It was common practice back in the early 1970s for young dogs to be put to sleep when they were discovered to have canine hip dysplasia. In those days it was the most common recommendation from veterinarians, and most owners would reluctantly agree to have their dogs put down because it was assumed that the dogs would never be able to lead a happy and fulfilling life without being able to run, play fetch, jump, go for walks, hunt, or any other physical activities that involved walking/running.

Some Veterinarians Disagreed With This Thinking

In actuality, puppies and young dogs that have dog hip displasia have a good chance of going on to live a normal and fulfilling life if the dog is simply left to mature with no further intervention. Many dogs will cease to be badly affected by the condition once they reach their full level of maturity, leading some veterinarians to avoid recommending surgery or putting the dog to sleep.

There is little in the way of reputable research or statistics to show that young dogs exhibiting hip dysplasia turn out any better after surgery than do those who are left to mature without intervention. Countless dogs that overcame their condition naturally without surgery can take place in dog shows, tracking, obedience trails, and other forms of exercise and activity. So we have a large amount of anecdotal evidence that surgery is not necessary in young dogs. Scientifically speaking, it makes little sense to sever tendons and muscle in the young dog. It results in the ball slipping out of its socket, which is exactly the problem of hip dysplasia in the first place.

However, when performed on an older dog undergoing constant pain, dog dysplasia surgery can be a useful procedure that instantly relieves discomfort. This is done by adjusting the weight bearing surface in the hip joint. But it is not clear how long such relief lasts, or what percentage of dogs experience relief by undergoing this procedure. But this is definitely a valid option for older dogs.

Uncertainty Over Whether Dog Hip Dysplasia is Genetic

Human hip dysplasia is genetic, so early researchers of canine hip dysplasia were working under the assumption that it too was a genetic condition. Their research focused on whether the cidtion was dominant or recessive. There is evidence that there is a genetic element to hip dysplasia in dogs, but a Swedish study was conducted on over eleven thousand German Shepherd dogs that determined that a decade of selective breeding could not successfully lower the number of offspring with canine hip dysplasia. They also could not lower the number of moderate-severe cases.

The Swedish researchers concluded that there was less of a genetic factor causing dog hip dysplasia as they had originally assumed. They observed different factors linked to the condition: the characteristics of the pelvic inlet, as well as the rate of bone maturation in the particular dog.

Greyhounds are the only large breed of canines that does not experience hip dysplasia. This is a breed with very slow bone maturation. Cases of cross-breeding Greyhounds and German Shepherds resulted in a generation of offspring with no hip dysplasia. If slow bone maturation is the key to preventing the condition, then is there any way we can slow bone maturation? There is some evidence that a restricted day that slows bone maturation is possible.

We don`t yet have a complete understanding of what factors cause dog hip dysplasia. But the rate of bone maturation, as well as giving young dogs the opportunity to overcome the condition without interference, seem to be key points to focus on.

Luxating Patella Surgery For Dogs: Taking Care Of Your Dog During Treatment and Recovery

Even though luxating patella isn’t an immediate problem that you have to get treated in the emergency room, it is still important to get your pooch tested for it or else it could get worse as time goes on.

Every dog needs to be checked for it since kneecap slippage affects dogs of various different sizes and breeds. But in particular small dogs and toy breeds are especially prone to luxated patella so if you have a small dog you should get it tested quite early on.

Breeders who know what they are doing are aware that the syndrome is a hereditary one, and they should know to get their new litters of pups tested around 6 weeks of age (usually before selling the pups to their new owners).

The Methods of Treatment Available For a Slipped Kneecap

A canine physical exam, as well as information about how long that dog has been exhibiting symptoms like limping and lifting his leg, will form the basis of the doctor’s diagnosis. In order to see how severe the condition is, the vet will take an X-ray of the thigh and the knee.

If your dog has Grade I luxating patella, meaning the least severe category of the problem, then treatment is not required. But you should keep watch of your pet’s condition in case it gets worse and later requires treatment. Luxating patella surgery for dogs with Grade II, III, or IV severity is the norm.

An orthopedic surgeon carries out the operation, which involves fixing the alignment of dog’s bone, tightening the joint capsule, and sometimes make the kneecap groove deeper.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from luxated patella, there is no need to panic. But it would be wise to get in touch with your vet as soon as possible so you can get your furry friend checked out for a slipped kneecap. Your veteranarian will let you know if you need an orthopedic surgeon to carry out the surgery.

Don’t sweep the problem under the rug. If your dog has Grade II or III or IV luxated patella, it’s important to take the necessary measures to treat the problem before it gets worse. The worse the damage to the joint and bone become, the more difficult it will be to correct the damage in future surgeries.

Taking Care of Your Dog Post-Surgery

Post-surgery, your veteranarian will prescribe canine medicines such as pain killer and anti-inflammatories, which are usually taken for one week. Your dog will new lots of rest, and you should be prepared to allow your dog very little activity for about 1 week, possibly a little more.

If you need to take the dog outside during that time, keep him on a short leash to limit his movement and speed. When indoors, keep your dog inside a small room so that he doesn’t have a chance to run and jump, or otherwise cause damage to the knees with too much sudden motion.

Around a week after the operation takes place, physical therapy normally begins. At first you will need to take your dog on slow short walks, of around 5 minutes in duration. Swimming is also good, because it is good exercise with little impact on the joints. After about 6 weeks you should start being able to take your dog for regular long walks, and after 15 weeks full recovery is normally expected.

Canine luxating patella surgery is not the end of the world, but it is important to watch out for it and take the necessary measures because your beloved dog’s mobility is crucial for his quality of life.