Congenital Defects in Dogs

Congenital defects are often detected shortly after a dog is born, but some defects may gradually become apparent as the dog grows. Below are some common congenital defects and their symptoms:

1. Hip Dysplasia

   • Symptoms:
     • Unsteady walking or limping
     • Difficulty jumping
     • Hip pain, especially after activity
     • Noticeable weakness on one side of the body compared to the other

2. Elbow Dysplasia

   • Symptoms:
     • Weakness or noticeable pain in the front limbs
     • Forelimbs turning outward or inward while walking
     • Reluctance to use the affected leg
     • Swelling or deformity of the elbow

3. Patellar Luxation

   • Symptoms:
     • Sudden limping, especially after exercise
     • Refusal to bear weight, showing signs of pain
     • Instability in the knee joint position
     • The knee appears out of position while walking

4. Cartilage Development Abnormalities

   • Symptoms:
     • Pain and swelling at the joint site
     • Joint stiffness during movement
     • Limited movement or reluctance to exercise
     • Possible changes in the shape of the joint

5. Scoliosis

   • Symptoms:
     • Asymmetry in the body, especially in the back
     • Unsteady walking or abnormal posture
     • Pain or discomfort in the spinal area
     • May affect the function of internal organs (in severe cases)

6. Heart Defects

   • Symptoms:
     • Difficulty breathing during exertion
     • Coughing or wheezing
     • Decreased exercise tolerance
     • Slow weight gain

7. Other Common Symptoms

   • Decreased activity: Reluctance to exercise or reduced activity levels.
   • Signs of pain: Licking a specific area, showing signs of discomfort or distress.
   • Stunted growth: Development not meeting expectations, possibly showing below-normal weight.
   • Asymmetry issues: Differences in the shape or size of one part of the body compared to others.

If you notice any of the above symptoms in your dog, especially during the puppy stage, it is advisable to take your dog to a veterinarian for evaluation and diagnosis as early as possible. Early intervention can help improve the quality of life for your dog, reduce pain, and provide appropriate treatment options.