Canine Hip Arthritis Symptoms

Hip arthritis is mainly characterized by shallow acetabulum, incomplete dislocation of the femoral head, limping, pain, and muscle atrophy. Apart from congenital multifactorial genetic diseases, acquired factors such as a dog's weight, growth rate, and muscle performance can also cause hip joint diseases. Treatment for dogs with hip arthritis includes enforced rest, administration of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, and surgical therapy when necessary.

Hip Arthritis Symptoms

Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease controlled by multiple genes and influenced by environmental factors, commonly seen in medium and large breeds. In the early stages, most dogs with CHD have few or no clinical symptoms, and the symptoms of canine CHD are unpredictable and vary in disease progression. Generally, young dogs under one year old with CHD will experience pain due to synovitis and torn cruciate ligaments; while in dogs older than one year, secondary osteoarthritis leads to gait abnormalities, stiffness, shortened stride length, and abnormal standing.

Hip Arthritis Treatment

For this problem, the younger the dog is, the greater the likelihood of correction for hip dysplasia. In this case, long-term administration of joint health supplements and calcium supplementation is required to reduce joint wear and tear and promote bone development while avoiding vigorous exercise. For older dogs or those with severe hip dysplasia, surgical cure is the only option.

Hip Arthritis Feeding Methods

You can feed some drugs or supplements that protect joint cartilage and maintain joint health. Calcium supplementation should be taken in moderation, as excessive or insufficient calcium intake can easily cause hip joint problems. Avoid high-intensity, prolonged exercise and excessive wear on the hip joint, especially in large breeds, which can easily lead to golden retriever hip dysplasia and affect normal walking.