Bichon & Hip Problems

Bichons may suffer from a disorder called canine hip dysplasia. The Dogs Info website explains that the condition is caused by a defect in the hip joint that causes the femur bone and hip socket to fit together incorrectly. According to Hip Dysplasia in Dogs, this degenerative disease can be triggered by weight problems, poor nutrition or genetic abnormalities.

  1. Breeding Bichons

    • Breeders who intend to breed a pair of bichons should have their hips X-rayed and evaluated beforehand. There are several tests that can be performed. According to the Dog Owner's Guide, the PennHip test is an X-ray method that measures the looseness of the dog's joints. Another test, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) evaluates the male and female and gives the prospective parents a score based upon their hips. They can be labeled as unfit to breed because one or both dogs have hip dysplasia, or they can be graded as fair, good or excellent.

    Picking a Healthy Puppy

    • The Tresors Blancs website advises avoiding backyard breeders or purchasing puppies from pet stores because the parents of these dogs are unlikely to have been screened for health concerns such as hip dysplasia. The website recommends purchasing through a reputable breeder. It also suggests that before you buy a puppy, you should ask the breeder to see the OFA hip scores for the puppy's parents. If the parents scored good or excellent, then the puppy is less likely to develop hip problems.

    Symptoms

    • Despite the best intentions, dysplasia can occur in bichons of any age. According to the Hip Dysplasia in Dogs website, your bichon might have this disorder if he appears to have a strange gait or acts like he is favoring one or more legs when he is walking. He may act as if it is difficult to get up and down, and he may not want to run, jump or play. He may also have an audible clicking sound in his joints when he stands up or moves around.

    Diagnosis and Treatment

    • Medicine Net explains that a veterinarian can evaluate your dog by performing a physical checkup and by taking X-rays of his hips. If your bichon has hip dysplasia, there are a number of options available for treatment.The doctor can perform surgery or even replace the dog's hip if medically necessary. Pain medication, vitamins and joint supplements can also help alleviate the symptoms and make your dog more comfortable.

    Prevention

    • The Hip Dysplasia in Dogs website gives several tips for preventing this painful condition. They suggest keeping the dog at a healthy weight, because obesity adds to the risk of developing hip problems. Regular exercise, such as a daily walk, can keep the dog's weight down and exercise his muscles and joints. Last, it is important to provide your dog with a warm and comfortable place to sleep.