Category: Global Veterinary Specialists

Hip dysplasia (HD) is characterized by abnormal laxity of the hip joint, in which the ball and socket do not fit correctly, resulting in irregular wear of the joint surfaces. The condition leads to inflammation, pain, and lameness and may ultimately necessitate surgical intervention.

The cause of hip dysplasia is multifactorial. That means several factors can contribute to its development, with the single most significant reason believed to be genetics. Extensive research will continue on the canine genome to identify the exact hereditary code that is abnormal. Additional factors that can influence its development include diet, hormones, and the environment.

Although middle to large breed dogs – especially those popular in the United States – are more prone to hip dysplasia, its development may also affect smaller canines, including mixed breeds and even felines. Animals can present with mild, moderate, or severe cases of hip dysplasia.

Symptoms of Canine Hip Dysplasia

While some dogs can begin to show signs of HD as early as six months of age, most exhibit symptoms by one year of age. Before starting to progress gradually, symptoms are often subtle, although this may vary depending on the severity and any underlying conditions. Common symptoms your dog may exhibit include:

• Limping
• Decreased activity
• A “bunny hop” gait
• Difficulty rising after rest
• Hesitance to jump or climb stairs
• Premature tiring, especially during exercise
• Weight shifting from one or both hind feet
• Slightly arched back, resulting from weight shifting

Over time, primarily in situations where hip dysplasia is left untreated, secondary osteoarthritis (OA) can develop. In secondary osteoarthritis, the inflamed tissues surrounding the abnormal joint may thicken with scar tissue, further impacting the dog’s quality of life. Early treatment by a veterinary surgeon is essential.

Schedule an Appointment with a Veterinary Surgeon

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can impact their quality of life. Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years of experience treating complex problems that may arise in your pets.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and veterinary surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal we see. Please contact us today to learn how we treat hip dysplasia and restore your pet’s quality of life.

Hip dysplasia (HD), while more common in popular medium and large breeds, can reduce the quality of life for dogs of any size or breed. The condition has also been reported in cats. Although the exact cause is multi-factorial, it develops when the bones and soft tissues develop at a disproportionate rate, resulting in abnormally shaped bones. These abnormalities inhibit the ball and socket from fitting together as they should, causing joint laxity, leading to inflammation and lameness.

HD is most seen in these dog breeds:

• Labrador Retriever
• Mixed Breed Dog
• Golden Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Rottweiler
• Australian Shepherd
• Border Collie
• German Short Hair Pointer
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Pug
• Jack Russel Terrier
• Chow Chow
• Springer Spaniel
• Old English Sheepdog
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Boxer
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Newfoundland
• Great Pyrenees
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Siberian Husky
• Akita
• Malamute
• Airedale Terrier
• Keeshond
• Samoyed
• Standard Poodle

However, it is essential to remember that HD can occur in dogs of any breed or size and cats.

Diagnosing and Treating Hip Dysplasia

A diagnosis of hip dysplasia is made after the completion of a comprehensive physical and orthopedic examination. The patient’s history is also reviewed to determine if other causes of hind limb lameness are present. Final diagnosis is made only after radiographs are obtained and reviewed. Treatment options, which usually vary depending on the individual animal, are then discussed.

One of the best treatment options to consider is a total hip replacement (THR).

A THR is designed to eliminate pain and restore function that mimics normal function immediately. It is regarded as the gold-standard surgical option for treating dogs and cats diagnosed with HD, mainly when the condition is moderate or severe. Global Veterinary Specialists skilled, board-certified veterinary surgeon, Dr. Liska has successfully performed more than 100 THR procedures on dogs and cats of all sizes.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their quality of life. Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years of experience treating complex problems that may arise in your pets.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal. Please contact us today to learn how we can help restore your pet’s quality of life.

