Dogs of those breeds that are large in size are susceptible to various genetic diseases . The most common ailment is the destruction of the joints of the pelvis and hips in these animals. This pathology is called dysplasia. Representatives of such breeds as Saint Bernard, Retriever, Labrador, Shepherd and
others. The owner of each animal must know the danger of dysplasia in dogs, how often it develops in friends of our lesser ones.
Causes of occurrence
Very often, an ailment can provoke malnutrition. Specialists in this field have proven that dysplasia in dogs can develop due to an unbalanced ratio of phosphorus and calcium in their diet. Also, the disease can occur due to the consumption of animals only dry food and excessive amounts of meat. Excess weight exacerbates the development of the disease.
Dysplasia in dogs is most often detected between 12 and 18 months of life. Excessive stress can cause joint damage. This, in turn, leads to the fact that the dog begins to limp, not yet reaching the age of two.
It also happens that the disease is diagnosed at an early age of the animal - at 4-5 months, that is, at a time when its paws are not yet sufficiently strengthened. In this case, you do not need to postpone the treatment of pathology, you should help the dog immediately. If you protect your puppy from medical intervention, dysplasia can lead to the development of osteoarthrosis.
Dog Dysplasia
1. Femoral joints (conventional HD classification):
- A - there are no signs of the disease;
- B - there are almost no deviations from the norm;
- C - mild ailment;
- D - dysplasia within acceptable limits;
- E is a significant degree of destruction.
2. Elbow bends (denoted by ED):
- 0 - no violations were detected;
- 1 - arthrosis in a minimal manifestation (osteophytes up to 2 mm wide);
- 2 - a moderate level of pathology (pathological growths from 2 to 5 mm);
- 3 - deep tissue deformation (more than 5 mm).
The final conclusion on the status is made by a specially trained specialist in the RKF.
Treatment features
It is immediately worth noting that the therapy of deviations in the structure of joints in animals does not give a one hundred percent result. This is an insidious disease - dysplasia in dogs. Its treatment is carried out using chondroprotective drugs, which are injected into the veins or joints of the animal. In no case should you perform the procedure yourself. This should only be done by a doctor.
Additional Animal Care
It should be understood that a dog that is genetically predisposed to the development of dysplasia cannot be overloaded. You should not arrange the animal for long runs on a bicycle or harness it in a sled in winter.
Experts strongly recommend that you monitor the weight of your four-legged friend. So, and for food. Often the amount of protein in the animal’s diet decreases and the amount of carbohydrates increases. Thus, the body does not develop, as a result of which dysplasia in dogs can occur. You should feed your pet only a balanced meal.