Abstract
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (metaphyseal osteopathy) is a disease of the long bones of young, growing, large- and giant-breed dogs that cause metaphyseal trabecular disruption. The cause is generally unknown. This condition mainly affects the dogs of large breeds. The male dogs are affected more than female dogs. This problem is associated with young dogs as it affects metaphysis. As dogs are active creatures, proper joint health is very important. Thus it is the duty of pet parents to analyse and improve bone and joint health.
Introductio
HOD is a condition that affects young large-breed dogs. It is an orthopaedic disease associated with a very painful condition. It was first documented in the year 1930. It is a kind of developmental and autoinflammatory problem of bones. This disease is documented generally between the age of seven weeks to eight months. The peculiar sign of HOD is that it is seen oftenly in the puppies/dogs of giant breeds. In HOD the blood flow decreases to the bone adjacent to the joint. This obstructs the formation of bone. Thus bone is not able to harden properly as a healthy puppy. HOD is able to cause permanent damage to the growth plates in the dogs. Here in this article we will discuss HOD w.r.t its Ayurvedic aspect and management.
Causes
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is a developmental disorder, and the exact cause remains unknown at this time. It has been hypothesised that there may be a genetic component causing HOD in dogs. The basic causes are canine distemper virus, previous vaccination, hereditary causes and auto-immune disorders. The other associated factors or contributing factors for HOD are eating a poor or unbalanced diet.
Signs and symptoms
- Fever which may range above 106 degree Fahrenheit ( the normal body temp in dogs is 101-102.5 degree Fahrenheit). With anorexia and depression, fever is also associated with the underlying symptoms. Mild to severe lameness is also seen.
- Difficulty in standing or walking
- Lack of appetite
- The most affected bones in HOD are radius, ulna and tibia. The breeds included are Danes, Boxers and Shepherds.
- Poor development of enamel of teeth.
- Pain and swelling of the metaphysis (the part of the bone adjacent to the joint).
- Depression and loss of appetite.
- Severe dehydration and pain affecting the area.
- Limb deformities can also be seen.
Diagnosis
Following diagnostic criteria can be used
Ayurvedic aspect
The concept of ancient veterinary science or pashu ayurveda is a dedicated approach towards the wellbeing of our beloved pets. It shows a sweet relation between humans and animals. Animals, especially dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship. Pashu Ayurveda was developed by our ancient sages for the good health of animals, birds and plants. Precisely if we discuss HOD, it can be correlated with vata vikar or especially the Asthi majjagat vata. Vata is the master of all the activities in the body. But for better body status all the doshas should be in a balanced state. The imbalance in the body doshas or their vitiation leads to poor status of the body. It is mentioned beautifully in a sutra by Acharya charak 28/33 chikitsa sthana.
This sutra states that the symptoms of aggravated vata are Asthibheda (breaking pain in the bones), Parv Bheda (pain in all joints), Mamas kshya (Myopathy), Balam kshya (weakness), anidra (Insomnia), Vedna ( Pain in the body), Asthi shosh (Osteoporosis), Asthishoola (Ostalgia), Majja shosh (Depleted bone tissue or bone marrow).
The Ayurveda is playing a significant role in improving the status of dogs suffering from HOD.
The herbs like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Mustaka (Citrus rotundus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Ardraka (Zingiber officinale) and many more are helpful for the good status of HOD in dogs
Herbal remedies for Hypertrophic osteodystrophy by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified hub for the manufacturing of best-quality herbal remedies. Our prime goal and ambition is to awaken mankind to the deep secrets of Ayurveda and its health benefits. Our pets are our companions and it's our prime duty to keep them free of disease. In the same direction Planet Ayurveda has brought the best formulations for the management of Hypertrophic osteodystrophy in dogs:-
1. Yograj guggul
Yograj Guggulu is a herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda contains Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Pippali (Piper longum), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum) etc. Yograj guggul is helpful to pacify the pain and ease the movement of joints. Also it is able to drain out the toxins from the system. Yograj guggul is able to pacify the vata dosha in the joints of the dogs and promote the healthy neuromuscular system.
Dosage- 3 tablets twice daily.
2. Joint aid plus
The Chief ingredients of Joint Aid plus are Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). The joint aid plus capsule of Planet Ayurveda is helpful for the management of Joint pain and weakness. This capsule helps to pacify the aggravated vata dosha and maintains flexibility of joint movement in dogs suffering from HOD. The joint aid plus capsule of Planet Ayurveda is helpful and supports the cartilage, tendons, ligaments and promotes the synovial fluid.
Dosage-2 caps twice daily.
3. Boswellia curcumin-
Boswellia Curcumin Capsule is an ayurvedic formulation that contains shallaki (Boswellia) and curcumin as the key ingredients. It is rich in antioxidant properties, which support the movement of the joint. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in all types of joint pain. This capsule helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily
4. Ashwagandha cap
The ashwagandha capsule is a herbal product of Planet Ayurveda loaded with pure extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is a well-known stress reliever. Helps to promote good nervous status and reduce the pain as well. Also Ashwagandha helps to promote bone mineralization.
Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at - [email protected] or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.
Conclusion
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is a disease of concern for the beloved pets, the dogs. HOD is a very painful condition hence its important to manage it. Pashu Ayurveda is the medical science associated with the territory of animals. It is important that we should manage the disease of animals as guided by our saints in Ayurvedic classical texts. Planet Ayurveda undertakes a task to keep animals fit and prevent them from the side effects of synthetic drugs.
