Canine · Hip brace · Hip dysplasia ·

What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs? Signs and Treatments.

What You Need To Know About Supporting Your Dog with Hip Dysplasia.

The ball-and-socket joint found in a dog’s hip is compromised of the head of the femur and the socket in the pelvis. These joints play a vital role in the dog’s ability to walk and run comfortably. When conditions such as hip dysplasia are diagnosed, it impairs many dog’s ability to walk naturally and can require medical intervention to fix.

What is Hip Dysplasia?

Hip Dysplasia is a common skeletal condition which causes an abnormal formation of the ball-and-socket joint during growth. This abnormal formation occurs when the femur and the socket in the pelvis that make up this joint, don’t grow at even rates - causing excessive joint laxity within the hip (very similar to Shoulder Dysplasia).  Joint laxity, or hypermobile joints, allows the ball-and-socket joint of the hip to move around, causing pain and inflammation. This typically occurs in large and giant breed puppies. Hip Dysplasia is a genetic disease, but can be affected by other factors such as:

  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Environment
  • Growth Rate
  • Muscle Mass

Some common signs that might occur in their hind end and indicate that your dog has Hip Dysplasia can include:

  • Decreased Activity
  • Inflammation
  • Stiffness
  • Crepitus
  • Decreased Range of Motion (ROM)
  • Muscle Atrophy
  • Lameness

How is Hip Dysplasia Treated?

There are several different treatment options for Hip Dysplasia ranging from weight reduction to surgery depending on the severity of the condition. If surgery is not an option, bracing devices such as the Balto Life – Hip Dysplasia Brace can support the hips for a better quality of life. The Balto Life provides bilateral compression of the hips allowing for increased blood flow which helps diminish pain and stiffness. These compression pads are removable and lined with a double layer of comfortable, soft material. The brace is also equipped with two adjustable and removable handles to provide that extra support they need with day-to-day activities.

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