Ok..as I know, hips dysplasia occur mostly in large breed.
Something below that I need to know about :
1. Is hips dysplasia an inherit disease/problem ? 2. At what age a dog will strike by this problem? 3. What causes of this problem? 4. Can hips dysplasia be cured? 5. How can we tell a dog has this problem? 6. And many others....
I own a Malamute so I went through this topic with my vet
1. Yes, it is inherited/genetic and yes it can also be caused by the environment ie exercise or excessive weight etc
2. You can start to do an radiology/X ray scan after 12 months
3. Genetic and/or environment
4. Hip dysplasia varies in their different levels. From mild to serious. The only way to correct HD is by operation. Although it depends on how bad it is for the dog and if it stops the dog from the required activities. Some dogs live well with hip dysplasia
5. Visually sometimes it can be told by the way they walk or run or if they need help jumping but the only TRUE way is an Xray
How will you know if your dog is suffering from Hips Dysplasia. I mean by looking at your dog. Is it that he can't walk properly or his leg is weak? How can you tell?
~*~*~*~*~*~* |<('.'.)> | (._0) | ? , ":./ | ;];]c_) kitconnie78 is the owner of Bibi, Eden, Minmin (Silky Terrier), Momo (M. Schnaunzer) Gobi (pug) Magic (Border Collie) and Ariel
Yes u are right. Best way is xray. But an experienced eye and checks method may be able to spot early development of HD but then needs xray to confirm.
PSD
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I think if the eyes could see it, then it must be bad. The question is how bad, and only an x-ray could answer that question. An experienced person could definitely help to differentiate many things, however, get a vet and make sure a good one. Otherwise, he will probably not do a good job doing the x-ray or make your dog's condition worse.
Yes, if it is very noticeable it is bad indeed. We knew of a Retriever (very cute boy) that walked very very awkwardly, like his hind legs are about to fall off. And by 6 months old, he was diagnosed with HD (high score too). If the dog has HD, get a score first to determine how severe. Some dogs can live very well with HD. It depends on the activity and lifestyle of the dog but the weight of the dog must be controlled cos this could make HD worse (carrying extra kilos).
The thing is my dog's leg is not straight enough if you look from the behind. Walking is fine but not exactly nice. At least she can still walk without limping or anything like that. My dog is coming to 6 months very soon. Should I get the dog for X-ray now or later?
~*~*~*~*~*~* |<('.'.)> | (._0) | ? , ":./ | ;];]c_) kitconnie78 is the owner of Bibi, Eden, Minmin (Silky Terrier), Momo (M. Schnaunzer) Gobi (pug) Magic (Border Collie) and Ariel
my 18 month old lab retriever got diagnosed with it abt a month & half back. no limp but she didnt want to jump too much. went for x-ray & now she is on Synoquin capsules. took her back to the vet last week & he says that there is considerable improvement in her (KNOCK ON WOOD!!!!). she needs to continue the medication for the next month or so but she needs to shed some pounds. nd to slow down on aggressive play, shudnt let them run too much but take them for long walks. i'm paranoid so am very careful to make sure she doesnt run or jump too much.
Don't let your dog climb stairs also. That is right not to let her run or jump. My border collie got some problem with the hips also and I give her missing link plus with glucosamine. After 3 months everything is going well. Now she can run normally without falling down.
~*~*~*~*~*~* |<('.'.)> | (._0) | ? , ":./ | ;];]c_) kitconnie78 is the owner of Bibi, Eden, Minmin (Silky Terrier), Momo (M. Schnaunzer) Gobi (pug) Magic (Border Collie) and Ariel