Let us create a 3d Digital eBook for you! DigyCat.com
|
||
|
||
|
Your Pet Information | Let us create a 3d Digital eBook for you! DigyCat.com |
|
|
|
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia? Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a congenital disease that mainly affects large breed dogs. The word "dysplasia" means improper growth. Hip dysplasia can be described as a faulty or abnormal development of the hip. In CHD, the hip becomes loose and wobbly, eventually leading to a form of arthritis which is commonly referred to Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). The degree of lameness that occurs is usually dependent upon the extent of arthritic changes in the hip joint. So too do environmental conditions such as amount of physical exercise, and weight gain contribute to the disease, and bring out symptoms. What Are the Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia? The symptoms of CHD depend on the severity of the dysplasia. Another factor is the whether or not degenerative joint disease (DJD) is present. Dogs less than 1 year old have a tendency to have periods of acute bilateral (or unilateral) lameness in their rear legs. Older dogs with CHD exhibit rear limb lameness with an obvious weight displacement to the forelimb (front paws). Furthermore, the signs of lameness become more obvious with exercise or after a minor trauma. Again depending on the degree of joint destruction, visible signs vary. Typical signs are - Generally less active. - Problem with stairs. - Less jumping - Trouble rising, or laying down. - When running will exhibit a A Bunny hopping @ gait - Painful reaction to the extension of the rear legs. - A faint popping sound coming from the hip. Are All Dogs at Risk Canine Hip dysplasia? CHD can occur in any dog. However, large breed dogs are at a higher risk. The Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) believes that some of the breeds at highest risk are: Bulldog How is Canine Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed? Initial assessment involves taking a history of the dog, and examining obvious clinical signs. The only real way to see if a dog is suffering from CHD is through X Rays. If found early enough in pups, surgery can correct the problem. What Is the Treatment of Canine Hip Dysplasia? Treatment for CHD can be as mild as recommending rest, or as severe as surgery, depending on the severity of the dysplasia, amount of DJD, the age of the dog, the size of the dog, and many other factors, treatment will vary. Possible Conservative Treatment - Weight monitoring - Moderate exercise - Pain relief medication - Joint and health supplements Possible Surgical Treatment Currently there are three main surgical procedures used in for the treatment of CHD. Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) In this procedure, three separate bone cuts are made in order to free the acetabulum component (the socket or cup) of the hip joint from the rest of the pelvis. The acetabulum is then rotated to provide better coverage. A bone plate is secured to maintain this new position and allow the bone cuts to mend. The procedure is for large breed dogs, no older than 10 months of age. Candidates for this surgery must only have mild CHD and no arthritis present. Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) In this procedure, the head of the femur is removed. The residual portion of the femur forms a "false" joint with muscle, tendons and ligaments. Even though the false joint is not as superior as the original, most dogs experience a great reduction in pain. This particular surgery is far more effect in smaller dogs, with most experiencing an almost normal function of the hip. Total hip replacement (THR) In this procedure the head and neck of the femur are both replaced with either stainless steel or titanium implants. This surgery is used on young dogs who have fully matured developed physically. THR is also used in older dogs who weigh a minimum 40lbs. If done correctly, the procedure can be very successful; however it is only done by a select few, and is very expensive. Is There Any Way to Prevent Canine Dysplasia? CHD is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Responsible breeders are working on reducing the chances of CHD by breeding dogs that are less likely to produce pups that will have the disease, by better sceening methods. Environmental factors do NOT cause CHD. Instead, they bring out the symptoms in a dog that already has the disease. Responsible owners can help dogs with CHD by addressing these environmental variables. By closely monitoring a dog's diet, for example, owners can insure that a pup will not grow too fast, or become over weight. Here is a list of variables that can be controlled in order to nurture a dog with CHD. - Limit rough play, jumping, climbing stairs or slick floors. - Monitor food intake. - Calcium supplementation (may increase the bone remodeling). - Forced running for any distance, especially on tarmac, asphalt or other hard surfaces - Have your dog certified by The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Ths website only provides BASIC information about Canine Hip Dysplasia. your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about CHD and its prevention. For more great articles and tons of other great info visit our Dog forum, visit Ron's blog or visit our Pet blog
