This Shelter Dog’s Adorable Wobble Run Hides a Painful Secret—Now He Needs a Hero to Help Him Heal
Being a shelter dog is hard enough, but when health issues pile on, it can be devastating. Cheese Ball, a sweet 5-year-old neutered dog, is battling hip dysplasia that leaves him in constant pain. Currently at Solano County Animal Shelter in Fairfield, California, Cheese Ball needs a helping hand—to get his life back on track. (Watch the video below)
@animalcaresolano MEDICAL RESCUE NEEDED for “Cheese ball”. Neutered five year old male bully, Gets along well with dogs, cats & is potty trained according to his temporary foster. He needs a medical rescue due to his hip dysplasia and needing a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery. Contact the rescue coordinator [email protected] if you’re able to help or have questions. Located at Solano County Animal Shelter (2510 Clay Bank rd, Fairfield CA). Call with questions at 707-784-1356. #bullybreeds #bullyrescue #savealife #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #Adopt #scac #adoptdontshop #adoptme #shelterpet #shelterpets #adoptadog #rescuedog #rescuedogsrock #shelterdog #shelterdogs #shelterdoglove ♬ Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
Medical Rescue Is His Only Hope
For Cheese Ball to have pain-free hips, the dog needs a femoral head ostectomy (FHO) surgery. This surgery removes the head and neck of the thighbone (femur) to allow the canine to be able to move without any discomfort.
The California shelter shared Cheese’s story on TikTok, sending a plea for rescues to sponsor his medical needs. A temporary foster describes the little dog as dog-friendly and house-trained, who also gets along with cats.
The TikTok post has captured the hearts of many users, who have expressed their affection for Cheese in the comments. Some have praised the dog’s adorable reactions to belly rubs, while others have delighted in his endearing “wobble run.”
Once the dog gets his hips treated, he can hope to find a loving forever home, where he can live out the rest of his days in comfort and happiness. Pet Rescue Advocate Rocky Kanaka said, “With the right care and a little help, we can give Cheese Ball the pain-free life he deserves and the happy ending every shelter dog dreams of.”
If you can help Cheese Ball, you are welcome to contact the rescue coordinator at [email protected].
What is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition affecting dogs, which begins to develop early in life. However, noticeable symptoms may not appear until the dog reaches maturity or even old age. Dr. Tiffany Tupler, a veterinarian, states, “ It results in hip joints that don’t fit together well and are looser than normal.”
As per Blue Cross, an animal charity, hip dysplasia refers to the abnormal development of a dog’s hip joint. This irregular growth pattern affects the way the joint functions.
As a result, the joint surfaces undergo unusual wear and tear. This leads to inflammation, causing swelling and pain for your dog.
Causes of Canine Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia can affect dogs of all sizes, but medium to large breed dogs are more prone to the condition. Blue Cross charity states, “This can be made worse if your dog is overweight due to the increased strain this puts on their joints.”
The development of hip dysplasia is primarily influenced by genetics, as it is a genetic condition passed down from parents to offspring. However, several other factors can contribute to the development and severity of the condition. These include excess weight, which increases the strain on joints, and the amount and type of exercise a puppy receives.
Additionally, a dog’s overall bone development and health also play a crucial role in the development of hip dysplasia. Understanding these factors can help you take proactive steps to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in your dog.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
You might be wondering what does hip dysplasia look like in dogs. While the condition can be difficult to detect in dogs, there are several signs of hip dysplasia in dogs to look out for:
- Stiffness: Visible stiffness, especially after rest or exercise.
- Mobility Issues: Difficulty moving around, particularly when standing up or lying down.
- Limping: Limping on one or both hind legs.
- Abnormal Gait: A swaying walk or running with both back legs moving together.
- Reluctance to Exercise: Avoiding play or walks due to discomfort or pain.
- Behavioral Changes: Quiet, depressed behavior, or unsteadiness on their feet.
