Dog Hip Dysplasia Brace

• A hip brace is best for pets that are still active, can stand and walk on their own, and are dealing with mild to moderate hip dysplasia. A hip dysplasia brace is beneficial for active pets of any age. It may also be worn for post-surgical support during the recovery process.This can be due to mild hip dysplasia or to stretching of the ligaments that stabilize the joint. It may be that a young dog will grow out of the problem, in which case a brace may support the growing joint and reduce the risk of damage.

• For ambulatory pets, a hip brace can be beneficial and work nicely for a large range of dogs. Supporting the hip joint eases discomfort and pain, while offering additional support that makes it easier for a dog with bad hips to move.

• Hip braces can keep your hip and pelvic area stable while conditions heal, including: Hip fracture. Hip dysplasia.Since the hip support wraps over the dog's lower back, it makes it easier for a dog to walk pain-free. A hip brace is ideal for a pet dealing with early stage to moderate hip dysplasia. However, don't expect to see a difference right away.

• Walking and moderate running can help strengthen the muscles around the joint. Your veterinarian may recommend that you try for two 20-minute walks each day — be sure to let your dog set the pace. As a general rule, try to avoid jumping or running for long distances.

• Improper nutrition can also influence a dog's likelihood of developing hip dysplasia, as can giving a dog too much or too little exercise. Obesity puts a lot of stress on your dog's joints, which can exacerbate a pre-existing condition such as hip dysplasia or even cause hip dysplasia.

• Hip dysplasia should not shorten your dog's life at all. As long as it receives treatment and is well taken care of at home, any dog with the condition should go on to lead a full and active life. Problems only occur if the dog eats too much or discomfort prevents them from exercising enough to keep their weight down.

• Your veterinarian may recommend a knee brace if your dog shows signs of fatigue or limping. A stifle brace for dogs can be combined with medication, physical therapy, and other treatment options to serve as an affordable and effective alternative to surgery.

• Treating Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

1.Weight reduction to take stress off of the hips.

2.Exercise restriction, especially on hard surfaces.

3.Physical therapy.

4.Joint supplements.

5.Anti-inflammatory medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids)

6.Joint fluid modifiers.

• While you cannot cure your dog of hip dysplasia without surgery, there are things you can do to help your dog have less pain, better mobility and better quality of life even if they have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and you don't pursue surgery.

• Your pet may feel more discomfort during the winter since temperatures have dropped and may show more or worsening symptoms if they have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

• Some experts divide hip dysplasia into two forms based on the age of onset of clinical signs: juvenile and mature. The juvenile form, as the name describes, occurs in dogs under 18 months of age while the mature form is seen in older dogs.

• In hip dysplasia, the joint does not fit together snugly, causing instability. As a result, the joint will partially subluxate or move in and out of the socket. This may cause cartilage damage and severe arthritis in dogs as early as one year of age.

• These signs can be seen in puppies as early as a few months old but are most common in dogs one to two years of age. Dogs with mild hip dysplasia on radiographs (X-rays) may develop minimal arthritis without clinical signs until they are older.

• You can expect to pay from $1,200 to $2,500 or more, including pre-surgical bloodwork, procedure, anesthesia, post-surgical care, and medications. After the surgery, your dog could be required to remain in the hospital for anywhere between several hours and several days, depending on their health, and other factors.

• In young dogs, avoid feeding a high calorie, high fat, protein diet that leads to rapid bone growth and can cause genetic predispositions of hip dysplasia to manifest. Puppies should be given adequate food to promote slow, steady growth, not rapid growth that can lead to bone and joint problems.