Resource Articles

Canine Hip Dysplasia in Large/Giant Breeds
Posted on 11/26/2012

Hip Dysplasia has been considered to be both developmental and hereditary. Unfortunately, as of this writing, there have been no substantiated research results showing a genetic marker proving that all hip dysplasia is inherited. Hip dysplasia can also be affected by nutrition.

With this problem, we have a serious condition that can be considered to be hereditary, environmental and nutritional in origin.

In order to control as the factors determining the presence of hip dysplasia, owners of puppies should take all care necessary to prevent any probable causes of degeneration. Feeding a well-balanced, high quality food in a moderate amount with sufficient exercise to build muscle and making sure that the puppy is on good footing in a safe play zone, are all critical to the developing puppy. These items are still only secondary to acquiring a puppy from health tested parents who are shown to be free of hip dysplasia.

All though hip dysplasia seems to be found in a higher percentage of large and giant breed dogs, smaller breeds as well as cats have been diagnosed with this condition. Far too many smaller dogs would be diagnosed except that the larger breeds exhibit larger symptoms and therefore are seen by veterinarians for reduction of symptoms. The swaying and hopping gait done by many smaller dogs can also be symptoms but owners frequently think of these movements as idiosyncrasies rather than symptoms with which to be concerned.

Since the hips in smaller dogs do less weight bearing, the smaller dogs do not exhibit pain at the same level as larger dogs with the same problem. Far fewer small dogs are totally incapacitated by hip degeneration than larger dogs.

We feel that a well bred puppy, fed correctly, exercised sufficiently and raised carefully should never be burdened with hip dysplasia.

Here are some supplements which we feel can help to reduce the possibility of hip, and other joint problems in all puppies:

For breeders to produce puppies whose chances are reduced for hip dysplasia, pregnant dogs should also be fed a very high quality, balanced diet and be nutritionally supplemented prior to breeding and during pregnancy. Prospective purchasers may want to investigate the care of the dam of the litter prior to purchasing their new puppies.

Back to Resource Articles

List of All Supplements | Terms and Conditions | Disclaimer | Refund Policy

close window [x]