Dysplasia is a disease of the hip and elbow joints in dogs. The disorder usually occurs when the puppy is still growing, but on occasion an adult dog will develop it for no evident reason.
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Hip Dysplasia
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Hip dysplasia happens when the ball and socket of the joint do not fit together properly. This causes extra wear and tear on the joint.
Elbow Dysplasia
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Elbow dysplasia is caused when the three bones of the elbow joint (the radius, ulna and humerus) do not grow at the same pace. If one bone is larger or smaller than the others, the joint will not fit together properly.
Symptoms
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Hip dysplasia causes pain to the back legs, and elbow dysplasia affects the front legs. Dogs with either of these disorders might act as if it hurts to move around, and they might limp or walk with an irregular gait.
Long-Term Prognosis
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Hip and elbow dysplasia are both degeneratory diseases. This means the disease will worsen over time. Eventually the dog will develop arthritis, a disease that causes pain and swelling to the joints.
Causes
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Dysplasia is a genetic defect that is passed from parent to offspring. Obesity and over-exercise can also be risk factors.
Treatment
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Dysplasia is treated by managing the dog's weight and by providing the dog opportunities for low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids can be used to reduce the inflammation. The condition can also be treated through surgery.
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