Every year millions of dogs are diagnosed with a painful condition called hip dysplasia. SeniorPetProducts.com talks about the severity of this condition and the various treatment options available.
(prHWY.com) November 6, 2012 - Downey, CA -- November 05, 2012 - Downey, CA: Canine hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease of the hip in which the ball and socket components of the joint no longer fit tightly. The result is progressive deterioration of the joint. It is the most frequently encountered orthopedic disease in veterinary medicine. Hip dysplasia usually strikes large breeds, like Labrador retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernard's. It is primarily a disease of purebreds but it can occur in mixed breed of all types.
Dogs of all ages are subject to the symptoms of hip dysplasia and the resultant arthritis. The most common scenario is that symptoms do not begin until the middle or later years in a dog's life. The symptoms include walking or running with an altered gait. The dog will show stiffness and pain in the rear legs after exercise or first thing in the morning. They will often resist movements that require full extension of flexion of the rear legs. As the condition progresses, the dogs will lose muscle tone and may even need assistance in getting up.
The diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia is usually made through a combination of physical exam and radiographs (x-rays). The veterinarian is usually able to feel looseness in the joint or may be able to elicit pain through extension and flexion of the rear legs. The x-rays then confirm the joint abnormality is present. The final diagnosis is typically very straightforward.
The treatment of canine hip dysplasia depends on the age and severity of the joint degeneration. There are a number of surgical procedures that can be performed. Surgery is not inexpensive but it represents the only option to "cure" the disease. The results are a stable joint or even possibly a total joint replacement.
Hip dysplasia can also be treated medically. While the looseness in the joint will not change, medications are now available that can significantly reduce pain and decrease the progression of the joint damage. Because of the high cost involved with surgery, medical management is many times the only realistic option for pet owners.
Pet owners that chose medical management for their dogs need to investigate the alternative treatment options also available. Disease- modifying supplements such as Chondro and Synovial-Flex are very useful. Nutrients, such as vitamin C and Omega-3 fatty acids, have beneficial effects on symptom control and disease slowdown. Weight management, proper exercise and physical therapy, such as hydrotherapy, are important. There are also very valuable joint stabilizing products available that reduce stress on damaged hip joints and contribute greatly to better quality of life.
SeniorPetProducts.com is the largest source of products and information for aging dogs and cats. Launched in 2004, SeniorPetProducts.com was founded on two fundamental ideas - dogs and cats require special care as they grow older and pet owners need a place to go to learn how to take better care of their aging pets. "We are committed to being the expert, online resource for the growing number of pet owners with older cats and dogs. We exist to help senior pets live healthier lives as they age, by providing news, information and products for health, wellness, comfort and mobility." says the company website.
About SeniorPetProducts.com
SenioprPetProducts.com features dog food supplements, dog vitamins and various other products that help the pets stay healthy as they grow older. The company has also provided an online platform for pet owners and experts to discuss issues concerning the senior pets.
For more information, please visit
http://www.seniorpetproducts.com/
Contact:
SeniorPetProducts.com
11929 Woodruff Ave.,
Downey, CA 90241
Phone: 1-800-523-7979
Fax: (800) 806-1005
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