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1. Hip dysplasia and St. Bernard
The St. Bernard breed has a high risk of developing hip dysplasia. As a general rule, the larger the dog, the higher the risk. With the possibility of an adult male St. Bernard weighing up to 180 pounds. as a breed, the St. Bernard is firmly classified as a large dog.
Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease; in most dogs, the degenerative process is slow. Loss of muscle and leg strength is common in a St. Bernard with end-stage hip dysplasia. Dogs with severe hip dysplasia may feel their hind leg sag under them and have difficulty standing or walking unaided.
Treating hip dysplasia in your Saint Bernard:
The best way to treat a dog’s hip dysplasia depends on their age and severity. Preventive measures are the best option for young dogs with hip dysplasia. Dogs in the early stages of hip dysplasia should be treated with daily joint supplements to keep the animal’s hips healthy. Introducing a joint supplement early can slow the degenerative process and promote joint health throughout the animal’s life.
Pets in the middle stage of hip dysplasia may slow down or show signs of joint pain, may benefit from wearing a hip brace throughout the day. In addition, hip braces for dogs relieve hip pain and reduce inflammation, making it easier for the dog to walk.
In advanced stages of hip dysplasia, a dog wheelchair minimizes the weight placed on the hind legs and helps dogs walk easily. Surgical treatment and FHO procedures can also help, although surgery is not always an option depending on the age and general health of the dog.
2. Elbow dysplasia
Like how hip dysplasia affects a dog’s hind legs, elbow dysplasia affects a dog’s front legs. A Saint Bernard with elbow dysplasia has abnormal development of the elbow joint, which impacts the elbow patella. As the elbow joint becomes loose and unstable, scar tissue builds up leading to elbow pain. Additionally, dogs with elbow dysplasia will exhibit joint stiffness, impact the dog’s gait, and in some animals the elbow may rotate inward.
Treatments for elbow dysplasia are similar to hip dysplasia, joint supplements, exercise, and keeping the dog’s weight at a healthy level. For more advanced cases, an elbow pad can help support the pet’s elbow and alleviate joint pain.
3. St. Bernard Osteoarthritis
Saint Bernards are considered high risk for osteoarthritis on a low to very high risk scale, just behind German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Labrador Retrievers. The Bernard’s large size and the amount of pressure put on his joints puts extra wear and tear on the dog’s joints, with a higher potential for developing arthritis as he ages.
Dysplasia-like precautions are needed to promote joint health, including supplements. Protecting and strengthening the joints helps improve a dog’s overall health and helps him stay active longer. The lifespan of the Saint Bernard is much shorter than that of other smaller breeds, usually 8 to 10 years, so preventative measures should start at an early age.
Arthritis pain and its effects on canine mobility:
Arthritis can severely hamper a dog’s mobility. For example, pets with arthritis may have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or jumping in the car. Older pets who “slow down” may actually be reacting to arthritis pain. It becomes painful and tiring to move, so their body’s natural reaction is to rest. As a result, an arthritic dog will become less active, less likely to play, and more likely to nap throughout the day.
4. Laryngeal paralysis
Saint Bernards with laryngeal paralysis will mainly have difficulty breathing. Over time, it can become difficult for a Saint Bernard to exercise and the dog may develop an abnormal gait when walking. This gait is often described as a “hitch in their gait”, usually affecting the back legs. Additionally, dogs with laryngeal paralysis may experience hind leg weakness and muscle atrophy. Surgery may be needed for dogs with advanced leg weakness that can no longer walk. DNA test is the only way to test for laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy.
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