Lola's Pack Foundation

Hip dysplasia  is a  congenital disorder  wherein the hip sockets are too loose and the femur causes damage. Dogs inherit the condition from their parents, but it can be made better or worse through training and activity levels. Usually, hip problems have already developed by 4 months and worsen over time. In some cases, a hip injury can also start the process of dysplasia, even if the dog didn't have the hereditary predisposition. Because they are such active dogs, German Shepherds are at particular risk of incurring these injuries. WARNING SIGNS OF HIP DYSPLASIA There are several signs you can look for in your Dog to see if they may be experiencing pain or joint laxity. Warning signs include: Rapid  weight gain Hip injury Trouble standing up Limping Favoring one leg Running or walking with a “bunny hop,” using both legs together Trouble or hesitation running Reduced activity Hesitation on stairs Aggression , especially if the hip area is touched If you see

  Emely Reyes has an 11-month-old German Shepard, named Sheppy. Despite his early age, he was recently diagnosed with a severe hip dysplasia on both sides, with muscle atrophy, and aggressive degenerative joint disease. Emely just got the terrible diagnosis from his vet a couple days ago (on April 13, 2017). Sheppy’s one year old birthday is a few days away on Monday, April 17. Sheppy currently limps when he walks, and has a very hard time getting up and down stairs as well as laying down. I had the chance to visit him, and I was able to feel his pain just by looking at him. Sheppy's condition broke my heart. Despite the fact that Emely is giving him some pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medications as his vet prescribed, you can notice in Sheppy's eyes he is in pain, and he is not well. The vet suggested that Sheppy needs a double hip replacement surgery as soon as possible due to the severity of his case. He referred Emely to apparently the only two Spe