Jan 07, 2023
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common developmental condition in large and giant breed dogs. It's caused by a hip deformity that results in joint laxity, or looseness, and can lead to pain, mobility issues, and osteoarthritis. Though the condition is present from a young age, many dogs won't show clinical signs until they're older. However, screening your pet for hip dysplasia early on can give you an opportunity to treat the deformed joint before it causes problems.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
In hip dysplasia, the “ball and socket” joint between the head of the femur and the pelvis doesn’t develop properly. This makes it difficult for the two bones to fit together tightly. It is estimated that somewhere between 10 and 15% of dogs worldwide have hip dysplasia. Additionally, some breeds have an incidence as high as 75%!
As their disease progresses, adult dogs with hip dysplasia often develop arthritis. You may notice shaking of your dog’s legs, limping, or other signs your dog is in pain. Also, affected dogs commonly shift more weight to their front legs due to pain or weakness in their hips. This extra load puts an increased amount of stress on the muscles and joints of their front legs. Consequently, the dog is at increased risk of injuries in the wrists, elbows and shoulders.
Large dog breeds most at risk for hip dysplasia:
German Shepherd
Rottweiler
Saint Bernard
Great Dane
Neapolitan Mastiff
American Staffordshire Terrier or Pit bull
Newfoundland
Catahoula Hound
Basset Hound
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Depending on the breed large dogs will require additional care to keep hips healthy and their back legs strong. For example, German Shepherds are at risk for two major mobility conditions, hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. This means German Shepherds are at high risk for hind leg weakness and paralysis later in life. To limit hip problems, German Shepherd dogs should be kept at a healthy weight and stay well exercised to maintain muscle tone. In general, a leaner healthier diet is recommended in all large dogs with hip problems.
When a pet is overweight additional stress and pressure is pressed on their joints which makes hip dysplasia pain and it’s symptoms worse. Dogs with excess weight will have a harder time exercising, standing up, and may not live as long.
How Does Hip Brace Work for Hip Dysplasia?
Dog Hip Dysplasia Brace could provide gentle compression to the hips and back legs. They accomplish this using either a compressive sleeve or leg panels that provide direct support to the hips and back legs.
In some dogs with neurologic issues, this gentle compression provides just enough sensory stimulation to help them be more aware of where their body is and how it’s moving (i.e. proprioception in dogs). This in turn can improve coordination and balance. In dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis, this support may help alleviate muscle fatigue. Also, in some cases it may even improve stability of the hip joint.
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Dec 20, 2022
What are Shoulder and Joint Ligament and Tendon Conditions?
The shoulder joint is a “ball-and-socket” joint. In four legged animals it is made up of the scapula/shoulder blade bones, and the humerus/upper bone of the front leg. These bones are supported by ligaments and tendons. A ligament is a band of connective or fibrous tissue that connects two bones or cartilage at a joint, and a tendon is a band of connective or fibrous tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.These bones, and the muscles and tendons that attach, are vital to a dog’s well-being and his ability to walk and run with ease.
Shoulder joint ligament and tendon conditions in dogs are common painful conditions that can be treated, usually with success. If you feel your dog is in pain in the shoulder area, it is best to consult your veterinarian promptly to get an accurate diagnosis and mode of treatment.
Symptoms of Shoulder and Joint Ligament and Tendon Conditions in Dogs
He may seem fine one minute and the next minute shows lameness – as if a shoulder just goes out of place.
He may suddenly fall when walking, or avoid walking altogether.
He might likely have swelling around the shoulder area.
His head and body weight may appear to be kept on one side more than the other side.
Causes
Indirect or direct trauma is a likely culprit
Repetitive strain injury (indirect trauma) is the most common cause
Overexertion and/or fatigue
Poor conditioning before performing athletic activities (i.e., lack of previous exercise, overweight, or inappropriate preparation)
Types
Bicipital tenosynovitis (an inflammation of the tendon and surrounding sheath of the biceps tendon – at the front of the shoulder blade)
Rupture of the tendon of the biceps brachii muscle (upper limb)
Forcible separation (known as an avulsion) or fracture of the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle (tendon that connects the scapula/bone of the shoulder blade with the humerus/bone of the upper limb)
How to treat?
Treating Shoulder and Joint Ligament and Tendon Conditions with a shoulder brace that may help to stabilize the shoulder joint, and give the ligament time to scar over and repair itself.
Dog Double Elbow & Shoulder Brace
designed for elbow arthritis, dysplasia and Joint Ligament Conditions
Soft and durable material bring the comfortable wearing.
Design to Dog's elbow for a snug fit.
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Hinged Dog Shoulder Support Brace
for greater support, supports the injured leg and promote recovery.
Velcro in several places, suitable for many dogs.
Luminous reflective tape makes walking safer for dogs at night & outdoors.
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Dog Elbow Dysplasia Brace
Helps to protect the wound after the operation.
Support the front leg for joint stability.
Easy to wear in and out.
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Dec 15, 2022
An ACL tear in dogs is a knee injury that occurs when a dog fully or partially tears their cruciate ligament.
All dogs are at potential risk of tearing their ACL. According to research, no one particular age, gender, or breed of dog has been pinpointed as being most at risk.
