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Dr. Maja Platisa
DVM MRCVS (Veterinarian)
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Health conditions can be pretty scary when it comes to our four-legged friends. Certain issues are genetic, typical, and easily foreseeable in some breeds. As unfortunate as it might sound, hip dysplasia is one of the most common disorders dogs can develop later in life, affecting their mobility.
But what about Golden Retrievers specifically? Are they particularly prone to this issue? Here we’ll explore more about hip dysplasia, its causes, and how to potentially prevent it in your golden retriever.
Hip Dysplasia in a Nutshell
Hip dysplasia is a prevalent bone issue that affects larger breeds of dogs. The hip joint consists of a socket and a ball that rotate together with the help of cartilage. When a dog develops hip dysplasia, the joint’s functionality decreases due to degenerative changes, leading to pain and mobility issues.
While some dogs can manage the signs with pain relief and supplements, severe cases may require surgery. Many factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and environment influence the risk of hip dysplasia, especially in larger breeds like golden retrievers.
It is crucial for breeders to screen their dogs through generations to prevent passing on breeding conditions. Factors like rapid growth, weight, muscle mass, and hormones can also impact the development of hip dysplasia.
While most puppies are born with healthy hips, rapid growth after birth can increase the likelihood of developing hip dysplasia, especially in overweight or overfed puppies.
Statistics on Golden Retrievers with Hip Dysplasia
Reports suggest that around 20% of tested Golden Retrievers in the US and elsewhere show signs of hip dysplasia.
Do Breeders Test for Hip Dysplasia in Puppies?
Reputable breeders conduct parental testing to avoid breeding dogs with genetic defects leading to hip dysplasia. It is essential for breeders to ensure healthy breeding practices to prevent passing on such conditions to new litters.
On the other hand, getting a golden retriever from less reputable sources may increase the risk of hip dysplasia due to unknown genetic backgrounds and lack of testing.
While hip dysplasia can be managed, it is best to prevent it through proper growth, diet, and exercise during the puppy stages.
Can You Prevent Hip Dysplasia in Golden Retrievers?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent hip dysplasia due to its hereditary nature, maintaining a balanced diet and proper growth during the puppy stages can help reduce the severity of the condition.
Overfeeding and overexercising puppies should be avoided to minimize the risk of hip dysplasia. Consulting with your vet can ensure your puppy’s healthy development.
Is Hip Dysplasia Always Hereditary?
Hip dysplasia is primarily a hereditary genetic disorder that can worsen due to environmental and lifestyle factors. Breeding dogs should undergo thorough screening to prevent such conditions.
However, improper diet, lack of exercise, and weight gain can exacerbate hip dysplasia, even in genetically healthy dogs.
Importance of Moderate Puppy Nutrition & Exercise
Providing a well-rounded, nutritious diet and monitoring growth can help prevent hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers. Calorie-dense puppy food should be given as per guidelines to support healthy growth.
Early testing like PennHIP testing can help identify potential hip issues in puppies, allowing breeders to make informed decisions. Permanent hip evaluations by the OFA are done when dogs are at least 24 months old.
Conclusion
If your Golden Retriever’s parents have undergone testing, the risk of hip dysplasia is reduced. However, it’s essential to remember that hip dysplasia can skip generations, highlighting the importance of vet checks and early detection.
For older dogs showing symptoms, veterinary evaluation and treatment options can help manage hip dysplasia effectively.
Sources
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/
- https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_hip_dysplasia
- https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/canine-hip-dysplasia/
- https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/golden-retriever-hip-dysplasia
- https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15702688/
- https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs
- https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2021-03/1600-dogs-shed-new-light-on-the-genetic-origins-of-canine-hip-dysplasia/
- https://www.vssoc.com/services/pennhip-screening/
Featured Image Credit: tanatat, Shutterstock
