Hip dysplasia is the primary cause of arthritis in dogs. Let’s examine the role of glucosamine for dogs with hip dysplasia and its ability to prevent arthritis.
Now keep in mind that hip dysplasia is a condition that a dog is born with. There are different levels of severity which will determine how much this condition affects your dogs ability to be comfortable and live a quality life.
If you are considering getting a pure bred large breed dog you need to ask about the OFA status of the breeding pair. Hip dysplasia is genetic.
Normal dog hips on xray
[This is an x-ray of a dog with good hip joints. Notice how the ball of the leg bone is sitting deeply within the curve of the hip socket. Everything looks smooth and comfortable!]
Hip dysplasia in dogs is primarily a disease of large and giant breeds. There is a higher occurrence of the disease in Saint Bernards, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers and Great Danes. Hip dysplasia refers to the abnormal formation of the hip joint. The ball-and-socket joint of the hip does not fit together tightly, or the formation of the bone in either the hip or the femur is abnormal and therefore not smooth. The abnormal form or tightness of the joint results in friction between the bones. This friction wears away at the protective cartilage. Now this wear can occur in any dog over time however, hip dysplasia exacerbates the stress to cartilage and may bring on the resulting arthritis in a relatively young dog.
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance in a dogs body that is used to build cartilage and lubricate the joints. As a dog ages, the production of glucosamine by the body begins to diminish. Also keep in mind that when hip dysplasia is present the destruction of cartilage is likely to be faster than the body’s ability to repair and build up new cartilage.
Dog hip dysplasia on xray
[This is an x-ray of a dog with hip dysplasia. Notice how the balls of the leg bones are not at all sitting inside the curve of the hip bone socket.]
There are many different forms of arthritis medicine for dogs. Among them, a supplement in the form of glucosamine for dogs can provide the body with the additional building blocks that it needs to repair the damaged cartilage and also synthesize new cartilage. When hip dysplasia is present your dog has a very high risk of developing arthritis and the pain associated with it. Starting a glucosamine supplement as soon as possible can help to slow the progression of arthritis and lessen the pain. The severity of the hip dysplasia plays a role in your chances of slowing arthritis – some forms are so severe that they require surgery. Glucosamine may also be beneficial following surgery.
Glucosamine for dogs has been found to be very safe for long term use. It is regularly prescribed by veterinarians with excellent results. It may take up to six weeks for the damaged cartilage to begin repairing itself and relieve the pain of arthritis so be patient.
Be sure you provide your dog with a high quality glucosamine for dogs. Discount stores may be selling a cheaper and less effective form. Also, seriously consider a product that couples glucosamine with a quality secondary ingredient such as chondroitin, essential fatty acids…etc. Evidence shows that it greatly increases the effectiveness of the glucosamine.
If your dog is showing signs of hip dysplasia or arthritis talk with your veterinarian about getting a diagnosis and start using glucosamine for dogs as soon as possible. Your dog will definately thank you for it.
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I wish I had known about this for my dog. He had signs of hip dysplasia and then lost total control of his lower body, and was unable to walk. It was tragic, though he did eventually recover, but this the glucosamine could’ve stopped it before it started.
Jon Marley@crate dog training´s last blog ..Secrets To Dog Training Review
I have found that glucosamine is a good help for most dogs with hip dysplasia. I usually do use it in conjunction with another medicine such as an NSAID like Metacam or Rimadyl. However, for mild cases, glucosamine itself may be enough.
From online vet, Dr. Marie
My boxer was bunny hopping on three legs until the vet put her on glucosamine and Rimadyl. She is much better now, occasionally a little hop but generally running like a pup again.
Glucosamine has been proven to restore damaged cartilage in animals and humans.
How much glucosamine should one give a dog? Anyone please help me.
As a general rule I have seen approximately 250mg per 10 lbs. of dog twice per day but that may not be what’s best for your dog depending on the product you use. Your best bet is really to call your vet and ask. They may want to know what is in the supplement you have chosen. There are many different versions of glucosmine and other ingredients.
thanks admin for the dosage instructions. I would never have thought of giving my dog glucosamine.. but it makes perfect sense.
Glucosamine works well for dogs with Hip dysplasia and similar conditions. Just make sure you buy it from a reputable seller.
A large number of dogs respond well to glucosamine, especially larger breeds.
Hip dysplasia in dogs will bring with it a lot of pain and a mobility that is severely reduced.
Older dogs will often develop arthritis. Glucosamine can greatly benefit them and allow them to lead a happier and healthier life.
My dog’s hind legs shake after exercising, but recently they have been shaking while she is at rest. What may be the reason?
Shaking or trembling legs could be a sign of pain or muscle weakness. If your vet confirms this and thinks the pain may be related to arthritis you should definitely start her on a glucosamine supplement.
Most brands of glucosamine supplements are produced from chitin, polymer found in the shells.
Glucosamine can also assist with dog’s inflamed discs, siatic nerve, and inflamed joints associated with ageing.
I didn’t realize that my dog need glucosamine. At first, it sounds strange but later on, I realize that it made sense. Thanks for this excellent info. Sometimes I thought that it’s old age that made my dog bunny hop but it never cross my mind that its lack of glucosamine.
I was doing some research about the role of Glucosamine in treatment of degenerative joint disease. I’m really glad I found your blog. Thanks a lot for all the information.
I agree with Dr Marie about when to use Glucosamine – use the good stuff and use it early in life (and remember these dogs are BORN with hip dysplasia). The NSAIDs can help but are good to use later in life and in some cases can be avoided for many years, but good to use as well.
Although glucosamine is thought to be safe for dogs, I have just read that it should be mixed with synergistic ingredients. As I have said many time, my approach would be to seek medical advice before administering any preventive medicines to your beloved pets.
We take our dog swimming a lot and we met the owners of a labrador there who used to suffer from terrible hip problems. Apparently swimming has really helped him and as a result of that, and Glucosamine, he has virtually no problems at all now.