Hip Injuries And Hip Dysplasia In Dogs: What You Should Know

One of the most bittersweet parts of being a dog parent is the fact that your beloved pooch's lifespan is considerably shorter than yours. It may seem like only yesterday that they were an energetic puppy, and now your dog is already entering their golden years. Certain joint problems become more pronounced as a dog grows older, and this is especially true when your dog is affected by hip dysplasia. This is an ongoing ailment, but it also makes your dog more vulnerable to serious hip injuries, and you need to know what to do if this should happen to your dog.

The Hip Joint

Some breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia, and the problem mainly (though not exclusively) affects larger dogs. This dysplasia is characterized by a looseness of the hip joint, where the joint is too mobile within its socket, causing discomfort while restricting your pet's mobility. Your dog might slow down, and not be as interested in playtime. Their hip can be sensitive (with your dog showing discomfort when you touch it), and they might also begin to walk with a limp. The onset of the condition is gradual, and the trouble is that it makes your dog's hip joint far more fragile than it should be. 

An Easy Injury

When a dog is already affected by hip dysplasia, it can be quite easy for them to injure themselves. It could be an accident while playing or even climbing the stairs. Even if you didn't observe the injury happening, it will be quite obvious. It will be as though your dog's hip dysplasia has suddenly intensified, and their discomfort will be clear. Some hip injuries can heal themselves, but there's no way of knowing this without professional assessment. Transport your dog to an animal hospital for urgent treatment, as they might be in a great deal of pain. 

Pain Relief and Rest

The hip ball and socket joint can often heal themselves, although your dog's existing hip dysplasia can complicate this process. In some cases, surgical intervention might be unavoidable, but even when your dog's injuries will largely heal, your dog will require pain relief to aid this process. The treating vet can prescribe this. Other practical measures will also be recommended, such as enforced rest. Make sure your dog has a comfortable setup at home, with their bedding and feeding dishes all within the same area. This should be in the room where you spend the most time, so your dog isn't tempted to get up to seek you out. It's all about restricting their movement while they heal.

Hip injuries are not necessarily serious, but they can be extremely uncomfortable when your dog already has dysplasia, so be sure that any hip injury is urgently treated.

For more information, contact a local animal hospital.