Ask the
Herbalist

Hip dysplasia - what is it?

How can homoeopathy, herbs and naturopathy help?

HIP dysplasia is a degenerative disease that causes abnormal development in the hip joint. It can be caused by a hereditary birth defect where the joint doesn't develop properly. The hip is a ball and socket joint and in hip dysplasia there can be a loose fitting joint because of the head of the femur bone not being formed well. It then slips around inside a shallow joint. In this case, the problem may show up very early on, as young as six months of age. The development of hip dysplasia may be dependent upon how much excerise the dog has, especially jumping and leaping a lot, and the kind of nutrition - in particular in its puppyhood.

There are several issues around the breeding of susceptible dogs and bitches, but I don't wish to address these issues in this article. Rather I would like to look at what we might do to help prevent and treat dogs with hip dysplasia.

Once bony changes occur because of the abnormality of the joint, arthritis generally sets in. The first signs can be a dog becoming stiff, especially when rising and jumping up on to something. Arthritis can also be helped by naturopathy, homoeopathics and herbs.

Herbal and naturopathic options for hip dysplasia:
There are homoeopathics which can be used both preventatively and also to treat the condition.

Bone and joint problems:
Calc carb can be used during the pregnancy of a bitch who is likely to carry the hereditary gene. Once the pups are born they should stay on Calc carb for 18 months at least. Progress can be evaluated by x-ray. Calc carb is a homoeopathic which helps the body to form sound bones and joints.

Calc fluor can be used if there are bony formations showing in an x-ray.

Calc phos is used when there are weak, brittle bones.

Glucosamine sulphate is very important for hip dysplasia. It helps to normalize joint structure as much as is possible. I would give it to any susceptible puppy or dog, both as a preventative and also in the case of a dog having any signs or symptoms of hip dysplasia or arthritis.

Pain and inflammation:
Herbal formulas made up of traditional arthritis herbs can help greatly. A medical herbalist can prescribe for your dog.

Homoeopathics such as Rhus tox, Ruta grav and Bryonia are used for arthritis type symptoms. Only one is given depending upon the actual symptoms the dog is showing. As an example, Rhus tox would be given when a dog keeps moving all the time to get comfortable and Bryonia if they stay very still to stop the pain.

Often it is best to have a consultation about your dog's actual symptoms with a trained homoeopath in order to have prescribed the homoeopathic that fits your dog best. See readers' questions answered next page.

Pat Hunter N.D. D.M.H. RC Hom NZAMH, K9 Perspective's medical herbalist and homoeopath.

Pat Hunter is in practice at Pat's Healing Centre in Waipu, New Zealand and via her website she treats dogs all over the world.

Read about her clinic, and the animals she treats. Consult Pat about your dog. Choose your own remedies from the Dog Directory or order straight from the catalogue. Register for free health news.
Visit Pat at www.animalherbs.co.nz