Chondromalacia in dogs is a disorder of endochondral ossification of articular cartilage and epiphyseal cartilage, mostly in fast growing large and giant dogs from 4-8 months of age, such as St. Bernard, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Newfoundland and other breeds. Examination of the disease does not reveal any trauma on the dog, but the dog exhibits lameness, pain, and other associated characteristics. Etiology The cause of chondromalacia in dogs is unclear and is generally thought to be related to genetics. However, certain other factors such as excessive growth rate, weight and high energy diets, and injury may trigger the development of the disease. Genetic phenotypes of osteochondrosis, such as elbow or hip joint, are influenced by nutritional factors, so over-nourished puppies are prone to chondrosis and the lesions are relatively severe. So be careful to raise your dog without being too spoiled, otherwise it will be detrimental to your dog’s health instead. Chondromalacia is also caused by lactation and pregnancy, which leads to an increased demand for calcium and vitamin D. Symptoms of the disease early manifestation of the difficulty of standing up, standing hindquarters swaying weakness, the two hind limbs frequently exchange weight, transport steps cautiously, unsteady gait, rest after the affected limbs are stiff state, the later shoulder muscle atrophy. Finally, it develops into recumbency. Most of the time, the onset is gradual, but there is also a sudden onset. Clinically chondromalacia is characterized by no history of trauma, claudication, and pain. The diagnosis of claudication and pain without a history of injury is often bilateral and symmetrical, with a slow progression of the disease and significant changes in the cartilage or osteochondral structure by the time symptoms appear. The claudication is aggravated by exercise and worsened by prolonged rest. The muscles of the affected elbow are atrophied and the affected area is not swollen. X-rays may show subchondral bone erosion, abnormal epiphyseal growth plate ossification or long bone deformation. The main treatment methods are health care treatment, adjuvant treatment and surgery. 1. health care treatment: supply the dog with calcium and vitamin D, gradually improve the structure of the diet, so that the dog intake of balanced nutrition, it is recommended that the usual feeding will want to add the joint treasure in the pet food, according to the weight of the dog to feed the right amount, so as to relieve the symptoms of chondromalacia in dogs and restore self-care ability. 2. adjuvant treatment: usually take it more Go for a walk, for proper exercise, remember not to run more strenuously, can not let the dog climb stairs, especially for puppies, this way is very helpful to recovery, in addition to food and disease nutritional supplements are very careful, eat less and meat-related food, because the meat is acidic, you can buy some increase in the body acid, alkaline balance of nutrients. The economic conditions of dog lovers, but also to the pet hospital, so that experienced physicians will help it such as baking electricity, massage or acupuncture 3. Surgery: including the removal of the disease, prosthetics and so on, as a last resort do not try, surgery has risks, so you need to observe your dog on a regular basis, early detection and early treatment, the dog’s chondromalacia nipped in the bud. Note 1. The dog’s diet should be nutritionally balanced, do not overfeed meat. In this case, the dog’s bones will be prone to problems. 2. Excessive weight can cause damage to the joints, so it is important to keep the dog in a healthy shape.
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