You wince as you hear your vet tell you that your 2 year-old German Shepherd has hip dysplasia. You did nothing to cause it. The special x-ray he just got told you he was born with excessive laxity in his hip joints. You thought he was a little lazy because he didn't always want to follow you up the stairs or jump into the car. Sometimes, the morning after a big hike, he didn't even want to get up to go outside and then laid down to eat his breakfast. At times, he would snap his head around when you gave him butt scratches, but you thought that was because it tickled. And no matter how much your daughter tried to get him to stand on his hind legs for a treat, he just wouldn't do it. It isn't that he is lazy; it's because his hips hurt!

Even though his loosey-goosey hips could not be prevented, there is still plenty you can do to manage the onset and severity of hip joint arthritis that follows. And it’s pretty simple stuff like weight management and strengthening! After listening to Michelle Powers, DVM, DACVS, CCRT, DACVSMR educate you about hip dysplasia, your worst fears will be allayed and you'll feel empowered. Hip dysplasia is not a death sentence, just an unfortunate and very common orthopedic condition that needs lifelong management. You got this!

Disclaimer
The contents of the PetAbilityTM podcast are for informational purposes only. The host(s) and their guests make no claims, warranties or representations about the content of these podcasts, or the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of their content. The opinions expressed are those of the host(s) and their guests. Discussion about any third party products or services are not intended to be endorsements or suggest any relationship or association between PetAbility and any other person or entity. The host(s) and guests are not responsible or liable for any damage, injury, mistake, misinterpretation, or misuse of the contents of the podcasts or any related materials. Furthermore, this podcast and any associated materials are not a substitute for professional veterinary care.