Health Problems That a Dog May Get
Below are some of the health and first aid problems that a dog may get. It is extremely important to always seek a vet’s advice before any treatment. Hip dysplasia This is an inherited problem and unfortunately occurs a great deal in the German Shepherd Dog. It is a painful hip affliction that is the commonest form of arthritis which is a deformity of the coxa-femoral joint. Symptoms: Pain, limping on one or both sides, complaining, difficulty in getting up from lying or sitting position, unsteady gait. Treatment: The vet will need to take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. Mild cases can be helped by severing a muscle on the inside of the thigh, more advanced cases will require massive surgery to the hip joint itself. Kidney trouble First symptoms are. Excessive drinking of water followed by food refusal and then possibly diarrhoea. The faeces are usually yellow. Treatment: Seek the vet’s advice immediately. If possible take with you a specimen of his stool. Paralysis and leg weakness Paralysis and hind leg weakness are a common problem. Spinal problems Some dogs develop a 'mink' in the saddle of the back. The back just gives out. In between each vertebra in the spine is a disc full of a jelly like fluid. This is similar to a flattened squash ball, and is capable of moving every which way to absorb concussion. A sudden injury may cause it to rupture and force fluid up into the spinal canal, placing pressure on the nerves of the spine. This causes acute pain to the dog and eventually leads to paralysis of the hind legs.
Treatment: X-rayed to determine the treatment, anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture or physiotherapy. Most dogs respond well although the odd dog may take three or four months to learn to walk again. On rare occasions the damage to the spine may be too great and paralysis is permanent. For more details visit http://www.dogobedience.com.au/why-choose-K9training.php