Hip dysplasia This disease can occur in all breeds of dogs. This disease is caused by abnormalities in the development of the hip joints, which can lead to joint degeneration in the future. When a dog begins to have hip degeneration, it causes pain in various joints in the body, resulting in the dog walking abnormally and having a reduced interest in various activities.
Hey! So how do we know if our dog is starting to show signs of hip dysplasia? Many dog owners should observe their dog for any unusual behavior changes. If their dog begins to feel reluctant to get up, walk, sleeps excessively because it doesn't want to move its body, doesn't want to put weight on its legs, isn't happy eating, or may have other symptoms besides these, if you notice that your dog is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, you should take it to the vet for a preliminary examination.
How to treat hip osteoarthritis in dogs
For treatment of hip osteoarthritis, Dr. Burapong Suthirat (Dr. Tang), a veterinarian in the Orthopedic and Joint Department at Taling Chan Animal Hospital, advises that both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the dog's age, and health. Symptoms are classified and X-rays are used to diagnose the underlying cause of the problem. There are two treatment methods:
1. Taking medicine
With this treatment, the dog will receive pain medication, which will help alleviate the pain from his symptoms. After taking the medication, the owner should observe whether the dog can walk better or perform other activities. If he improves, other methods may be used in conjunction with the treatment, such as losing weight, exercising, controlling food intake and body weight, etc. His muscles will become stronger without the doctor having to perform surgery. However, if the dog doesn't want to walk, he won't be able to exercise very well. Many owners may therefore take their dog swimming instead, and the symptoms will improve.
If medication combined with exercise improves the condition, and your dog becomes more active and can be taken for walks, surgery is not necessary.
2. Surgery
If medication does not improve within ten days or two weeks, surgery is another option for the caregiver. There are two types of surgery:
Hip replacement surgery
Hip replacement surgery restores normal weight bearing and leg function to your dog. This will relieve pain and help your dog move or walk more easily, giving him stability in using all parts of his legs. Most of the time, the results are visible within 2-3 days after surgery. Your dog will start to be happier and eat more. However, the downside is that the owner has to take care of him a lot during the first month after surgery and the cost is high.
Bone head surgery
This surgery is only allowed for dogs weighing less than 17 kilograms, as dogs must use their hip muscles to support their weight. If the muscles are not strong, it may be difficult or impossible for the dog to walk. After surgery, the dog must be brought in for physical therapy to help the dog use its legs as quickly as possible. With this surgery, it is not possible to predict when the dog will be able to use its legs to walk, as the results depend on the care and physical therapy.
Post-operative physical therapy
After surgery, for the first month, owners should not allow their dog to run or jump. They may take him for short walks. Once all muscles are stable, they can gradually be allowed to walk or live their lives. Additionally, owners should control their dog's weight, control their food intake, and provide appropriate exercise, such as swimming, walking, etc.
“Physical therapy is very important after a femur removal surgery. It's rehabilitation, whether it's swimming, massage, ultrasound. The use of lasers or electric shocks to the muscles To help him regain the use of his legs as quickly as possible.”
Physical therapy combined with exercise can help dogs move normally, whether through sit-up training, electrical stimulation, ultrasound massage, or laser pain relief. The advantage of physical therapy treatment is that it has few side effects and can effectively reduce pain, allowing dogs to walk well again and have a better quality of life.
When we're sick or unwell, resting is crucial. This applies equally to dogs. Therefore, owners should be mindful and provide plenty of love for their dogs. This will help them feel encouraged and recover faster after surgery. Dogs are like family members, so don't forget to learn more about how to care for them so they can stay strong and healthy for a long time.
References
Interview with Thiraphong Suthirat, Orthopedic Veterinarian, Talingchan Animal Hospital, June 3, 2021.
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