American Dog Trainers Network -- Canine Health -- Joint Problems -- Hips, Elbows, Knees, Neck & Spine




		CANINE HEALTH -- JOINT PROBLEMS

Elbow Dysplasia

Contibuting Causes:

Genetic Breeds and phenotypes most suseptable: Many large breed dogs.

Traditional Treatments:

Alternative Treatments:

General Advice:

Keep dog from becoming overweight.

Hip Dysplasia

Contibuting Causes:

Genetic

Breeds and phenotypes most suseptable:

Many large breed dogs, such as: German Shepherd Dogs, English Mastiffs, Neopolitan Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, Newfoundlands, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, etc.

Traditional Treatments:

Medications such as Rymidyl* (see: "Medications" below)

Hip joint replacement surgery

*With some medications there may be a risk of liver complications in certain dogs. Thorough research is recommended before considering the use of any medication to help relieve pain due to hip dysplasia or arthritis.

Alternative Treatments:

Nutritional supplements (get specific info re nutrients for this condition).

General Advice:

Prevent overly rapid growth during adolescence.

Large-breed adolescents should begin eating a nadult dog food or a puppy food specifically developed for large-breed puppies. Keep dog from becoming overweight.
B Patella Luxation

Contibuting Causes:

Breeds and phenotypes most suseptable:

Toy breeds are especially prone to patella luxation (dislocated kneecaps).

"Bunning hopping" (or limping with back leg) may be a symptom of this condition.

Traditional Treatments:

Alternative Treatments:

General Advice:

Keep dog from becoming overweight.

Ruptured Cruciate Ligament (Knees Joint)

Both the anterior (front) and posterior (back) ligaments cruciate ligaments are located within the knee joints. In most cases the anterior ligament is more commonly ruptured, but in the more serious cases, the posterior ligament may rupture also. Should either (or both) become torn or ruptured, it can be very painful, causing the dog to limp or hop. Eventually, the knee joint may become filled with fluid and look puffy.

Contibuting Causes:

Physical trauma, severe twisting, skidding, etc.

Breeds and phenotypes most suseptable:

Traditional Treatments:

Alternative Treatments:

General Advice:

Keep dog from becoming overweight.

Slipped Spinal Discs

Often extremely painful and debilitating.

Breeds and phenotypes most suseptable:

Short-legged, long-backed breeds such as Dacshunds, Bassett Hounds and Corgis are most commonly affected.

Contributing Causes:

Jumping off of high surfaces, such as beds and furniture.

Traditional Treatments:

Alternative Treatments:

General Advice:

Temporarily reduce or eliminate exercise. Lots of rest. No jumping or using stairs. Keep dog from becoming overweight.

Hospitals

Animal Medical Center (212)838-8100

Penn Hip

Organizations

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

Penn Hip

Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. Sean Laken, DVM (Board Certified)
Animal Medical Center
New York, NY
(212)838-8100

Dr. Lori Ludwig, DVM (Board Certified)
Animal Medical Center
New York, NY
(212)838-8100

Dr. Robert Palmer, DVM (Board Certified)
Animal Medical Center
New York, NY
(212)838-8100

Dr. Andrew Sams, DVM (Board Certified)
Animal Medical Center
New York, NY
(212)838-8100

Dr. Isis Sanchez, DVM (Board Certified)
Animal Medical Center
New York, NY
(212)838-8100

Universities

Cornell University
Tufts University

Medications

Medications* recently developed to support joint health and ease arthritis and joint-related pain in dogs:

Arthramine
(800)888-3858

ArthraRose
(800)738-5464

ArthraSyn
(888)848-3348

Hip Health
(800)560-1611

Rymidyl

*With some medications there may be a risk of liver complications in certain dogs. Thorough research is recommended before considering the use of any medication to help relieve pain due to hip dysplasia or arthritis.

Products

K9 Carts:

Vet Orthopedic Cart (for dogs with no back leg support)
(406)995-3111 (inquiries, info)
(800)578-6960 (orders)

Web Sites

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