29/08/2021
Four of the Most Common Orthopedic Issues in Dogs
In a busy small animal veterinary practice, orthopedic disorders in dogs are widespread. We are becoming a more active society, and we frequently incorporate our canine companions in our sporting activities. Running, chasing a ball, or catching a Frisbee are all terrific ways for dogs to get some exercise, but they can also cause injuries. Many breeds are vulnerable to muscular skeletal issues due to genetics.
Hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, patellar luxations, and disc issues are the four most frequent orthopedic problems in dogs.
Hip Dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary illness that is influenced by a variety of variables. Large breed dogs, such as German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers, are significantly more prone to it. Treatment usually entails taking anti-inflammatory drugs for the rest of one's life, which can cost anywhere from $2 to $3 per day. If the hips develop severe arthritis, titanium joint replacements, which cost between $2,000 and $3,000 per hip, are frequently required. The importance of preventative measures cannot be overstated, and weight plays a significant influence in the manifestation of hip dysplasia. It's been proven that keeping your dog lean can reduce dysplasia by up to 30%. Weight reduction is the number one pain reliever in dogs and people.
Tears in the Cruciate Ligament
How many times have you seen in the newspaper that your favorite football player has torn his ACL and will be gone for the season? The anterior cranial cruciate ligament, or ACL, is the ligament that keeps the knee in good working order. Well, instead of a big linebacker taking out your dog’s knee it is more likely a squirrel or rabbit that your dog took chase (which he never catches!). The squirrel zigs, the dog zags and there goes the knee! Torn cruciate ligaments, just like in people need to be surgically repaired to prevent crippling arthritis. There are many different types of surgical procedures and the type used depends on the size of the dog, and can range from $1,500 to $2,500.
Patellar Luxation
Knee cap disorders are also common in a variety of dog breeds. The patella, or kneecap, sits in a groove. Smaller dog’s patella’s tend to slip out of the groove to the inside or medially, and is known as medial patellar luxation. Medial patellar luxation in small dogs can often be repaired for $1,000 to $1,200. Larger dogs patellas, generally slips to the outside or laterally. These dogs often have other more involved problems with the bones of the leg as well and thus repair can be more complicated, costing as much as $3,500.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Our dogs, like many of us, can have disc problems in their necks and backs. Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Dachshunds and Lhasa Apsos are all breeds that can suffer from neck disc issues, whereas large breed dogs often have chronic lower back issues. The majority of these cases can be treated with the same drugs that are used to treat hip dysplasia. When discs become ruptured, they become surgical emergencies. The disc material can slip into the spinal canal or nerves causing intense pain or even paralysis. These surgeries need to be done often within hours in order to get good results. These emergency back surgeries can reach $3,000 to $5,000.