Large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, and Great Danes are predisposed to certain bone and joint problems such as hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and cruciate ligament rupture that could progress to osteoarthritis. These conditions will be briefly discussed below, followed by treatment recommendations.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia can occur at any stage in a dog’s life. The first symptoms of hip dysplasia, often characterized by instability and discomfort in movement, can be seen even in puppies. This early onset of hip dysplasia in large breed dogs has been linked to inheritance of any of the characteristics from the parents, generally involving an abnormality in the hip joint. Abnormalities in the hip joint (a ball joint) can vary. Hip dysplasia could be due to a mismatch in the patella joint (or the socket is too shallow, or the ball is deformed or too small).
The causes of hip dysplasia can differ and could involve a spurt of growth spurts, excessive exhaustion, and obesity.
Osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis mainly affects dogs 4-8 months. Although it could be an inherited disease, osteochondrosis is most often associated with underdeveloped cartilage, typically in the elbow and shoulders. Problems in the normal development of cartilage in these joints cause irregularities in the joint surfaces that can cause misalignment and other problems with the structure of the joints. Like hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis can occur due to a growth spurt and overnutrition.
Cruciate ligament tear
Pain, swelling, instability in the knee joint, and lameness are just some of the symptoms of a torn cruciate ligament. This disease that inevitably leads to chronic knee arthritis involves a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knees. Traumatic injuries involving degeneration (in mild cases) and a sudden tear (in severe cases) to the ligament are cited as the main causes of such a condition in large breed dogs.
Osteoarthritis
Also known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis gradually progresses as the cartilage in the joint erodes. Extreme pain could indicate the growth of bone spurs or osteophytes, calcium deposits in tight and stressed areas of the joints. Burnout from frequent activity is most often associated with osteoarthritis.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
In mild cases of osteoarthritis, treatment often involves prescription anti-inflammatory drugs and / or steroids, but since we are talking about large breed dogs here, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly known as NSAIDs are more effective. However, NSAIDs do not really provide an effective treatment for arthritis, as they only provide temporary pain relief, but do not help in the repair of the damaged joint. In severe or developed cases of osteoarthritis, especially stemming from pre-arthritic conditions such as cruciate ligament tear and hip dysplasia, surgery may be required to stabilize the joints.
Recent US laboratory studies in 2006, as reported by “The New England Journal of Medicine”, showed that glucosamine chondroitin in combination reduced arthritis pain in those suffering from moderate to severe joint pain. more effective than NSAIDs. These same results have been shown to be just as effective in pets. Synflex Liquid Glucosamine is a leading brand when it comes to glucosamine / chondroitin dietary supplements for dogs. The dosage of Synflex Liquid Glucosamine once a day depends on the size and weight of your dog and the severity of his arthritis condition. The liquid form is superior in its ability to be absorbed by the body almost completely.
Another advantage is that the liquid form is much easier to administer to your pet than the pills. You can be sure that with Syn-flex for pets, your German Shepherd will be in tip-top shape in no time. Read more about Synflex and the types of joint diseases your pet can find at syn-flex-usa.com.