Neapolitan Mastiff, an affectionate domestic pet, and brilliant guard dog is susceptible to a number of diseases that include Canine hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and demodicosis. Canine hip dysplasia in Neapolitan Mastiff has remained one of the most fascinating hereditary canine diseases as the genes that cause it continue to elude veterinarians. Neapolitan Mastiff specifically is more susceptible to canine hip dysplasia since it is a heavy-boned dog.
What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia?
In simple terms, canine hip dysplasia is a defect of the hip joint. The deformity occurs during the dog’s growth period. As a result, the ball of the femur fails to fit effectively into the hip socket.
What Causes
Canine hip dysplasia in Neapolitan Mastiff is thought to be hereditary, but there are three environmental factors that seems to play a major role towards the development of the disease. These factors include:
- Joint laxity – When the head of a dog’s femur fails to properly fit into the acetum, as the dog gradually grows.
- Exercise- Exercise can either be good or bad. Considerate amount of exercise strengthens the muscles thus stabilizing the hip joint. On the other hand, too many exercises may pose a risk of dysplasia especially when a dog is between 12-24 months.
- Weight – The heavier the dog is, the higher the risk of dysplasia.
Early Signs Of Canine Hip Dysplasia.
The treatment for canine hip dysplasia is easier and more effective in younger dogs. Therefore learning to identify signs of the disease early would spare the dog a lot of agonizing pain and spare you a lot of trouble treating your dog. You should look out for the following signs:
- Lameness in the hind legs.
- Swaying and staggering due to the lack of coordination in hind quarters.
- Not so keen on jumping and running around.
- Abnormal gait.
- Difficult in attempting to stand up or lie down.
Diagnosis And Treatment.
Physical examination of your dog by a veterinarian establishes whether your dog has dysplasia. The motion of the hips is thoroughly examined. If the disease is suspected, an x-ray is taken to confirm the presence of the disease.
Dysplasia is treated in two ways that include the surgical and non-surgical option. Surgical option involves correcting the deformity through an operation while non-surgical involves the use of arthritis medication and undertaking weight management.
