The ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together and move, as they should do, which causes friction, which will cause damage to the joint and will be very painful. Hip Dysplasia is normally an inherited condition, environmental factors play a role in the development of the condition such as diet, exercise, poor hind limb muscle development, diet, weight exercise and bedding contributing to the onset. The dog’s body will compensate for the hip, causing problems with the spine, stifle and possible other soft tissue difficulties and in later years will lead to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms include:
- Reluctance to exercise
- Stiffness especially following rest
- Bunny hopping whilst walking or running
- Limping
- Lameness after exercise
- Change in posture and gait/movement
- Difficulty going up and down stairs / getting up
- Inflammation
Benefits of Clinical Canine Massage Therapy:
- Aids in pain relief and improves quality of life
- Strengthens muscles and relieves tension in other muscles of the body
- Aids mobility and increases flexibility
- Promotes blood flow to the affected area, which helps reduce inflammation
- Aids mobility and increases flexibility
- Assists in posture and gait/movement
