If you have or are considering having a German Shepherd puppy or dog, you are probably aware that this breed can have a tendency to hip problems. In fact, if you got your pup from a breeder, you probably got some information about hip problems in the pup’s lineage. Even if your pup has a good lineage and is not “expected” to develop hip dysplasia, be aware that it can happen.

Big dogs often have hip problems. It’s a problem that comes with their genes, as large dogs, and that is somewhat increased by their environment. Domestic dogs often live lives that contribute to hip dysplasia. It’s no one’s fault; it’s just a fact of life for large canines.

Hip dysplasia is not arthritis, but the pain is probably similar. In hip dysplasia, the bones in the hip joint do not “fit” correctly. They rub on each other. The body tries to create more cartilage to fix the problem in the hip, but of course this does not work. Not only does the cartilage not help, but the excess cartilage restricts the range of motion and makes the problem worse. Eventually the dog starts to have pain when she moves her legs, and her range of motion gets smaller because of the pain.

Dysplasia can occur in the front legs (in which case it’s not in the hips), but is most often seen in the hips. And there’s not much you can do to help your dog. Your vet will prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain medications, which help somewhat. Some vets recommend hip replacement, but this usually leaves the dog feeling worse overall than before, and most dog parents opt to not have hips replaced.

If your dog develops hip dysplasia, you may not know it for a while. German Shepherds are generally quiet about pain, and do not yelp like other dogs. If they let you know they’re in pain, it’s very severe pain or it surprised them.

If your dog starts dragging a leg, or seems to have difficulty doing certain things, like getting up or climbing steps, then you should have his hips checked. But if he refuses to walk or suddenly sits down and refuses to move, you need to get him to the vet immediately, because that shows your dog is in extreme pain.

While there is not much you can do to help with hip dysplasia, and nothing can prevent it, knowing the symptoms can help you give your pup as much relief as possible.

Tags: Breeder, Dog, Dysplasia, German Shepherd, Puppy

Filed under: Dog