MORE RESOURCES: |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Train Your Buddy To "Walk" & "Dance" - Warning: Not All Dogs Can Do It! Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that put an abnormal strain upon the muscles of the back and hind legs and most dogs require considerable practice before they gain sufficient control of those muscles to balance themselves in this unnatural position.Before you rush into teaching this trick, bear in mind that not all dogs can do this trick, especially the big dogs such as St. A Dogs Tale My name is Shadrach, and I am a dog - a BIG, handsome, elegant, and intelligent dog. No, I am not vain at all, that is just what my mom always tells me so I assume it's true. How To Stop Your Cat Spraying The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail and releases a fine spray of urine. Yes, your cat is spraying. Do You Enjoy Watching Your Dog Wear Handmade Dog Scarfs Just To Suit Their Personality? Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care for themso much that we love to dress them up in all sorts of dog clothing. Takefor instance, a handmade Dog Scarf. Breed Success in Your Puppy Search The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust, anger, and sadness. The Humane Society of the United States calculates that as many as 500,000 puppies every year are sold in pet shops, and that many of these pet shops buy their pets from the worst breeders-so-called puppy mills. Caring for an Older Cat - Cat Health and Cat Care Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from their humans, and advances in veterinary medicine. Most experts consider a cat's "senior years" to begin on her 10th birthday. 5 Common Grooming Mistakes Made by Dog Owners 1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails. "On Trust" & "Paid For": One of the Oldest Dog Tricks that Never Fail to Entertain "On Trust" & "Paid For" for are one of the oldest dog tricks that afford as much entertainment as anything a dog can do since the early 1900s. It is not the easiest trick to be taught but can be elaborated on and presented in several different forms to impress most people. How To Setup A Freshwater Tropical Fish Tank This is an 11 step guide to setting up a freshwater aquarium in your home.Equipment you will need: Aquarium Aquarium gravel Aquarium filter Replacement filter media Heater Other decorations (such as plants) Chemical test kits Fish food Aquarium vacuum Fish net Glass Scrubber 5-gallon bucket Pasta strainer STEP 1: Realize the responsibility involved. 6 Common Dog Emergencies Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid. But do you know what to do in a dog health emergency?Approaching Dog Health Emergencies: Two StepsIn any dog health emergency, stay calm and think. Your Cat The Hunter Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would not even dream of going hunting.After all, their cat is loved and well fed. Wisdom... Wolves! Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this planet with us for possibly as long as 12,000 years. They have a long history as one of nature's large predators. Canine Communication and Body Language A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came up with a Gizmo which they claimed could convert dogs barks, yips and whines into human language, thereby allowing us to understand "Doggie" speak for the first time. I was on a radio program recently, discussing the merits and usefulness of a new dog collar that was also a mobile phone. Decorative Bird Cages Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird cages can be attractive decorator touches. They can be used as wall hangings, plant holders, centerpieces, and more. Westies Dogs - Please Consider Adopting an Older Westie Dog Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable, but new dog purchasers often do not realize the commitment they are making when they bring a puppy home. For those want the companionship of Westies dogs, but do not have the knowledge or patience to endure the training process, rescuing an older Westie dog may be the right alternative. Must-Have Know-How On Your Dogs Meal-Times One of the best parts of the day for any dog is their mealtimes.Most adult dogs are fed twice every day (in the morning and evening) but large breeds may receive their food in one meal each day. Build A Better Mousetrap, And People Will Buy It This is an old saying that many of us have grown up hearing since we were children, but the problem is improving on an invention that has been around for years. This is especially true for simple inventions like the common pet identification tag, or dog tag as it is normally referred too as. Buying a Custom Bird Cage Many of us dream of having a beautiful, exotic bird perched on our shoulder, accompanying us around town. At the end of the day, though, our feathered friend must return to its cage. Nutrition and Your Dogs Behavior Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental basis for every aspect of your dog's life. It affects their health and longevity by offering an essential balance of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates and the trace nutrients and minerals their bodies need for growth, repair and the mantainance of a sound immunne system. Introduction To House Training The information in this article is based on the successful crate training method. Crate training is not cruel.
|
|
Jumbuck Domain Is For Sale - $5,000 For Enquiries eMail Us © www.Jumbuck.biz - 2012 |
|
|
