Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) in Dogs
- Last updated on January 17, 2023
- By: Caroline Stowe
Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dogs also known as MSDs can be painful and debilitating. Common MSDs in dogs include hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas, arthritis, and degenerative joint disease. These conditions can result from a number of factors including genetics, trauma to the joints or bones, overuse injuries, and poor nutrition.
Many of these disorders are hereditary or congenital and can cause a variety of symptoms such as limping, stiffness, and lameness. It is important for dog owners to recognize the signs of an MSD so that they can get their pet prompt treatment before the condition becomes progressive or permanent.
Signs and Symptoms of MSD
1. Lameness in Dogs
Lameness in dogs is a very common symptom of MSD and can be caused by several different factors. In some cases, lameness is due to degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia.
Other causes include physical trauma, malformation of skeletal structures, and inflammation of the muscle tissue.
Lameness in dogs can also be due to sprains and strains and this is often the result of an injury or trauma that has caused a tear in the ligaments, tendons, or muscles.
In these cases, the dog may experience pain and swelling as well as decreased range of motion in the affected area.
Diagnosis of Dog’s Lameness
If your dog is experiencing lameness, it is important to seek veterinarian care as soon as possible. Your vet can do an examination and imaging tests such as x-rays to diagnose the underlying cause of your dog’s lameness.
By recognizing the signs of lameness early on, you can provide prompt treatment that could help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Treatment of Dog’s Lameness
Treatment usually involves rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. If your dog is exhibiting signs of lameness due to sprains and strains, it is important to take them to the vet for an examination.
Additionally, there are several lifestyle changes that can be made to help your dog manage the condition, such as providing adequate exercise and reducing stress.
2. Luxations
Luxations in dogs are caused by a dislocation of the bones or joints. This can occur due to an injury, trauma, or developmental defects.
Symptoms of Luxation
Luxations can cause pain, lameness, swelling in the affected area, and decreased range of motion and mobility.
Treatment of Luxations
Depending on the severity of the luxation, it may require surgery to correct. Sometimes, the joint can be repositioned and stabilized with a splint.
Type of Luxations
Hip luxations in dogs are a common type of luxation that can occur due to genetics, trauma, or overuse. This condition is most common in small and medium-sized breeds and symptoms often include decreased ability to move the affected leg, lameness, pain when touched, and swelling around the hip joint.
Treatment of Hip Luxation in Dogs
Hip luxations nonsurgical repair involves placing the hip joint back in its normal position and stabilizing it with a splint. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to help strengthen the surrounding muscles and support the joint.
In order for the nonsurgical repair to be successful, it is important that your dog receive prompt treatment from a veterinarian.
If the luxation is not treated quickly, the joint can become permanently damaged and may require surgical repair.
Hip luxation surgical repair, on the other hand, is necessary when the luxation does not respond to nonsurgical methods or if there is too much damage to the joint for it to be put back in its normal position.
The surgery involves realigning and stabilizing the joint with pins, screws, or plates. After the procedure, rehabilitation and physical therapy are usually recommended to help strengthen the joint and reduce the risk of further luxation.
Precaution of Luxation
Your vet may recommend that you take certain measures to prevent future luxations. These include providing adequate exercise for your dog, proper nutrition, and avoiding activities that put a strain on the hip joint.
3. Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is an inherited disorder in which the elbow joint does not develop properly. It can cause pain and lameness, as well as swelling and fluid buildup in the affected joints.
Elbow dysplasia is commonly found in young large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.
Causes of Elbow Dysplasia
The main causes of elbow dysplasia in dogs are genetics and nutrition. Genetics plays a major role, as certain breeds are more likely to develop this condition than others. Nutrition can also play a role, as some foods may not provide adequate nutrients for proper joint development.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of elbow dysplasia include lameness, pain when the elbow is moved, joint swelling and fluid buildup, reduced range of motion, and decreased appetite.
Diagnosis
If you believe that your pup is suffering from elbow dysplasia, it’s essential to take them in for a complete vet checkup right away. Diagnosis can be made through imaging tests such as x-rays or ultrasounds.
Treatment of Dog’s Elbow Dysplasia
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Additionally, there are several lifestyle changes that can be made to help manage the condition and reduce symptoms such as providing a healthy diet and adequate exercise.
4. Hip Dysplasia
This a very serious condition that can cause pain and lameness. It is caused by a malformation of the hip joint, which can cause stiffness, difficulty walking and running, loss of muscle mass in the hind legs, and arthritis.
Some breeds are more prone to this condition than others, including German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, and Rottweilers.
Symptoms
Signs of Hip Dysplasia in dogs can include lameness, difficulty getting up or climbing stairs, a “bunny hopping” gait, decreased range of motion in the hip joint, and pain when the joint is moved. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet for an examination.
Treatment
Treatment options for Hip Dysplasia in dogs may include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, physical therapy, exercise modification, and in some cases, surgery.
Pain medications for Hip Dysplasia in dogs typically include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxers, and opioids. Glucosamine and chondroitin for Hip Dysplasia in dogs may also be recommended by your vet.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are dietary supplements that can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness, as well as improve overall joint health. Your vet may also recommend fatty acids and vitamins.
Fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and soreness, while vitamins can help to maintain joint health and improve mobility.
Surgical Alternatives
Surgical options for Hip Dysplasia in dogs may include joint replacement, femoral head osteotomy (FHO), and Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS). Joint replacement surgery involves replacing the hip joint with an artificial one to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Femoral Head Ostectomy is a procedure that removes a part of the femur head and neck, as well as some of the surrounding joint capsules. This procedure can be beneficial for dogs with advanced Hip Dysplasia and has been found to improve pain and mobility in many cases.
Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis is a procedure that involves using screws or staples to fuse the pubic bones together, which reduces the instability of the joint, resulting in less pain and improved mobility.
Total hip replacement surgery (THR) can be the solution to Hip Dysplasia in dogs and improve their quality of life. By replacing the entire joint, this major surgical intervention reduces discomfort, restores mobility, and allows your canine companion to enjoy a fulfilled lifestyle once more!
During the surgery, the femoral head and neck are removed from their socket along with some of the surrounding tissue. A prosthetic joint is then inserted into its place and fastened using pins or screws for extra security. This artificial joint may be crafted out of plastic, ceramic, or metal material.
Recovery from total hip replacement surgery for Hip Dysplasia in dogs can take up to 6-8 weeks, during which time it is important to provide your dog with plenty of rest and a consistent physical therapy program.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy for musculoskeletal disorders in dogs is a promising, non-invasive treatment option for Hip Dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders. Stem cell therapy uses the dog’s own stem cells to help reduce inflammation and generate new healthy tissues in the affected area.
This has been found to help improve joint function and reduce pain associated with Hip Dysplasia in dogs. Stem cell therapy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and can be completed in one to three sessions.
The recovery process from stem cell therapy for musculoskeletal disorders in dogs is generally shorter than that of traditional surgery, with full recovery typically occurring within four to six weeks.
Check out the video below for an in-depth view of canine stem cell therapy.
Conclusion
No matter what treatment option your vet recommends for MSDs in dogs, it is important to follow their instructions and be sure to provide the highest quality of care for your pet. Proper nutrition, exercise, rest, and veterinary visits can all help manage this condition and improve your dog.
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Author:
Caroline Stowe
- Updated on January 17, 2023
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