Fall 2007 â¢ V ol. 42 No. 3 - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA

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Ask Doctor B THE LOW-DOWN ON HIP DYSPLASIA Q: I am planning on adopting a larger-sized dog and have heard that bigger dogs can be effected by a condition called Hip Dysplasia. What is Hip Dysplasia and what kind of effect does it have on dogs? Also, what are the treatments available for dogs with Hip Dysplasia? – Eager to adopt in Alpine, CA A: Thank you for your question. Although Hip Dysplasia (HD) is a common condition and can occur in any size dog and sometimes even cats, you are correct in that the condition is most prevalent and problematic for larger dogs (dogs weighing 40-pounds or more). A dog’s hip joint is made up of a ball (femoral head) and a socket (pelvic acetabulum). Normally, the bone structure of the socket and the soft tissues of the joint (ligaments, tendons, and joint capsule) tightly hold the ball inside the socket, allowing for normal rotary action of the hip when a dog walks, runs or jumps. In a dog with HD, the joint is dysplastic or “too loose.” In a dysplastic joint, the ball does not fit tightly in the socket, allowing for too much movement in the joint, which in turn, creates abnormal “rubbing” between the bones that make up the ball and socket. Over time this rubbing causes degenerative changes in the joint and leads to the development of Osteoarthritis. It is the arthritis that creates the symptoms that we see in dogs with HD, including difficulty rising after sleeping, lameness, pain when the hind legs are manipulated and a reluctance to play or move quickly. Unfortunately these symptoms are often progressive, meaning that they worsen with age and time. While HD is known to be a genetic condition, the exact mechanism of the genetics is still not understood. However, the condition is definitely more common in certain breeds of dogs. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers are all breeds commonly affected by HD. Of the large breed dogs, Standard Poodles and Greyhounds are two breeds that appear to be affected least often by the condition. The good news is that if a dog develops arthritis as a result of HD, there are a number of treatments that can help manage the dog’s pain and/or stiffness. For example, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Rimadyl or EtoGesic, are commonly used and make a marked difference in the quality of life for a dog with HD. The downside to prescribing NSAIDs is that they can cause side effects; however, the incidence is very low and for the vast majority of pets that take the medications their quality of life is greatly improved. Nutritional supplements like glucosamine, chondrotin, and omega-3 fatty acids may have some long-term beneficial effects for dogs with HD. In addition, homeopathic treatments such as physical therapy, swimming and canine massage can also be helpful in easing a dog’s stiffness and pain. Lastly, controlling a dog’s weight and keeping him on a consistent exercise program can also be beneficial in reducing some of the effects of HD. In addition to medications, nutritional supplements and weight loss, there are a number of surgical treatments available for dogs with HD. Some of these surgical procedures are used with young dogs whose HD has been diagnosed by Xrays, but has not yet caused arthritis or secondary degenerative joint disease. Other surgical procedures are utilized to alleviate pain and discomfort after a dog has developed arthritis. Although Hip Dysplasia can be a very significant health issue for a dog, during the last decade, medications and even surgeries have been developed to allow dogs with HD to live pain free for many years. Sincerely, Jim Babbitt, D.V.M. San Diego Humane Society and SPCA For more interesting and informative articles on caring for your pet, please visit www.sdhumane.org. Or, if you have a veterinary question or issue you would like to see addressed in this column, email info@sdhumane.org with “ASK DR. B” in the subject line. 16 www.sdhumane.org AnimalFare • Fall 2007
San Diego Humane Society and SPCA Wish List For the Animals Food/Treats: • Chew toys for dogs: – Bully Sticks – Pig’s ears – Rawhides • Dog biscuits • Dog and cat treats: – Bonito Flake cat treats – Soft type dog and cat treats – Natural Balance rolls • For Behavior Training/Veterinary use: – Canned Chicken – Cheeze Whiz – Meat-flavored baby food • Purina One dog food • Timothy hay for rabbits and guinea pigs Toys/Enrichment Items: • Cat scratchers (cardboard type) • Dog and cat toys Other: • Blankets and towels, including full and queen size comforters • Can openers • For Humane Officers to give to dog owners with outdoor dogs: – Buckets (large, new painting buckets to use for water) – Dog houses – Overhead trolley/pulley systems • Dog and cat harnesses • Dog shirts and sweaters (small/medium sizes) • Grooming cage and table dryer • Pet beds • Small animal supplies (cages, balls, exercise balls, water bottles, etc.) For the Society Office Supplies • .41 cent stamps or Forever Stamps • Avery labels (No.s 5160 and 5163) • Dry Erase Markers • File folders (letter-sized three-tab and hanging) • HP Printer Cartridge No. 95 (for color photo printing) • Industrial Stapler (with ability to staple 25-plus pages) Miscellaneous/Other: • AA batteries • Animal-themed children’s books and DVDs • Baskets and storage containers • Holders for Retail Scanners • Holiday Decorations (new or gently used) • Merchandising fixtures • Realistic looking stuffed animal dogs and cats • Wet/dry vacuum (small canister, heavyduty style) • Wool blankets (army surplus style) Gift Certificates/Cards to: • Local gas stations • Local restaurants, movie theaters and bookstores for volunteer recognition • Michaels craft store • Staples and Office Depot For more information about Wish List items, please contact devast@sdhumane.org or (619) 243-3401. Tune-in for Adoptable Animals, Training Advice and More! We would like to thank our media friends for supporting the Humane Society’s adoption and behavior training efforts. The following media outlets continue to provide regular coverage on adoptable animals, behavior training advice and other information for the San Diego Humane Society at no cost. San Diego Union-Tribune KFMB-TV (Ch. 8) NBC 7/39 KUSI-TV (Ch. 9/51) Magic 92.5 FM World Talk Radio “Pet of the Month” feature – second Saturday of the month in the Currents section “Pet Friends” segment – every Wednesday at 7:40 a.m. “Pet Peeves” segment – every other Sunday at 8:25 a.m. “Pet of the Week” segment – every Saturday and every third Monday at 8:45 a.m. “Ask Dr. Mark” segment – first Thursday of every month “Jagger and Kristi’s Kritters” segment – every third Monday at 8 a.m. “Pet Talk with Mr. G” segment – listen live the first Friday of the month on www.worldtalkradio.com (archived shows also available) E-mail pr@sdhumane.org or call (619) 243-3437 with questions or comments about any of our media outreach efforts. AnimalFare • Fall 2007 www.sdhumane.org 17
Page 1 and 2: Fall 2007 • Vol. 42 No. 3
Page 3 and 4: From the Mailbox Dear Humane Societ
Page 5 and 6: cover story One-on-One Training Hel
Page 7 and 8: Putting the “Fun“ in Fundraisin
Page 9 and 10: An Appeal to Plan Ahead Some people
Page 11 and 12: Photo: Candice Eley Photo: Courtesy
Page 13 and 14: In Memory Of In Memory Of In Memory
Page 15: Penny Payton Jane Marshall Dr. Bruc
Page 19 and 20: fall 2007 Calendar of Events AUGUST

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Fall 2007 â¢ V ol. 42 No. 3 - San Diego Humane Society and SPCA