We know that a visit to the vet can be stressful when you’re dealing with unfamiliar medical jargon, an under-the-weather pup, and the uncertainty about what’s actually going on with your furry best friend. That’s why we’ve approached a few of our favorite pet experts from Rover’s Dog People Panel, veterinarians Dr. Rebecca Greenstein and Dr. Gary Richter, and asked them for some assistance in breaking down some of the most common pet afflictions. Read on for some straightforward information that’ll help put your mind at ease, and will also help you communicate with one of the most important people in your pup’s life – their veterinarian!
Image via Pixabay/Seaq68
What exactly is Hip Dysplasia?
This is a condition that many dog owners (especially those with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers) dread encountering, mostly because it’s a common issue for those of them with larger pups. “Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affected dogs are generally born with, although nutritional and environment factors can sometimes make it worse,” explains Dr. Gary Richter, celebrated vet and member of Rover’s Dog People Panel. “Basically the hip socket is too shallow, which means that the ball wiggles around, and overtime the cartilage wears down, causing pain and inflammation.”
What are the symptoms of this condition, and how can I help my pup avoid this health issue?
So what exactly are the symptoms of hip dysplasia? There are few symptoms that are clear giveaways that your pup may be dealing with this condition, including changes in gait, limping, reluctance to run, and a tendency to do the “bunny hop” (yes, a very technical term) when they’re going up or down stairs, or walking around. They might also settle into some strange looking sitting positions, or have joints that make cracking and popping sounds.
And since this condition is primarily genetic, Veterinarian Dr. Rebecca Greenstein suggests asking your breeder in depth questions about your dog’s bloodline. “Find out if hip dysplasia is something that runs in their family,” she advises. “That will be a big indicator of whether or not your dog might also be affected.” She, along with Dr. Richter, also recommend that you try to keep your pup lean and healthy, as too much weight, especially if they’re packing it on quickly when they’re puppies, can increase the pressure on the hip joint and lead to even more discomfort.
When should I take my dog in to see the vet?
Since this is a condition that you can’t easily diagnose yourself, you should bring your dog into the vet if you notice them walking, limping, or showing any of the previous symptoms discussed above. The vet will perform a thorough physical exam that will help them understand what’s going on, and then they’ll most likely want to do an x-ray to make their ultimate diagnosis.
Are there any specific questions that I should make sure to ask them?
Once your vet has examined and x-rayed your dog and determined that they do, in fact, have hip dysplasia, you’re going to want to ask them about the treatment options that they recommend. “There are many treatments for this condition, including anti-inflammatories and natural options,” Dr. Richter assures us. “There’s also the possibility for surgery, with the gold standard being an actual hip replacement. However, that is a very expensive option, so it’s not something that everyone can do.”
Dr. Richter also explains that sometimes a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) can be performed, where the ball (of the hip ball and socket) is removed, so the dog is essentially left with no hip joint. Though this sounds unsettling, smaller dogs can do well with this since there is so much musculature around the hip, but for larger breeds this is not a great option.
Help! What if I don’t understand everything my vet is talking about?
Just remember, it’s always appropriate to check in with your vet with any follow-up questions or concerns that you have. Though we’ve tried to break down the medical jargon into easy-to-understand content, we know that some of what you hear when you’re in the office might be confusing and even scary. Don’t be ashamed to ask for clarification! It’s always better to get input from a real, live person versus trying to decipher your vet’s words by searching online.
Don’t forget, your dog is depending on you to keep them healthy, so do your best to be your furry friend’s advocate!
