July 24, 2024
Non-Drug Management of Hip Dysplasia
Meet Mero!
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal abnormality, usually affecting the larger dog breeds. However, this condition can be seen in dogs of all sizes and even cats! Affected pets are usually genetically predisposed. Other factors include excessive growth rate, activity and/or weight gain. As this condition progresses, pain increases, which affects the pet’s quality of life. Most pet parents attribute their pet’s decrease in activity as part of aging. On closer examination, it may be due to pain.
Meet Mero!
Mero is a lovely 10.5-year-old mixed-breed dog with hip dysplasia of his left hind leg. Despite this, Mero has an active lifestyle and enjoys long hikes in the forest. Unfortunately, he will have tremors in his hind legs after such an activity. The tremors are attributed to muscle fatigue and pain, secondary to discomfort from hip dysplasia and progression of osteoarthritis. Mero exhibits weight-shifting to the right hind leg, and the disproportionate weight bearing has resulted in some muscle wasting on the left hind leg.
Mero’s mum, being a veterinarian herself, had started him on some medications and supplements for his joints.
Managing pain is best achieved through a combination of various modalities, including prescription medications, supplements such as omega fatty acids, and joint protectants. The most effective and commonly prescribed medication for joint pain is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Unfortunately, Mero had a negative side-effect to this and can no longer take this.
This brings us to the importance of physical modalities in helping dogs such as Mero, who are unable to take certain medications or who are in their senior years. Treatments such as acupuncture, laser therapy and rehabilitation exercises, when done properly, are safe and effective options.
Acupuncture, Laser therapy and Rehab Exercises
Mero received acupuncture and laser therapy as part of his treatment for hip dysplasia. Both modalities work synergistically to help reduce joint inflammation, improve circulation and aid in pain control. And he responded beautifully. As his comfort improved with these sessions, we worked on some rehabilitation exercises to strengthen his core and his hind legs. As you can see from the videos, he loves his rehab sessions at home (and he is SO good at them!).
After 3 months of treatment, Mero is weight-bearing much better and equally on both of his hind legs. He is now on a maintenance treatment schedule to allow him to continue to enjoy his outdoor explorations with his mum.
Video 1: Crawling exercises to strengthen the hind legs