Joint Problems in Dogs

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Joint problems can attack any breed of dog at any point of time. Since you can not be too sure if your dog is suffering from joint problems or not, this article can help you in determining if your dog has a problem.

The most common problem with dogs is hip dysplasia. This refers to the deterioration or malformation of the hip joint. The hip joint sits on a socket that secures the femur’s head. If the socket is too shallow, the condition is called hip dysplasia. This should be addressed immediately because if you leave it unattended, the dog can suffer from extreme pain especially when the cartilage is already destroyed.

It’s not easy to tell if your dog has hip dysplasia. The dog should be radiographed. Only experts can give appropriate analysis. The vet can not do this and you’ll be asked to send the hip x-ray to the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals in the US. The evaluation will be sent back to you after several weeks. If you live anywhere in Britain, Europe, and Canada, equivalent programs are also available but the certification varies depending on the dog’s age.

Another joint problem is OCD or Osteochondrosis Dessicans. This problem is concentrated on the elbow. This happens when the flake or bone spur wears out and it brings about stiffness and a lot of pain. In order to get the exact evaluation, you’ll need an x-ray of your dog’s elbow joint. Dogs who are currently suffering from hip dysplasia might also be suffering from OCD.


Patellar Luxation is another joint problem. It affects the dog’s kneecaps and if you are breeding smaller dogs, beware as they’re more prone to this condition as compared to larger dog breeds. When the kneecap slides out of its place, it will lock the dog’s leg straight. Do not worry because after accurate diagnosis, your dog can undergo surgery. However, breeding dogs with this particular issue isn’t a good idea because this condition is hereditary. There’s a high chance that the puppies can inherit the condition as well.

If you try to consult an expert, you’ll know more about the various joint issues among dogs. Aside from the conditions mentioned earlier, dogs can also suffer from hock (a spine problem). There are still several other join issues that you should know about. Before breeding dogs, you should already have adequate knowledge about the dog breed you’re handling. Research about their bloodlines and potential joint problems; since most of the conditions are hereditary, you should be extra careful when choosing the dogs you breed.

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