The most common hip problem in Doberman pinschers is hip dysplasia, which occurs when the hip joint's ball and socket do not fit together properly, usually usually because of a malformation of the socket. Although hip dysplasia is less common in the Doberman than in other dog breeds (bulldog and pug being No. 1 and 2 for hip dysplasia), it is still a problem in Dobermans.
Hip dysplasia is hereditary, and occurrences of hip dysplasia are found in most dog breeds. No amount of nutrition or care can prevent a dog from having the disease, although some factors such as poor nutrition, excess weight and stress may aggravate the condition. Dogs that have hip dysplasia are more likely to suffer from painful arthritis earlier than dogs with normal hips.
The only way to diagnose hip dysplasia is with an X-ray. Your veterinarian usually can tell you if your dog has hip dysplasia. Treating hip dysplasia requires working with your veterinarian and considering the options available.
Things You'll Need
- Glucosamine and other nutraceuticals (nutritional-based pharmaceuticals or supplements)
- Prescribed anti-inflammatories and NSAIDS such as Rimadyl
Instructions
Identify the hip problem. Take your dog to your veterinarian for an X-ray of its hip. In many cases, your veterinarian should be able to determine if your Doberman has hip dysplasia or another problem.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight. If your Doberman is overweight, give less food or switch to a weight-control dog food to reduce your dog's weight and stress on the hip joints.
Exercise your dog carefully. Controlled exercise has been shown to help relieve hip dysplasia symptoms. Start first with slow walks and slowly work up to a moderate level that doesn't cause pain. This strategy will help strengthen the muscles around the hip and help alleviate arthritis.
Keep your dog warm. Just like people with arthritis, warmth feels good to your dog, too. It will help with the pain.
Try nutraceuticals (nutritional-based pharmaceuticals or supplements) such as Glycoflex III, Cosequin and other glucosamine-based supplements. Follow the directions on the bottle for dosage. These supplements have few to no side effects and may help your Doberman feel more comfortable.
Ask your veterinarian to prescribe an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) such as Rimadyl. Request that your veterinarian do a blood test on your Doberman to make certain giving the medication will be safe.
Consider surgery if all other options do not work. Three types of surgery are available for dogs. For puppies younger than 10 months, a triple pelvic osteotomy can be performed, where the pelvis is cut and realigned. For dogs older than 10 months with arthritis, a total hip replacement may be necessary. Lastly, if a hip replacement is cost prohibitive, you can have the veterinarian remove the femoral head so that muscle can support the bone.