Hip dysplasia is one of the most common problems regarding physical health for the Australian Shepherd breed. Causing debilitating, degenerative joint problems, this genetic malformation occurs when the hip joint does not properly fit into the hip socket.
Aussie Bone and Joint Issues
Still, this medium-sized breed is genetically more susceptible to Hip and Elbow Dysplasia than many other breeds. Not only are Aussies genetically prone to dysplasia, their high activity level and love of running and jumping place additional stress on their joints.
Because of the natural ability to run distances and are an extremely active dog breed, often joint problems can arise. Sometimes arthritis can develop in the joints and cause your Aussie to slow down. Arthritis is as painful for dogs as it is for humans. And just like humans, there is something you can do about it.
Avoid having an overweight or obese dog by providing healthy, species-appropriate food in recommended amounts, and appropriate low-strain exercise to avoid hip dysplasia and many other diseases and disorders. Exercising your dog is good for you too!
Weakness and pain in the hind legs are the usual clinical signs. The dog appears wobbly and is reluctant to rise from a sitting or lying position. Some dogs will limp or be reluctant to climb stairs. These signs can be seen in puppies as early as a few months old but are most common in dogs one to two years of age.
Dogs can start showing signs of hip dysplasia as early as a few months old, but it is most common to start seeing symptoms in dogs one to two years of age. However, it is possible to not see symptoms until later on in a dog's life, as the disease can develop alongside other diseases such as osteoarthritis.
If your dog is suddenly limping on its back leg, it is important to have them seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are many possible causes of sudden limping in the back leg of dogs, including a ruptured ACL, strain and sprains, IVDD, fracture/dislocation and iliopsoas muscle injury.
Hip dysplasia is hereditary and is especially common in larger dogs, like the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd Dog. Factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight, and unbalanced nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition.
Panosteitis (sometimes referred to as “growing pains”) is another common issue that occurs in Australian shepherds. It is different from hip dysplasia in that it primarily affects the front legs, is temporary, and affects the long bones of the legs.
The tremors may be a sign of a largely benign condition called hypomyelinogenesis. Some owners report it only happens when the dog is excited or stressed but it can also happen when the dog is standing calmly. The muscles, usually in the hindquarters but sometimes in the forequarters, too, will quiver.
Aussies are generally healthy dogs, and a responsible breeder will test breeding stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and certain forms of cancer. An Aussie's ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and his teeth should be brushed regularly.
Aussies are very sociable dogs. They can feel lonely when they're left alone often and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety. This is when dogs feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety over being apart from their owners.
Splooting is a great stretch for the animals' hips. Splooting also allows the animal to cool themselves by pressing their belly into the ground or against tile floors. Owners may notice that their pets sploot more often when they are younger.
Why Are Shepherds So Anxious? Herding dogs, especially the Australian Shepherd, have an instinct to herd and are more prone to anxiety if they cannot corral those in their care. As your shepherd cares so much about you, she may feel severe separation anxiety when you leave the house, and they are completely alone.
Dog breeds prone to hip dysplasia include bulldogs, golden retrievers, Great Danes, Labradors, mastiffs, pugs, rottweilers, and St. Bernards. Because canine hip dysplasia is hereditary, there is no cure. The condition starts in puppies as early as five months old and grows worse as they age.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common problems regarding physical health for the Australian Shepherd breed. Causing debilitating, degenerative joint problems, this genetic malformation occurs when the hip joint does not properly fit into the hip socket.
You can prevent hip dysplasia in dogs by ensuring the skeletal system grows properly, choosing a breeder who caters to good hip health of the dogs they have, giving diet appropriate for the dog, avoiding exercising young and at-risk dogs, providing essential nutrient supplements, avoiding neutering at-risk puppies, and ...
If your puppy is limping but still playing, this is probably a sign of a superficial injury. Superficial injuries can include: Cuts or scrapes from stepping on something sharp. Burns from stepping on the hot pavement.
If your pet is limping but not showing any signs of pain, it is still worth contacting your vet for advice. Because dogs can't speak, it can sometimes be difficult to spot when they're in pain, whether it be as a result of injury or an underlying issue.
In general, gradual onset limps in dogs are caused by an underlying, chronic or degenerative condition, such as osteoarthritis or dysplasia. Sudden onset limps, on the other hand, are usually caused by an injury or trauma. Just because your dog has a gradual limp does not mean you should put off making an appointment.
Other red flags of concern with respect to the patient presenting with hip and/or groin pain include a history of trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, burning with urination, night pain, and prolonged corticosteroid use.