Dog hip dysplasia medical treatment and supplement
Hip dysplasia most often occurs in middle to large breed dogs, such as Rottweilers, German shepherds, Great Danes, St. Bernards and Labrador Retrievers. It occurs when the head of the femur and the socket of the hip fail to develop properly, which can lead to degenerative hip disease and symptoms of arthritis. Smaller breeds are also affected, but are less likely to show symptoms.
In a dysplastic hip, the head of the femur fits loosely into a poorly developed, shallow acetabulum. Joint instability occurs as muscle development lags behind the rate of skeletal growth. As the stress of weight bearing exceeds the strength limits of the supporting connective tissue and muscle, the joint becomes loose and unstable. This allows for free play of the femoral head in the acetabulum, which promotes abnormal wear and tear.
The age of dog hip dysplasia onset is 4 to 12 months. Affected puppies may show pain in the hip, walk with a limp or a swaying gait, bunny hop when running and experience difficulty in the hindquarters when getting up.
Medical treatment includes restricting activity and giving a NSAID analgesic such as Rimadyl, and a joint chondroprotectant such as Adequan to relieve pain and inflammation and to repair damaged cartilage.
It is important to exercise lame dogs on a leash and not allow them to run, jump or play as long as they exhibit pain. Swimming is an excellent exercise that improves muscle mass and joint flexibility without overstressing the hips.
Two major building blocks for cartilage synthesis are Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
21st Century® Glucosamine & Chondroitin with Ester-C®
Glucosamine HCl is an integral building block of joints. Glucosamine is composed of glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is a substance that the body uses to build up cartilage and keep joints hydrated and flexible. Glucosamine HCl provides the raw material your dog's body needs to produce glycosaminoglycans, which are required to produce healty new cartilage. Glucosamine also helps retain water in the joints, this acts like a lubricant which keeps bones floating in the joint without actually making contact.
Taking extra Glucosamine HCl helps your dog's body restore cartilage production and results in more flexible, nourished joints.
When taken in combination with an additive like Chondroitin and Vitamin C, the effects can be remarkable, and the body basically uses only what it needs. Glucosamine also doesn't have any bad side effects on your dog's stomach and liver.
Vitamin C (hip dysplasia in dog - Vitamin C info) is essential in the making and rebuilding of soft tissue because it promotes the growth of Collagen, a tough, stringy "mortar" that holds cells together. At the same time, the soft tissue also holds water, which maintains compression resistance to cushion the joint.
If you have a dog that is losing its mobility or is suffering from dog hip dysplasia and joint pain, introducing a Glucosamine supplement and Vitamin C can be of great benefit.
Most pet owners that supplement their dog's diet with the
right Glucosamine and Vitamin C supplement see an improvement within a
short period of time.
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