Hip Dysplasia

ABOUT HIP DYSPLASIA

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD), the most common orthopedic problem in dogs, is caused by a loose hipbone-thighbone connection. It leads to hind-end pain and lameness that can range from mild to crippling. While veterinarians have found signs of CHD in almost every type of dog, larger breed dogs such as Labrador and Golden Retrievers are found to have a higher risk of having CHD.

How do Dogs Get CHD?

CHD is genetically transmitted, which means it's a hereditary condition. But because multiple genes are involved, scientists have yet to unravel the pattern of inheritance. Adding to the CHD riddle is the complicated interplay between heredity and the environment. While it is known that environmental factors (such as growth rate) influence whether CHD shows up clinically during a dog's life, we still don't understand the exact nature of the heredity-environment interaction.

How is CHD Detected?

In most cases, CHD can go undetected in dogs until up to two years of age or older. However, in severe cases, signs can be spotted as young as 4 to 5 months old. Some of the most visible signs are a limping or stiffness in a dog when he first rises from lying down or napping. Dogs may also limp after a lot of exercise or playing. Dogs with CHD may also avoid jumping or going up and down steps. If your dog has any of these signs, take him to your veterinarian for a hip x-ray.

How is CHD Treated?

There are several different surgeries that can treat CHD ranging from $800 to $4,000 and greater, depending on the severity of the dysplasia. One of the treatments commonly used is a complete hip replacement. If both hips are replaced, the cost of the treatment can become overwhelming. However, if left untreated, dogs with CHD can become severely crippled. In lighter cases, they will suffer from extreme pain from arthritis, especially in their old age.

What Can I do to Help Stop CHD?

Purebred dogs (or even mutts for that matter) are wonderful to own and raise. But, just because you have a purebred dog does not mean that you should consider breeding. Only professional breeders should take on the task of breeding dogs. Since diseases like CHD are passed on through genetics, you may have a dog with a slight case of CHD, have a litter of pups doomed to have severe cases. If you are a "Back Yard" breeder, you should have your dogs x-rayed for CHD before you breed, especially in large breed dogs that are more prone to get the disease.

What does all this have to do with "Bailey's Biscuits"?

"Bailey," born on May 8, 2001, is a male Chocolate Labrador Retriever who was diagnosed with severe CHD at 5-Months old. Like many dog owners in this situation, we had to find a way to pay for the treatment of Bailey's CHD, so he can grow up to be a healthy, normal dog. After baking a batch of "Peanut Butter Bones," which all the dogs LOVED, I then came up with the idea of "Bailey's Biscuits"! As the owner, I have made it my personal mission to raise enough money for Bailey's "new hips" and to eventually help other families get surgical treatment for dogs diagnosed with CHD, because I know that dogs are just another member of the family!

My name is Toni, Bailey's mom and the sole owner and operator of Bailey's Biscuits. My husband and I are from Hudson, NC, which is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I bake all of Bailey's Biscuits right in my own kitchen, which are taste-tested and approved by Bailey and his big brother "Kayne." If you have any questions or comments about Bailey's Biscuits or Hip Dysplasia (I'm no expert or doctor, but I've sure done a lot of studying on the subject) please feel free to send me an email at: baileysbiscuits@netscape.net Or, see "Our Tips for Owners with Dogs who have Hip Dysplasia" to read some of the things I've learned along the way!

Thank you so much