- Muscle Development Issues: Poor muscle development over the rear end.
These signs can appear between 6 to 12 months of age, as the hip joint is still developing in young dogs. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition influenced by multiple genes, passed down from parents to offspring.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Treatment
When a dog parent asked for tips to help their dog suffering from hip dysplasia, a Reddit user, u/uopdrspy, advises, “I would try Dasuquin Advanced joint health supplement. This has completely changed my GSD’s [German Shephard] life. She went from barely being able to walk without a significant limp to running and playing with our other dogs.”
Dr. Tupler notes, “There are several options for treating canine hip dysplasia, including a few surgical options as well as managing the condition through medications and lifestyle changes.”
Before recommending a treatment plan, your veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive orthopedic evaluation. This assessment will help determine whether surgery or medical management is the most suitable approach for your dog.
Medical Management
Medical management of canine hip dysplasia is a comprehensive approach that involves multiple treatments to manage pain and promote overall joint and muscle health.
Pain management
Pain management is a crucial aspect of medical management. Depending on the severity of your dog’s pain, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Galliprant or Rimadyl. These medications help reduce inflammation, which is a primary cause of pain in dogs with hip dysplasia.
Supporting joint health
In addition to pain management, there are several ways to support joint health in dogs with hip dysplasia. Oral joint supplements are a common approach, typically containing ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane, and chondroitin.
Injectable Therapies and Prescription Diets
Injectable therapies, such as polysulfated glycosaminoglycan injections, can also be beneficial for joint health. Furthermore, your primary care veterinarian may recommend a prescription dog food specifically formulated for joint health, which can be used in conjunction with or instead of daily joint supplements.
Hip support devices
Hip support devices can aid mobility in dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis, asserts Dr. Angela Youello. Two popular options are the Help ‘Em Up Mobility Harness and hip support braces like Walkin’ Hip-EEZ.
The Help ‘Em Up harness provides support and lift, making it easier for dogs to navigate stairs and get in and out of cars. Hip support braces for hip dysplasia in dogs, on the other hand, provide gentle compression to alleviate muscle fatigue and improve stability.
Additionally, devices like Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips can provide traction and prevent falls on slippery surfaces.
Surgery
Surgery is the best option for severe cases of hip dysplasia. “In many cases, surgery for hip dysplasia in dogs has a good prognosis and can improve your pup’s mobility and comfort level,” says Dr. Tupler.
Surgical Options for Young Dogs
For puppies under 18 weeks old, a procedure called juvenile pubic symphysiodesis can be performed. This involves using heat to close a growth plate in the pelvis, improving hip conformation as the puppy grows.
Dogs under 10 months old may be candidates for a triple pelvic osteotomy, which realigns the hip joint and improves conformation.
Surgical Options for Adult Dogs
For adult dogs with advanced joint pain and limited mobility, total hip replacements and femoral head ostectomies are common procedures. A total hip replacement involves removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial one.
A femoral head ostectomy, on the other hand, involves removing part of the hip joint without replacing it. This procedure is usually only suitable for dogs weighing less than 45 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of hip dysplasia in dogs?
In the early days of hip dysplasia, you might not see any unusual signs in your dog. It only becomes visible when your furry friend starts limping or favoring their hind legs.
What are the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs?
Dogs with hip dysplasia may exhibit various symptoms, including stiffness, difficulty moving, limping, abnormal gait, reluctance to play, and quiet or depressed behavior. These signs often appear between 6 to 12 months old, as the hip joint is still developing during this period.
Which dog breeds are likely to have hip dysplasia?
Large and giant breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, majorly German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers. Other high-risk breeds for hip dysplasia include Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and Rottweilers.
What is end-stage hip dysplasia in dogs?
As dogs age, hip dysplasia can progress to end-stage, leading to lameness, difficulty sitting and standing, and reduced mobility, according to My Family Vets. While it can be challenging, providing a comfortable and loving life is still possible, with the help of your vet.
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