If your favorite dumb chum is limping or favoring a limb or has lost interest in running and playing, chances are he is suffering from arthritis. Veterinarians report that arthritis is one of the most common ailment affecting dogs.
Arthritis and its types:
Arthritis can affect humans as well as dogs. It is a progressive disease where the joints of the body are swollen. This inflammation may be accompanied by changes in the cartilage of the joint, change in joint fluids and may even affect the surrounding bones.
There are different types of arthritis affecting dogs. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of canine arthritis. In this case the cartilage of the joint gradually degenerate. Sometimes it is accompanied by remodeling the joints and formation of new bones. Other types of arthritis common in dogs are immune mediated arthritis, infective arthritis and idiopathic arthritis (when the cause is unidentified).
Symptoms of arthritis in your dog:
If you observe one or more of the following symptoms in your dog, chances are he has arthritis.
• Your dog limps or favors a limb.
• He is showing less interest in playing and other vigorous activities which he used to love.
• You will notice definite hesitancy in walking, running and climbing stairs.
• The joints of your dog are swollen and stiff.
• Loss of alertness and sudden gain in weight may also indicate arthritis.
• He is showing less interest in playing and other vigorous activities which he used to love.
• You will notice definite hesitancy in walking, running and climbing stairs.
• The joints of your dog are swollen and stiff.
• Loss of alertness and sudden gain in weight may also indicate arthritis.
The causes:
The most common cause of canine arthritis is old age. Apart from this if your dog has suffered injury to his limbs or joints he is also liable to develop the symptoms. Obesity is another common enough cause of arthritis in dogs. Finally some dogs may inherit the disease as genetic factor does play a part. Improper care during the early age may hamper the proper development of bones, leading to arthritis in old age.
The remedies:
Responsible pet care implies immediate consultation with a veterinarian if you notice any of the symptoms over a few weeks. Physical examination followed by x rays and analysis of joint fluids help to diagnose the problem.
The treatment of canine arthritis can be done in following ways:
• A healthy diet and well ordered exercise regime under the supervision of the veterinarian helps in long term management of arthritis in dogs.
• Control of weight is essential. Recommended exercise include leash walking, mild controlled jogging and aqua exercises like swimming, under water treadmill etc.
• Alternative measures like acupuncture may help in reducing pain.
• Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs rich in glucosamine, vitamin C, Omega 3 and fatty acids help to reduce the pain and swelling. This can be combined with some over the counter medication. But be careful while giving medicines to your dog. Many medicines meant for humans are toxic to dogs.
• A more expensive option is to go for surgery. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to help combat the disease in shoulders, elbows etc. Damaged joints may be fused together using metal implants. The latest technology also allows for elbow and hip replacements. However, the age and the general health of your dog may not allow surgical procedures.