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. It is essential to be conscious of your pet’s health, safety, and comfort when it is cold outside to ensure that they, too, have the happiest of holidays.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia (HD) is a condition of abnormal laxity of the hip joint. This laxity stretches tissues surrounding the hip joint and causes inflammation, pain, and hind limb lameness. Over time, as the condition progresses, it can lead to secondary osteoarthritis.

The cause of HD is multifactorial: Genetics, diet, hormonal influence, and environmental factors are all believed to contribute to its development. While hip dysplasia commonly affects large breeds, it can also occur in dogs of all breeds and sizes, and even in cats.

Available treatment options include pain management and total hip replacement (THR). Because THR results in a fully functional, pain-free joint, it is considered the gold-standard surgical option for dogs and cats with moderate to severe HD.

Winter Tips for Your Pet

Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe and comfortable during the winter.

• Know their limits.
• Keep your pets indoors.
• Reduce the frequency of baths.
• Don’t shave your dog down too much.
• Consider a sweater for short-haired dogs.
• Schedule a veterinary appointment if your dog is showing any of the symptoms of HD.

The American Veterinary Association also recommends wiping your pet’s feet, legs, and belly after walks to remove any chemicals that may have been on the ground. Doing this after each walk will prevent the risk of skin irritation or animal poisoning.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their lives. Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years of experience treating complex problems that may arise in your pets.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal. Please contact us today to learn how we can help restore your pet’s quality of life.

Resources:

“Cold Weather Animal Safety.” The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

“Cold Weather Safety Tips.” The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 26, this year. It is a time to connect with friends and family, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, and express gratitude. However, you choose to celebrate the day; taking extra steps to ensure safety, including your pets’ safety, is essential. The following tips will help prevent having to make an emergency veterinary appointment.

Thanksgiving Day Favorites

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November since 1939. Before then, according to History, it was celebrated on the fifth Friday of the month.

Many people focus on gathering with friends and family to give thanks and feast on holiday favorites. Whole turkeys, sliced thin, and stuffing and mashed potatoes are often the main dishes at the holiday table. Many of these staples should not be shared with your pet, no matter how much your s/he begs, without taking some necessary precautions.

Additionally, some special activities include watching parades and beginning to put up decorations for the winter holiday. You may also enjoy watching classic films centered around Thanksgiving.

Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe

Boneless Only Please

According to the ASPCA, while it is acceptable to give your pet a small bite of turkey, it is crucial to make sure it is thoroughly cooked and is boneless. Please avoid giving your dog turkey legs or wings as the “bones can be problematic for the digestive tract.”

No Sweets for Your Pet

As mentioned in our previous blog, “Halloween Safety Tips for Your Pets,” sweets are only for human consumption. Pies, sweet bread, and other deserts should not be offered to your pets. These can cause stomach upset or, worse, a life-threatening emergency. Any raw dough also receives a resounding no.

Keep Poinsettias Out of Reach

Poinsettias, while beautiful, are toxic to pets. They are just one of many plants on ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants. If you decide to display these in your home, please prevent your pet from reaching them. You may also want to keep the ASPCA poison control number – (888) 426-4435 – easily accessible.

Global Veterinary Specialists

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their lives.

Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years’ experience handling the most complex problems, including hip dysplasia, that may arise in your pets.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal.

Please contact us today to learn how we can help restore your four-legged family member’s quality of life.

Resources:

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). (2020). “Thanksgiving Safety Tips.”

History. (2020, November 20). “Thanksgiving 2020.”

History. (2019, November 21). “Thanksgiving: Fact or Fiction.”

With Halloween 2020 just three days away, it is essential to ensure your safety and that of your family and pets as you finalize plans for the evening’s costumes and activities, whether virtual or in-person. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, depending on the severity, may require special attention to prevent exacerbating their condition.

We invite you to continue reading to learn Halloween’s history and ways to ensure your pets remain safe.

The History of Halloween

According to History, Halloween began more than 2,000 years ago with the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). It was a time for celebration as the harvest had ended, and a new year was beginning. Bonfires were built, and costumes were worn to ward off spirits during the festival as well.

