ELBOW DYSPLASIA
Oh, so your pup has elbow dysplasia, huh? This is often a diagnosis of young dogs and it can be devastating news for pet parents. You've had an active dog and now they are limping all the time. Treatments can be a bit hit or miss since there's a lot of variation in how well dogs respond. But guess what? The Rehab way seems to be the way to go. It's like attacking elbow dysplasia from all angles with different treatments – a real mix-and-match approach. The idea is to throw a bunch of treatments at this condition at once to keep your dog feeling good and moving smoothly.
CONSERVATIVE VS SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
Deciding between surgery and sticking with conservative treatment for your dog's elbow dysplasia is a bit of a head-scratcher. The studies are a bit thin, and although surgery might be beneficial for some dogs, the evidence isn't all that convincing. Plus, there's no magical surgery that can prevent or halt arthritis.
Now, when it comes to conservative therapy with REHAB, it's not a one-size-fits-all deal. REHAB is flexible, tackling issues as they pop up. It doesn't just focus on the elbows in isolation because, you know, sore elbows can lead to sore muscles, necks, and backs. REHAB looks at the whole body.
So, surgery might play a role for some dogs dealing with elbow dysplasia. BUT, honestly, it's a total no-brainer to give all dogs a helping hand with Conservative Therapy and REHAB for the best long-term results.
How Can We Help Your Dog?
We have more useful information for pet parents in our latest newsletter on Elbow Dysplasia. Download it below to get info on how rehab might be helpful for your furry friend.
Balance Vet Rehab Elbow Dysplasia Edition Newsletter
WHAT CAUSES ELBOW DYSPLASIA?
So, when it comes to dogs and elbow dysplasia, it's like a mix of factors causing the trouble. Genetics play a big role – especially for breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. These guys are more likely to deal with elbow dysplasia thanks to some family traits. The issue kicks in when the elbow joint bones don't shape up right, causing wobbly joints and potential damage to the nearby tissues.
But hey, it's not just about blaming the family tree. Other things can stir the pot too, like pups growing too fast, going all out in playtime, not getting the right grub, and maybe carrying a bit too much fluff around the middle. Quick growth puts extra stress on those developing joints, upping the chances of weird stuff happening. And if your pup is into high-impact moves or keeps doing the same thing over and over, it can wear those joints down too.
