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As your German Shepherd enters his golden years, you may notice changes in his mobility. His once-sprightly steps may now be slightly slower, and he may have difficulty getting up after lying down. These are common signs of hip dysplasia, a congenital, degenerative joint disease that can cause significant pain and discomfort as your fur friend ages. Although hip dysplasia is one of the most common afflictions in older German Shepherds, there is no cure, but treatments are available to help manage the condition and improve your dog’s quality of life.
In this blog post, we’ll cover what you should know about hip dysplasia in older German Shepherds.
Our Misty Mae had horrible hip dysplasia, and at 17 years old, we said farewell to her.
What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Older German Shepherds?
Hip dysplasia in older German Shepherds is a multifactorial musculoskeletal disorder characterized by abnormal hip joint development, leading to suboptimal congruence between the femoral head and acetabulum. This malformation predisposes affected individuals to progressive degenerative changes within the joint, ultimately culminating in osteoarthritis and impaired mobility. The etiology of hip dysplasia in older German Shepherds is believed to stem from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and developmental influences during early growth stages.
Genetic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of hip dysplasia, with certain lines of German Shepherds demonstrating higher susceptibility due to inherited skeletal conformation abnormalities. Furthermore, environmental triggers such as excessive growth rate, improper nutrition, and inappropriate exercise regimens may exacerbate the manifestation of hip dysplasia symptoms in aging dogs.
Moreover, developmental factors during puppyhood, including rapid weight gain and inadequate muscle development, can further compromise joint stability and contribute to the progression of degenerative changes in the hip joint. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of these intricate interactions is essential for effective prevention strategies and management approaches for hip dysplasia in older German Shepherds.
Normal canine ball and socket of hip bone structure (L) Evidence of hip dysplasia (R)
What Are The Signs Of Hip Dysplasia in Older German Shepherds?
Limited Activity
Limping
Difficulty getting up from a lying position
Difficulty or reluctance to go up or downstairs
Difficulty or reluctance to jump
Unnatural gait
“Bunny hopping” (When both back legs come off the ground at the same time)
Atrophy of the back end
Stiffness in the back end
Visible pain and discomfort
Whining and or panting
Inability to get up or walk at all
How Is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed?
Your trusted veterinarian will physically examine your dog, which may include watching your dog walk (if possible), manipulating the hips, doing blood work (to rule out anything else), and taking X-rays. She may also refer you to an orthopedic veterinarian for further testing, but it’s most likely that your vet will be able to diagnose hip dysplasia without a specialist.
Treatment of Hip Dysplasia:
The treatment of hip dysplasia depends on the severity. Treating hip dysplasia in older German Shepherds involves a multifaceted approach that integrates pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to mitigate anatomical deformities and associated pain. Pharmacologically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to alleviate inflammation and discomfort, thereby enhancing the quality of life for afflicted animals. Additionally, joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and green-lipped muscle may be administered to support cartilage health and promote joint mobility.
Non-pharmacological strategies encompass a range of modalities to manage the condition through physical rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications. Physical therapy techniques, including passive range-of-motion exercises, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic massage, can help strengthen muscle tone, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.
Moreover, weight management is imperative in alleviating hip joint stress, thereby minimizing degenerative changes.
Overall, a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of each older dog with hip dysplasia is instrumental in ameliorating symptoms and enhancing their overall well-being.
If feasible, more severe cases may require surgery.
Prognosis For Older German Shepherds With Hip Dysplasia
Like Elbow dysplasia, if diagnosed early, the outcome for our dogs with hip dysplasia certainly looks more optimistic. But unfortunately, the prognosis for hip dysplasia in older German Shepherds comes down to maintaining the disease. Then, in the end stage, we are forced to determine when our dog’s quality of life has come into question and plan accordingly.
The signs of canine hip dysplasia can be evident in older German Shepherds. Still, we should be mindful that some of our dogs put on a “good front,” so paying attention and keeping them comfortable as they age is essential.
Here are some tools we use to help our older German Shepherd residents with hip dysplasia:
Keep them at an ideal weight
Short walks, if possible
Hydrotherapy and massage
High-quality orthopedic dog beds such as Big Barker Dog beds
Heated dog mats that go on top of the beds
NO STAIRS (or very few)
No jumping, especially in and out of vehicles
Area rugs to avoid slippage and impact of walking
Veterinarian-approved pain management
Supplements such as Omega 3s, Glucosamine Chondroitin, and collagen
Turmeric
Prevention of Hip Dysplasia in Older German Shepherds
Hip dysplasia can’t always be prevented, but if you purchase a puppy from a breeder, you should insist on proof that the appropriate screenings were performed to ensure that hip dysplasia is not present in both mom and dad or the bloodline.
Additionally, feeding your dog an appropriate diet and keeping a close eye on their activity level (don’t let them do too much for too long) will help prevent hip dysplasia.
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***** Disclaimer: Throughout the “20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds” series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian.
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