Fast forward to the adoption of All Saint’s Day, also called All Hallows and later All-Hallows Eve, in the ninth-century. Halloween evolved from All-Hallows Eve.

The day is now celebrated with various festivities ranging from carving, stenciling, or painting pumpkins; dressing in costume; and trick-or-treating. The National Retail Federation lists dressing pets, whether felines or canines, in costumes resembling anything from delivery drivers to hot dogs one of the most popular activities.

That brings us to an essential safety tip. If you are one of the more than 266 thousand people planning to dress your pet in a costume, make sure it is the appropriate size and only keep it on your pet for a minimal amount of time, such as the time it takes to snap a few photos of your best friend.

Additional Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe

Keep Treats Out of Reach

Please remember that candy is for human consumption only. Many sweets, especially all forms of chocolate, can be hazardous to the health of your pet. The Humane Society of the United States recommends keeping the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline handy, just in case: (888) 426-4435.

Keep Your Pet on a Leash

While it would best to secure your pets indoors, make sure they are leashed if you plan to take them out. Leashing your dog, especially if diagnosed with hip dysplasia, is crucial regardless of the time of year or activity. You should also ensure that the information on your dog’s ID tags and microchip registration is up-to-date.

Canine Hip Dysplasia Treatment

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their lives.

Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years’ experience handling the most complex problems, including hip dysplasia, that may arise in your pets.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal.

Please contact us today to learn how we can help restore your four-legged family member’s quality of life.

Resources:

“Halloween 2020.” History.

“Halloween Retail Holiday and Seasonal Trends.” The National Retail Federation (NRF).

“Halloween Safety Tips for Pets.” The Humane Society of the United States.

A veterinary surgeon will not hesitate to recommend and perform total hip replacement (THR) surgery when the indications for surgical intervention are present, and no other higher priority problems exist. Here are some of the most common questions pet owners ask, answered by a skilled and experienced veterinary surgeon.

What breeds are more susceptible to hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia commonly affects large dog breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Rottweilers. Giant breeds such as Great Danes and Mastiffs are also more susceptible. That is not to say that other breeds or sizes of dogs cannot be impacted by hip dysplasia. There are more than 100 breeds in the total hip replacement registry, including some cats.

How can I tell if my dog is in pain?

Unlike humans, your four-legged friends are unable to speak up and say, “I am in pain.” However, there are various ways for them to clue you into their discomfort, such as whining or sleeping more. Additional signs that your pet may be in pain – especially if they have been diagnosed with hip dysplasia – include difficulty getting up, limping, a diversion to playtime, or a lack of appetite. They may also protect the painful area.

How is canine total hip replacement surgery determined?

The determination of your pet’s need for total hip replacement is made after all other options, including pain management, have been exhausted or when the patient’s quality of life is low due to chronic pain. The decision is based on the animal’s medical history, physical examination, radiographs, and blood work. Your pet must be healthy overall to be considered a good surgical candidate.

Are there size or age limitations for a total hip replacement?

Total hip replacement surgery has been successfully performed on small, medium, large, and giant breed dogs. It has also been performed on cats. Implants are available in a broad range of sizes. Ideally, your pet must reach skeletal maturity, typically occurring at about nine to ten months of age. Though, under some circumstances, it may be performed on dogs six months old. THR immediately creates a pain-free joint and restores function that mimics normal function.

How do I schedule a consultation with a veterinary surgeon?

Global Veterinary Specialists recognize that dogs and cats encounter orthopedic injuries, disabling difficulties, and diseases that can affect their lives.

Each GVS surgeon has more than twenty years’ experience handling the most complex problems that may arise in your pets.

We are teachers, mentors, inventors, clinical researchers, and surgeons driven to achieve excellence for every animal.

Please contact us today to learn how we can help restore your four-legged family member’s quality of life.

Resources:

“How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain.” American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).