Dysplasia in dogs: degree, causes, treatment

Various types of genetic diseases are affected by dogs of those breeds that are large in size. The most common ailment is the destruction of pelvic joints and hips in these animals. Such a pathology is called dysplasia. From this disease often suffer from representatives of such breeds as St. Bernard, Retriever, Labrador, Shepherds and Other. The owner of each animal should know what is dangerous in dogs, how often it develops in the friends of our smaller ones.

Causes

Very often an ailment can cause an unhealthy diet. Specialists in the field have shown 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 use 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 provoke joint destruction. This, in turn, leads to the fact that the dog begins to limp, not yet reached the age of two.

It also happens that the disease is diagnosed at an early age of the animal - in 4-5 months, that is, at a time when its paws are not yet strong enough. In this case, you do not need to postpone the treatment of pathology, you should help the dog immediately. If you protect the puppy from medical intervention, dysplasia can lead to the development of osteoarthritis.

Degrees of dysplasia in dogs

1. Femoral joints (generally accepted HD classification):

- A - there are no signs of the disease;

- B - there are almost no deviations from the norm;

- C - mild degree of disease;

- D - dysplasia within acceptable limits;

- E - significant degree of destruction.

2. Elbow bends (denoted ED):

- 0 - no violations detected;

- 1 - minimal arthrosis (osteophytes up to 2 mm in width);

- 2 - moderate level of pathology (pathological growths from 2 to 5 mm);

- 3 - deep deformation of tissues (more than 5 mm).

A final report on the situation is made by a specially trained specialist in the RKF.

Features of treatment

Immediately it is worth noting that the therapy of abnormalities in the structure of the joints in animals does not give a 100% result. This is such an insidious disease - dysplasia in dogs. Treatment of it is carried out using drugs-chondroprotectors, which are injected into the veins or joints of the animal. In no case should you perform the procedure yourself. This should be done only by a doctor.

Additional measures for caring for animals

It should be understood that the dog, which is genetically predisposed to the development of dysplasia, can not be overloaded. Do not give the animal a long run for a bike or harness it in a sleigh in winter.

Specialists strongly recommend watching the weight of a four-legged friend. So, and for food. Often decreases the amount of protein in the diet of an animal and increases the volume of carbohydrates. Thus, the body does not develop, and as a result, dysplasia in dogs may occur. It is necessary to feed the pet only with balanced food.