| A limp that appears from nowhere and gets | | | | normal lives if properly managed. A dysplastic dog |
| progressively worse is cause for concern. The first | | | | should be kept in good weight and physical condition. |
| thing to do is try to ascertain where the problem | | | | Moderate exercise, especially swimming, is necessary |
| actually is. Check the legs and feet for any areas of | | | | if a dysplastic dog is to lead a normal life. If pain |
| tenderness, swelling or infection. | | | | develops with age, it can be relieved with aspirin. |
| There are numerous possibilities to consider. In | | | | Another common conditions that causes lameness in |
| young, developing dogs, lameness in the rear can be | | | | young dogs is osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). |
| an indication of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a | | | | This disease affects the shoulder joints and |
| malformation of the ball and socket joint of the hips | | | | sometimes the hocks and stifles. OCD can be |
| and can affect one or both sides of the dog. | | | | confirmed by x-ray, and the cartilage appears |
| As a dog ages these joints wear down, and | | | | fragmented or loose. In mild cases, it will heal itself |
| eventually arthritis is associated with the disease. Hip | | | | with rest but usually required surgery. |
| dysplasia can only be properly diagnosed by x-ray. If | | | | Another serious concern with lameness, especially as |
| x-rays do confirm hip dysplasia, there are several | | | | a dog ages, is bone cancer. This can only be |
| considerations. Surgery is one alternative in more | | | | confirmed by tests and x-rays. Anytime a dog or |
| serious cases. | | | | puppy becomes lame and rest is prescribed as |
| In very serious cases the hips themselves are | | | | treatment, it is essential to keep that dog almost |
| removed and may be replaced with Teflon hips. Most | | | | completely inactive, except for potty visits, until the |
| mildly and many moderately dysplastic dogs will lead | | | | injury heals. |