Canine dysplasia is a common joint condition that primarily affects the hip and elbow joints.
It is a malformation of the joints caused by abnormal development of the bones and surrounding tissues.
This can lead to poor joint congruence, instability, and progressive degeneration.
Dysplasia can be present in different parts of the body and is particularly common in certain predisposed breeds.
Here is a list of the main symptoms of canine dysplasia, with a brief description of the pathologies they refer to, to help you better identify the existing condition.
Hip Dysplasia:
Description: Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint in which the head of the femur does not fit properly into the acetabulum, causing instability and joint degeneration.
Symptoms of canine hip dysplasia: Limping, difficulty walking, loss of strength in the hind legs, difficulty climbing or descending stairs.
Treatments: Body weight management, physiotherapeutic exercises, joint health supplements, pain medication, hip replacement surgery in severe cases.
Elbow Dysplasia:
Description: Elbow dysplasia is a condition where there are developmental anomalies in the elbow joint, causing friction and damage to the surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of canine elbow dysplasia: Elbow pain, intermittent or constant lameness, joint stiffness.
Treatments: Rest, physiotherapy, pain medication, supplements, joint correction surgery in more severe cases.
Shoulder Dysplasia:
Description: Shoulder dysplasia concerns the instability of the shoulder joint, where the humerus and scapula do not articulate properly.
Symptoms of canine shoulder dysplasia: Limping, limited range of motion, pain when lifting or moving the shoulder.
Treatments: Weight management, muscle strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory drugs, possible surgical interventions in severe cases.
Knee Dysplasia (Patella):
Description: In the case of knee dysplasia, the patella can slip laterally (luxation) due to improper anatomical structure, causing friction and pain in the knee joint itself.
Symptoms of canine knee dysplasia: Limping, hopping or skipping, loss of knee stability.
Treatments: Rest, physical therapy, supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs, surgery to stabilize the patella in the correct position.
Spine Dysplasia:
Description: Spine dysplasia involves abnormalities in the development of the vertebrae, causing spinal instability and possible compression of the spinal nerves.
Symptoms of canine spine dysplasia: Neck or back pain, difficulty moving or jumping, possible signs of paralysis.
Treatments: Weight management, physiotherapy, pain medication, orthopedic support, corrective surgery in severe cases.
In conclusion...
Dysplasia is a hereditary disease, but body weight and other environmental factors can influence its progression. Treatment aims to manage pain, improve mobility, and may include physical therapies, medications, and, in severe cases, corrective surgeries.
Recognizing the symptoms of canine dysplasia and making a timely diagnosis and proper management can help the dog live a more comfortable and active life.
It is essential that a veterinarian specialized in orthopedics evaluates and gives an accurate diagnosis to determine the type of dysplasia affecting the dog and prescribes an appropriate treatment plan. Treatments can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the specific needs of the dog.
Furthermore, the veterinarian will assign severity grades to the dog's disease, which vary according to the type of dysplasia.
This will help you understand the intensity of the disease and why the veterinarian suggests a pharmacological treatment rather than a conservative one managed with natural remedies for dysplasia.
Other articles that might interest you
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The dog slips on the floor: tips and anti-slip products
Canine dysplasia: are supplements and homeopathy really useful?
Arthritis in dogs: a guide to natural remedies, supplements, and exercises
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The information provided on our site is general and does not in any way replace the opinion of a veterinarian or industry experts. For any doubts, always consult a veterinarian.