Common Orthopedic Problems in Dogs and How to Treat Them

🦴 Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. The ball and socket don’t fit together smoothly, leading to instability and eventual arthritis. This condition can cause pain, lameness, and a decreased range of motion.

Several factors can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia. Genetics plays a significant role, but environmental factors like rapid growth and excessive exercise during puppyhood can also contribute. Large and giant breed dogs are more predisposed to hip dysplasia.

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

• Lameness in the hind legs
• Difficulty rising or jumping
• Decreased activity level
• “Bunny hopping” gait
• Pain when the hip joint is manipulated

Treatment Options for Hip Dysplasia

Treatment options for hip dysplasia range from conservative management to surgical interventions. The best approach depends on the severity of the condition and the dog’s age and overall health.

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the hip joints.
• Exercise Modification: Avoiding strenuous activities like running and jumping can help manage pain. Controlled exercise, such as swimming, can be beneficial.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may also provide some relief.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the hip joint and improve range of motion.
• Surgery: Surgical options include:
  • Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO): Removal of the femoral head to create a “false joint.”
  • Total Hip Replacement (THR): Replacing the entire hip joint with artificial components.
  • Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO): Realigning the pelvis to improve hip joint stability (typically performed in young dogs).

🐕‍🦺 Arthritis in Dogs (Osteoarthritis)

Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, is a common condition in older dogs. It involves the progressive deterioration of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

While aging is a primary factor, arthritis can also result from previous injuries, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, or other joint abnormalities. The condition is characterized by inflammation and the formation of bone spurs around the affected joint.

Symptoms of Arthritis

• Stiffness, especially after rest
• Lameness or limping
• Difficulty rising or lying down
• Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
• Decreased activity level
• Pain when touched near the affected joint

Treatment Options for Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic condition, so treatment focuses on managing pain and improving quality of life. A multi-modal approach is often the most effective.

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to reduce stress on the joints.
• Exercise Modification: Regular, low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help maintain joint mobility. Avoid strenuous activities.
• Medications:
  • NSAIDs: Help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Pain Relievers: Other pain medications may be prescribed in conjunction with or instead of NSAIDs.
• Joint Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids may help support cartilage health.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises can help strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.
• Acupuncture: Some dogs benefit from acupuncture for pain relief.
• Adequan Injections: These injections help to protect and repair cartilage.
• Laser Therapy: Can help reduce inflammation and pain.

🦵 Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs

Cruciate ligament injuries, particularly rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), are a common cause of lameness in dogs. The CCL is a major stabilizer of the stifle (knee) joint.

CCL injuries can occur due to acute trauma, such as a sudden twist or fall, or from chronic degeneration of the ligament over time. Obesity, poor conformation, and genetics can increase the risk.

Symptoms of Cruciate Ligament Injuries

• Sudden lameness in the hind leg
• Pain and swelling in the stifle joint
• Reluctance to put weight on the affected leg
• Stiffness after rest
• “Sitting sit” (sitting with the affected leg extended to the side)

Treatment Options for Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Treatment options depend on the dog’s size, age, activity level, and the severity of the injury. Both surgical and non-surgical options are available.

• Conservative Management:
  • Rest: Limiting activity to allow the inflammation to subside.
  • Weight Management: Reducing stress on the joint.
  • Medications: NSAIDs and pain relievers to manage pain and inflammation.
  • Physical Therapy: To strengthen muscles and improve range of motion.
• Surgical Options:
  • Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO): Alters the angle of the tibial plateau to eliminate the need for the CCL.
  • Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA): Advances the tibial tuberosity to change the angle of the patellar tendon.
  • Extracapsular Repair: Stabilizes the joint with a suture placed outside the joint capsule.

🩺 Other Orthopedic Issues

Beyond hip dysplasia, arthritis and CCL injuries, other orthopedic problems can affect dogs. Elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) are all conditions to be aware of. Early detection and appropriate management are essential for ensuring the best possible outcome for your canine companion.

• Elbow Dysplasia: This condition involves abnormal development of the elbow joint, often leading to arthritis. It’s most common in large-breed dogs.
• Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation refers to the kneecap dislocating from its normal position. This can range from mild to severe and may require surgical correction.
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD): OCD involves abnormal cartilage development, often affecting the shoulder, elbow, or stifle joint. This can lead to pain and lameness.