Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
Is our thinking correct when it comes to risk factors for the development of hip dysplasia in dogs? Last time Jasmine was at her chiropractor’s, she met a young Rottie girl. They really liked each other, and both wanted to play badly. They could not. Her new friend had hip dysplasia so bad, her back end had to be carried…
Sometimes you hear a word so often that it loses its meaning. Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic issue in dogs. That doesn’t mean that it cannot be debilitating. There are still dogs who are euthanized because of the severe effects of hip dysplasia. Thank you, Dr. Mark D Newkirk, for sharing Hunter’s story. Hunter’s story Hunter, a one-year-old yellow…
The primary cause of hip dysplasia is genetic. However, other factors, such as husbandry and environmental factors, play their role as well. Prevention starts with selective breeding. Breeding Responsible breeders screen their dogs’ hips with either PennHIP or OFA x-rays before including them in their breeding population. Genetic testing is not available at this time. Dogs without obviously dysplastic hips…
The canine elbow quite a complicated joint. Various problems in the elbow are all categorized as elbow dysplasia. Unlike the hip, the elbow joint is made up of three bones. Not unlike with hip dysplasia, when the bones don’t fit together perfectly, it leads to pain, lameness, and arthritis. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease but usually involves…
Any surgery can bring complications. CCL surgeries are no different. Every type comes with a list of potential complications; some more predictable and avoidable than others. This story was submitted by one of my readers, who wishes to remain anonymous. It is not fair that some dogs have been dealt such terrible cards. But love overcomes much! My love and…