The word dysplasia means ‘abnormal development’.
It is a genetic condition where there is a tendency to laxity in joints such as hips or elbows.
Dysplasia leads to osteoarthritis and the vast majority of dogs who have it, have it in more than 1 joint.
Primarily it is a genetic disorder, although environmental factors such as obesity may influence the development of the genes that cause it, leading to a clinical dysplasia diagnosis. There us currently no evidence that excessive exercise will cause dysplasia, although of course just like obesity, it will not help
⁉️ Hip dysplasia is the most common orthopaedic condition in dogs. It's more common in larger breeds but can happen in any dog at any age.
⁉️ Signs and symptoms include:
Stiffness
Exercise intolerance
Gait abnormalities
Difficulty climbing stairs
Limping on one or more legs
…And more
Dogs rarely demonstrate signs of pain at home so getting a vet assessment is vital as the extension methods they use will indicate if there is an issue or not
⁉️ Did you know that you can still feed raw, and it may even help your dogs pain and Inflammation with dysplasia?
🛑 Special care should be taken to reduce inflammatory foods so avoid feeding:
Starchy carbohydrates such as oats, grains, wheat, rice and root vegetables like sweet potato, squash and carrots
Synthetic vitamins and minerals such as those found in kibble and many pre-made treats. These have less bioavailability for dogs so whole food sources such be used or 100% natural herbal support.
Also look to avoid in home chemicals including household cleaning products (look at Ingenious Products for natural cleaning products)
Consider reducing over vaccination by getting titre tests / vaccicheck done to look for natural immunity. See our blogs on vaccines as well as natural parasite prevention)
🟢 See our joint support blog for ways to support your dogs joints, and liaise with your vet to consider holistic therapies such as canine massage & hydrotherapy.
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