early as puppyhood or remain asymptomatic until their later years. The earliest symptoms include:

• Gait changes
• Limping
• Pain, especially after exercise
• Exhaustion and lethargy
• Inability to climb up and down stairs
• Muscle atrophy
• Bunny hopping gait
• Stiffness in the hind limb

Some dogs will do better with exercise than others, while others may have trouble with the simplest tasks. T is depends entirely on the dog and will vary from case to case.

How does a dog get hip dysplasia?

Research indicates that hip dysplasia is, in fact, a genetic disease. Dogs do not just wake up one day with hip dysplasia or come home from doggy daycare with it. It is not contagious, nor can it be prevented. A dog with a par with hip dysplasia will be a carrier for the disease even if they do not display symptoms. A dog with two parents with hip dysplasia will likely be symptomatic. A dog from a line with no history of hip dysplasia has a very low chance of having the disease. However, one cannot be sure that no dog within the line was a carrier and was asymptomatic.

Another way comes from a nutritional aspect. It has been hypothesized that dogs with weight issues have a higher tendency to develop dysplasia. Rapid growth during puppyhood is also thought to contribute possibly. Lastly, a lack of balance of specific vitamins and minerals during development could also be a factor.

Prevention and Quality of Life Care

We often get asked whether dogs with hip dysplasia are candidates for chiropractic care, and the answer is a big YES. Animals with subluxations in any joint must somehow compensate for that abnormality. Usually, the joints above and below the affected one are the victims. For instance, those with hip dysplasia tend to have lower back and knee issues simply because these two joints compensate for the bad hip joint. Through chiropractic care, all structural shifts within the body are addressed and thus allow for a more stable spine.

Physical therapy, massage, and hydrotherapy are excellent alternative therapies for dogs with hip dysplasia. Each methodology addresses another part of the body and works wonderfully together.

Supplementation to ensure your animal gets the proper nutrition for growth and development is essential. Glucosamine, chondroitin, Omega-3 fatty acids, and MSM are highly recommended. Please note that hip dysplasia itself, once it has occurred, will never be “cured.” However, it can be managed.

Multiple surgical procedures are currently advised to" dispel"sia cases. They often cut through the ligaments and musculature to reposition the femoral head or break the bone to move or reshape it. Another procedure will remove the femoral head and neck entirely and reconfigure the soft tissue around the joint to act as the support. Finally, there is such a thing as a total hip replacement for dogs, where the defective joint is replaced with a prosthetic. Medical management can also include injectables, such as Adequan, and prolonged steroid and anti-inflammator usage.

If you are uncertain whether or not your pup has hip dysplasia, your best bet is to visit your veterinarian. Look for any outward symptoms and consider the breeds found predominantly in your dog. If you suspect something is wrong, radiographs often offer a definitive diagnosis. Once your pup is diagnosed with the disease, realize that you have several options from that point, both conventionally and alternatively. Keep an open mind and a positive outlook. Hip dysplasia can be managed, and many dogs live long and happy lives with little discomfort or problems from the disease.

What about exercise?

Some veterinarians are of the school of thought that too much exercise at a young age can kick-start hip dysplasia. Others claim that getting a lot of exercise when dogs are young will help maintain a healthy weight and a balanced muscle mass. Dogs with above-average muscle tone and strength are less likely to develop dysplasia than dogs who are weak in the hind.

Do you have a furry friend dealing with the challenges of hip dysplasia? We understand the pain and discomfort it can cause. At The Pet Beastro, our pet chiropractic care is a holistic solution for addressing hip dysplasia and improving your pet's quality of life. Our experienced practitioners use non-invasive techniques to relieve pain, enhance mobility, and promote healing. Give your pet the gift of relief from hip dysplasia. Schedule a chiropractic appointment today and provide the care and support they need for a happier, more comfortable life.

Stop by our retail locations in Madison Heights, Michigan, just north of Detroit, or in Warren, Southeast Corner of East 14 Mile Road and Schoenherr, which are open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.  Also, visit our 24/7 natural pet food treats, toys, and supplies store online. Please message us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for further information! We'd love to help you with nutrition suggestions and support for your cats and dogs!

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