Additionally, overweight dogs are at greater risk of rupturing their ACL ligament than healthy, well-conditioned dogs.
Why ACL/CCL is a Common Knee Problems in Dogs?
The Vast Majority of Dogs are Overweight
Dogs’ knees are always bent therefore there is constant tension on the dog’s ACL ligament
Bad Breeding and Hip Dysplasia
Lack of recognizing early warning signs
If you could recognize your dog early symptoms and take them to the vet, your pet coud be treated in time.
What Are The Torn ACL Signs?
Pet owners often report hearing their dog “yelp” in pain and then start limping after their dog injures the ACL. But in many cases, the pet owner never hears any cry and all of a sudden notices their dog limping or not putting any weight on the hind leg.
Here are some simple guidelines to follow:
1. If your dog is not putting any weight on the hind leg and is holding it up, then there is a very good chance they may have a FULL tear of their ACL.
2. On the other hand, if your dog is just slightly limping or using the leg but not putting full weight on it, then there is a good chance they may have a PARTIAL tear of their ACL.An ACL tear in dogs is a knee injury that occurs when a dog fully or partially tears their cruciate ligament. Partially tears could be treated and healed without surgery.
Surgical Options:
There are several surgical techniques to choose from. Your veterinarian can help you decide which surgical procedure is best for your dog.
What Is The Prognosis For My Dog?
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving the long-term prognosis and will minimize the progression of Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) or arthritis. The worst-case scenarios are the dogs who have a partial tear that goes undiagnosed for a long time. The chronic instability in the joints leads to arthritis and the compensation leads to potential injury to the other legs.
Though reported statistics vary, it is estimated that on average 30-50% of dogs who tear one ACL will tear the opposite ACL within a few years.
LOVEPLUSPET Knee brace allows your pup to comfortably put more weight on their hurt leg so they’re not dramatically shifting their weight onto one side.
Hinged Dog Leg Brace
With hinged metal splint for dogs to provide support.
Adjustable Velcro.
High-quality Neoprene material keeps knees warm
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Dog Double Leg Brace
Double leg support to keep the other uninjured leg healthy.
Elastic fixing strap
Velcro design is adjustable for many dogs
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Hinged Dog Double Leg Brace
Double leg support to keep the other uninjured leg healthy.
Inner hinged provide powerful support.
Reflective tape makes walking safer
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Dec 12, 2022
The dog anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a thin connective tissue in the middle of our knees which connects the lower leg bone to the upper leg bone.
In dogs we call this connective tissue is called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). As with a person's ACL, the CCL connects the dog's tibia (bone below the knee) to their femur (bone above the knee).
When people find out their dog has a torn ACL, many ask the question – can a dog recover from a torn ACL without surgery? The answer, as with many things in life, is it depends. There are certainly cases where dogs have healed naturally from torn ACLs, but there’s a right way to go about it and a wrong way.
Here's something you need to know about whether it’s possible for a dog to heal naturally after a torn ACL.
Can Heal a Dog's ACL without Surgery?
Yes, it’s possible for a dog to recover from an ACL tear without surgery. Dogs without treatment or surgical intervention will adapt over time. Over the next few months after the injury, their body will begin to heal and adjust on its own. Without surgery, the lameness caused by a partially torn or ruptured ACL will improve or go away completely in many dogs, especially small ones.
Treating an ACL injury with a knee brace is a non-surgical option that may help to stabilize the knee joint, and give the ligament time to scar over and repair itself.
LOVEPLUSPET brace has different design to satisfies your needs.
Hinged Dog Leg Brace
With hinged metal splint for dogs to provide support.
Adjustable Velcro.
High-quality Neoprene material keeps knees warm
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Dog Torn Acl Brace
Keep mobility
The special design of the hinge, providing strong support
speed up the muscles healing process
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Dog Knee Support Brace
Soft and durable material
Elastic fixing strap connects the collar from the rear leg brace.
Protect the wound after surgery
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5 Tips To Help a Dog Recover from a Torn ACL Without Surgery
1. Weight control
Weight control is extremely important because it will help take pressure off their knee. While it’s important to give them time to heal without putting excessive strain on their knee, once they’ve healed and mobility has started to come back, it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight.
2. Less stair climbing and jumping
While it’s important for them to get some exercise, too much jumping and climbing stairs can put a lot of strain on their knee which will delay healing and cause them further pain. You’ll want to limit the amount of stair climbing and jumping (on people as well as on and off of furniture) your dog does to ensure they don’t further injure themselves.
3. Knee brace
As previously mentioned, a custom-fit knee brace is a good way to help support their injured knee and give it stability while they’re healing. Knee braces help keep their knee and surrounding joints in place while their body does the ‘heavy lifting’ and heals itself.
4. Joint relief supplements
There are also joint supplements available that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help to lubricate and protect their joints as they age. These supplements can be added to their food or given to them in pill form
5. Pain killers
Pain killers can also be given if you notice your dog is in a great deal of discomfort/pain. As with any medication, you’ll want to talk to your vet first and make sure it’s okay for your dog to take and that they don’t have any allergies.