Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A006
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.A006
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, A006 (2022)
Joint dysplasia in German Shepherds – selected aspects of diagnosis, treatment and physiotherapy
Marta Dybczyńska1*, Sylwia Kulig1
1 Departament of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management; University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: lisabravenhard@gmail.com
Abstract
Joint dysplasia is one of the most common locomotor diseases diagnosed in German Shepherd dogs. Its occurrence is influenced by a number of factors, both genetic and environmental. Purebred dogs, from utility lines where the main element of selection is the health and psyche of the dog are less predisposed to dysplasia. Properly selected and conducted physical therapy can help prevent the occurrence of joint dysplasia in a group of dogs at risk of this disease. The most frequently performed diagnostic method is radiographic examination. The choice of the method of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the stage of the disease. The material for the research was an anonymous questionnaire made available to owners of German Shepherds, which was completed by 62 respondents. These dogs were at different stages of disease development and treatment. Few of the respondents decided to implement physiotherapy treatments. Among the respondents, following physical therapy, most noticed a significant improvement in the well-being of their dogs, the remaining dogs showed little improvement. Physiotherapeutic procedures are invaluable in supporting the treatment of this disease and in reconvalescence after surgical treatment, but they are still a rarely chosen form of supporting treatment.
How to cite
M. Dybczyńska, S. Kulig, 2022. Joint dysplasia in German Shepherds – selected aspects of diagnosis, treatment and physiotherapy. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/A006