When all hope seems lost for a dog experiencing canine hip dysplasia, surgery is the best option. Although they may be pricey, they are able to completely heal and relieve the dog of its symptoms that lower its quality of life. Overall, this degenerative pelvic and femoral condition is able to take a lot out of a dog, considering the fact that it can cause arthritis and . During the early and mild stages it can be quelled through the use of glucosamine supplements and other treatments, but when it is too severe, surgery is a must. Currently, there are three types of surgical procedures used to treat hip dysplasia:
Femoral Head Osteotomy
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Femoral head excision |
First off, canine hip dysplasia happens when the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) and the socket (in the pelvis) are loose. This gradually worsens over time and introduces a variety of diseases and complications like muscle atrophy and osteoarthritis. The latter is characterized by inflamed and oftentimes painful joints. Here are some facts for easy reference: