Dogs Arthritis / Bone and Joint Disease Articles

Dog arthritis is a common problem among older dogs, but younger dogs can develop the condition as well. The most likely candidates for dog arthritis are older overweight and inactive dogs. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to help prevent your dog from getting arthritis, lessen the symptoms, or help accommodate for this problem. Although arthritis is the most common dog bone and joint disease, your dog may also be susceptible to other bone and joint disease including lameness, hip dysplasia, or even a bone tumor. Get more detailed information on the symptoms to look out for, prevention methods, and effective treatment options (including alternative treatments).

• Why a Dog Cast Is No Substitute for Orthopedic Surgery

  If your dog experiences a fracture, the treatment options may include a dog cast or surgical procedure. In most cases, surgery is indicated.

• What Is the Best Joint Supplement for Dogs?

  The best joint supplement for your pet is one that is suited to his unique needs. Canines often suffer from joint conditions that develop due to developmental issues or degenerative problems.

• What Is the Best Glucosamine Arthritis Treatment for Dogs?

  The best glucosamine arthritis treatment for dogs is usually glucosamine combined with another herb or natural ingredient that targets specific arthritis symptoms.

• What Is the Best Dog Pain Medication?

  There are many different types of dog pain medication available on the market. However, not all of them will be right for your dog.

• Using Perna Canaliculus for Canine Joint Health

  Canine joint health is characterized by measures adopted to prevent joint degenerative diseases in dogs and control of pre-existing conditions. Certain joint diseases are genetic in nature and are hence present in certain breeds.

• Using Corticosteroids as Canine Arthritis Medication

  Canine osteoarthritis is a disease that causes joint degeneration and cartilage loss and can lead to permanent damage over time. Although canine arthritis medication cannot cure your dog of arthritis, it can nevertheless dramatically improve his mobility, slow the degenerative process and ease arthritis-related pain.

• Understanding the Needs Your Handicapped Dog

  Caring for a handicapped dog can be a rich and rewarding experience. After surgery, an amputation and/or other permanent injury, a handicapped dog will require extra time, energy and understanding from his owner.

• Understanding Canine Osteoarthritis

  Canine osteoarthritis, also called degenerative disk disease, is a progressive disorder which causes deterioration of your dog's joint cartilage. The resulting decrease in joint lubrication makes joint surfaces which normally glide smoothly over each other rough, and this makes movement painful and difficult.

• Understanding Arthritis and Joint Care for Dogs

  Joint care for dogs should begin before the pain and stiffness of arthritis sets in, but a healthy diet, exercise and joint supplements for dogs will help to strengthen and protect your dog's bones, joints and cartilage no matter what her age.

• Treating Rheumatioid Arthritis in Dogs With Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

  Rheumatoid arthritis in dogs is an autoimmune disorder that cause stiffness, swelling and inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can cause your dog a lot of pain, but you can relieve that pain with anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Treating Osteosarcoma in Dogs with Radiotherapy

  Osteosarcoma in dogs is a form of bone cancer. Although it is a rare form of tumor for a dog to acquire, it is the most common bone cancer seen in dogs.

• Treating Lameness With Orthopedic Veterinary Surgery

  Orthopedic veterinary surgery successfully treats lameness in dogs. Orthopedic surgery covers the muscular and skeletal systems including: bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints.

• Treating Dog Joint Problems Without Glucosamine

  Most veterinarians will recommend nutritional supplements for both preventing and treating dog joint problems. Nutritional supplements and prescribed medications may increase the mobility and comfort level in your dog.

• Treating Dog Arthritis With Glucosamine

  The condition is one which affects many pets, but for dog arthritis, glucosamine has been shown to help ease pain and stiffness. Arthritis doesn't have to change your dog's life.

• Treating Canine Arthritis With Adequan

  Nearly a quarter of all dogs will suffer from canine arthritis at some point in their lives. Canine arthritis pain can affect joints and bones all over the body and make it difficult for your pet to be active and energetic.

• Treating Canine Arthritis Pain With Tramadol for Dogs

  Symptoms of canine arthritis can be controlled and treated using Tramadol for Dogs, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. This medicine reduces inflammation...

• Treating Arthritis With Rimadyl for Dogs

  Rimadyl for dogs is an NSAID prescription drug which has become one of the most popular prescribed treatments for canine arthritis related pain and inflammation.

• Tibial plateau leveling Osteotomy in Dogs

  Most cruciate ligament injuries in dogs are probably the result of degeneration of the ligaments over time. Often, there is enough laxity in the ligaments to allow pretty significant degenerative joint disease (arthritis) prior to the time the ligament actually gives way entirely (ruptures).

• The Top 4 Arthritis Treatments for Dogs

  Arthritis treatment for dogs is very important for your pet in order for them to enjoy a happy and mobile lifestyle. Arthritis is a painful degenerative joint problem resulting from long-term stress or old injuries, or the result of a disease such as Lyme disease.

• The Geriatric Dog

  Urine leakage when dogs are asleep is most commonly associated with incontinence but can occur due to disorders that increase the volume of urine, such as diabetes or hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). Dogs do have a form of senility that is termed cognitive dysfunction, which is also the category of disorder that Alzheimer's disease is considered to fall under in humans.

• The Classic Dog Arthritis Remedy: Heat Treatments

  Along with massage and joint lubrication, an effective dog arthritis remedy is heat treatment. Today, this old-school remedy provides modern well-being for your pet.

• The Best Treatments for Dogs with Arthritis

  Dogs with arthritis suffer from pain and inflammation of the joints. Many owners don't realize their dogs are suffering from arthritis symptoms; instead, they assume that their pet's reduced activity levels are the result of mere old age.

• The Benefits of an Orthopedic Dog Bed

  An orthopedic dog bed offers a variety of benefits to older dogs or dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. These include additional support and comfort for the dog's muscles and joints, along with better weight distribution when your dog is at rest.

• The 7 Most Popular Dog Arthritis Medications

  For the treatment of arthritis, dog NSAIDs are becoming the method of choice for many dog owners. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce dog arthritis pain, stiffness and inflammation and improve the overall quality of life for dogs suffering from this common joint condition.

• Surgical Treatments for Back Problems in Dogs

  Sometimes surgical treatment may be necessary for a number of dog back problems, especially if they are congenital or if the back problem is a result of an injury or disease. Just as some dog health problems do not necessitate surgery, other problems have no other alternative.

• Surgical Repair of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

  The success of femoral head ostectomy procedures is very good for patients weighing less than 50 lbs. Good muscling would be an advantage in post-operative recovery. This procedure usually works even in obese patients in this weight range but obesity is one factor that worries me when I am contemplating an FHO procedure for a patient.

• Sublaxation, Hip

  Luxation and dislocation are roughly the same term when discussing joints. So subluxation and partial dislocation would be analogous as well. 

• Spondylosis

  Spondylosis is the excessive bone production that occurs between spinal vertebrae in dogs. It is only rarely a cause of lameness or disability and should be considered as the cause of such problems...

• Spondylolisthesis - Wobbler’s Syndrome

  It is the result of malformation of the vertebrae. Intervertebral disc disease of the cervical spine is another possible problem. This can occur in any dog breed. Signs of this problem are often subtle at first, with slight incoordination of any of the limbs, but most commonly the rear limbs most noticeably.

• Spine

  The most common cause of weakness and pain associated with the dog spine is intervertebral disc trauma or disease.

• Spinal Disc - Spondylosis and Discospondylitis

  Tumors that affect the spinal cord may originate from the spinal cord itself, or they may arise from tissue around the spinal cord. It helps a great deal to know which is the case. It may not be possible for the surgeon to tell you this, immediately, but it should be possible to determine this from a biopsy sample taken at the time of surgery.

• Side Effects of Joint Supplements for Dogs

  Joint supplements for dogs are additional sources of nutrition used to control symptoms of arthritis, hip dysplasia and degenerative joint diseases. Although supplements are available as non-prescription products, it's best to seek vet approval to administer supplements that suit individual dog concerns.

• Selecting the Right Food for Dog Arthritis: Diet and Weight Control

  Selecting the right food for your dog with arthritis will give him a healthier diet that better controls his weight. Doing so is one of the most important things a pet owner can do to keep their animal comfortable and in shape.

• Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament in Dogs

  The cruciate ligament in dogs is a ligament present in the knee joint in pets. A rupture or damage to the ligament can cause severe lameness and has to be treated before it causes severe and permanent bone damage.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis in Dogs

  Rheumatoid arthritis in dogs is a disease which is stems from an improper response by the immune system. Under normal conditions, a dog's immune system is cognizant of the proteins residing in his body for their proper intended usage.

• Recognizing Arthritis Symptoms in Dogs: 4 Warning Signs

  The arthritis symptoms dogs have vary by how far along their condition may be. If your dog has any of the following symptoms along with a high fever, he is in the advanced stages of arthritis. If you catch these 4 warning signs early, treatments can help lubricate his joints and regenerate his cartilage.

• Proven Effects of Glucosamine in Dogs

  Glucosamine for dogs can be very effective in the treatment of arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been used in the treatment of skin wounds, stomach ailments and skin problems; their biggest use is now for the maintenance and relief of osteoarthritis.

• Preventing Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

  Often, hip dysplasia in dogs is a genetic disorder that cannot be prevented once you have acquired a dog prone to the disease. However, there are many things that can be done to reduce the onset and intensity of hip dysplasia such as proper nutrition and exercise.

• Prescription Medicine for Dog Arthritis: What Vets Recommend

  When aspirin and nutritional supplements such as glucosamine aren't working anymore, it may be time to consider a prescription arthritis dog medicine.

• Prescription Food for Arthritic Dogs

  Arthritic dogs require adequate home care and medical treatment to decrease the progression of arthritis. Canine arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects dogs more than 10 years of age.

• Popular Dog Arthritis Meds Compared

  There are many dog arthritis meds available to help your pet who is suffering from arthritis. These might be as simple as dog pain meds, or could focus on actually treating the arthritis with canine arthritis medication.

• Polyarthritis Conditions in Dogs

  Polyarthritis conditions, including systemic lupus erythematosus and Lyme disease, are also considerations and they would be more likely to elevate the white blood cell count. The clinical signs seem more in line with a myositis, to me, though.

• Pet Arthritis Treatment Options

  There are two types of pet arthritis: degenerative and inflammatory. Arthritis is a very painful condition and can adversely change the quality of your dog's life.

• Perna Canaliculus for Dogs

  Reduce your dog's joint pain with perna canaliculus. A study performed in the 1960s found the use of the joint supplements reduces arthritis, joint pain and stiffness in humans.

• Patella Luxation and treatment in Dogs

  Surgery for a luxating patella should probably be done as soon as it is clear that the problem exists. This is a surgery that should be done by a surgeon who is doing the procedure frequently, in my opinion. So we refer these cases to an orthopedic surgeon. There is a certain amount of judgment required during the surgical procedure about how far to go in attempting to stabilize the patella.

• Panosteitis in Dogs

  Panosteitis is a disease that affects the bones of young dogs. You will find this disease commonly affecting large breed dogs from the ages of five months to two years.

• Panosteitis

  Panosteitis is a spontaneously occurring lameness that usually occurs in large breed dogs. German Shepherds seems to be particularly predisposed to this condition. Due to this, it is possible that the disease may have genetic causes. Some veterinarians feel that this disease may be induced or worsened by stress.

• Panosteitis

  Affected dogs are usually in the 5 to 14 month age range and male dogs are more commonly infected than female dogs. The disease has been reported in dogs as young as 2 months and can occur in young mature dogs. The lameness tends to occur very suddenly, usually without a history of trauma or excessive exercise.

• Pain Management for Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

  Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition that occurs due to abnormal alignment of the hip joint in pets. It's commonly seen in large breed dogs, genetically predisposed to the condition.

• Pain Management for Canine Bone Cancer

  Pain management for canine bone cancer is possible, and there are many ways to help relieve your dog's discomfort. Bone cancer is extremely painful for canines, so use of any combination of preferred methods will be beneficial in some way in helping to maintain a more manageable comfort level for your dog.

• Pain and Pain control in Dogs

  There are two broad categories of pain that are useful to think about because treatment options vary pretty significantly between them. Acute pain is suddenly occurring pain in response to an injury that disappears as the injury heals. Chronic pain is pain that persists after an injury has healed or that persists due to a damaging process that also persists, such as arthritis.

• Osteochondritis or OCD

  osteochondrosis dissecans ( OCD ) is that there is an underlying bone defect that leads to the cartilage flap and that the bone defect is visible on radiographs. It can be hard to find, as this tends to show up only at certain angles on the X-ray view and there is an element of luck involved in choosing exactly the right angles.

• Orthopedic Disorders of Dogs

  Hip dysplasia is probably the most common cause of orthopedic problems in older Labs. Sometimes stifle (knee) problems contribute to the problem. Less commonly, spinal problems such as lumbosacral instability or disc problems are responsible for the muscle weakness.

• Non-Prescription Joint Health Supplements for Dogs

  Joint disease is a common ailment for dogs, especially older and large breed dogs, but many types of joint health supplements are available to help relieve systems of joint disease.

• Natural Dog Joint Pain Remedies

  Dog joint pain is a relatively common issue for many canines, especially amongst older pets and those that have chronic conditions like arthritis or bone density loss. Fortunately, there are a number of good ways that you as the owner can help to alleviate your pet's suffering and make his pain much easier to deal with on a regular basis.

• Myelofibrosis in Dogs

  Myelofibrosis in dogs is a bone marrow disorder caused by scar tissue development. The condition can be categorized as either primary or secondary depending on the underlying cause.

• Motor or Motion Problems

  For a condition like this that is affecting primarily the rear limbs, a problem with an intervertebral disc, instability of the lumbo-sacral junction (cauda equina syndrome) or other spinal cord injury seems likely. The most reliable test for documenting these problems is an MRI, based on work done at Colorado State University and the University of Washington

• Medication - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)

  Aspirin is reasonably likely to cause gastric ulcers, which can be life threatening if ignored but which respond to withdrawal of the medication. Acetaminophen doesn't seem to cause ulcers but there are uncommon reactions to it in which liver failure occurs and this may not respond to therapy, so death is a possibility

• Managing Dogs’ Arthritis with Aspirin

  Arthritis is a condition that affects mostly older dogs and manifests through the swelling of the joints. The condition cannot be treated, but the pain can be manageable.

• Managing Dog Leg Pain with Carprofen

  Carprofen, a generic form of rimadyl, can be used to manage pain and inflammation due to canine arthritis, dog leg pain, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

• Managing Dog Arthritis Pain with Duralactin Canine

  Duralactin Canine is a brand name drug used to address pain and inflammation caused by a wide variety of sources and conditions. It is useful in canine medicine for its extreme versatility and minimal side effects.

• Managing Canine Arthritis Pain with Previcox

  Previcox is a medication used to bring relief from the symptoms of canine arthritis. Large breed pets in particular are susceptible to joint degenerative diseases, hip dysplasia and arthritis.

• Luxating Patella Surgery for Dogs

  Luxating patella injuries trouble small breed dogs. Basset Hounds, Boston terriers, Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingnese, Pomeranians and Toy Poodles remain breeds most likely to suffer from the painful dislocation of the knee cap.

• Long Term Care for a Dog Leg Injury

  A dog leg injury can be a frightening event both for you and your dog. Dogs are prone to injuries such as dragging leg or a dog leg sprain.

• Ligament and Tendon Problems

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in Dogs

  Avascular necrosis of the femoral head, aseptic femoral head necrosis, or Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a disorder of the blood supply to the femoral head, the “ball” of the hip joint.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

  Avascular necrosis occurs when the bone that makes up the ball portion of the hip is damaged from lack of blood supply.

• Leg Problems in Dogs

  When there are changes in posture it is usually worth checking for the possibility of an orthopedic problem. This would be a good age to consider taking X-rays to check for hip dypslasia, since it will show up in most cases by now, if it is going to be a problem later in life.

• Lameness in Dogs

  In a dog this young it is best to confirm arthritis, especially when it is not responsive to medications. I strongly suspect a cruciate ligament injury or possibly even a luxating patella based on your description of the lameness but those things can only be confirmed on examination.

• Joint Vitamins for Dogs

  Joint vitamins can help your dog cope with the symptoms of arthritis, and can even help to slow, stop or reverse damage to the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are commonly used to treat arthritis symptoms in dogs. Here's what you should know about managing your dog's arthritis symptoms naturally with joint vitamins.

• Joint Pain Meds for Dogs

  Most dog owners have witnessed firsthand the effects of pain on their pets. Although pets aren't able to put their pain and feelings into words, they nevertheless show us their discomfort in other ways.

• Joint Inflammation in Dogs

  Joint inflammation in canines can be caused by arthritis, joint injuries or hip dysplasia. The condition is very painful for dogs and will be manifested through difficulty walking or performing regular activities

• Joint Inflammation in Dogs

  Joint inflammation in canines can be caused by arthritis, joint injuries or hip dysplasia. The condition is very painful for dogs and will be manifested through difficulty walking or performing regular activities

• Infectious Arthritis in Dogs

  Infectious arthritis in dogs, which is also known as septic arthritis, is a type of arthritis that is caused by an infection in the fluid and tissues of a joint. It’s considered an inflammatory joint disease, unlike osteoarthritis which is classified as a degenerative joint disease.

• Immune Disorders of Dogs

  This is the condition that leads to hypothyroidism in many dogs. Hashimoto's Disease is one of the names of this condition in humans. Some dogs appear to be able to tolerate lifelong lymphocytic thyroiditis without ever developing hypothyroidism, though.

• Identifying Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs

  Elbow dysplasia is an often-times painful degenerative condition that affects various popular breeds of large dogs such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Great Danes.

• Identifying Canine Arthritis Pain Symptoms

  Canine arthritis pain can be among the most debilitating kinds of pain your dog can suffer. Arthritis pain symptoms can also be quite similar to the symptoms of other illnesses such as Lyme disease.

• How Effective is Aspirin for Dog Arthritis?

  When confronted with dog arthritis, aspirin can be effective. Canine arthritis is a disease that causes painful inflammation of the joints in dogs.

• How Effective is Adequan Canine for Osteoarthritis?

  Canine adequan is the only FDA-approved disease-modifying drug (DMOAD) for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases.

• How Effective Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Canine Arthritis?

  Although canine arthritis is a chronic and degenerative condition, supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin exist for the purpose of strengthening your pet's joints and slowing the deterioration process. Arthritis has no known cure, and a pet suffering from this condition will experience a gradual weakening of various bones and joints over a period of months and years.

• How Effective Are Arthritis Supplements for Dogs?

  There are many arthritis supplements available which make claims all the way from helping to curing your dog’s condition. Which ones can do the most good for your dog and which offer less effectiveness?

• Homeopathic Treatment for Arthritis in Dogs

  Successful homeopathic treatment for arthritis in dogs requires an owner who can read and understand the symptoms their dog is displaying. They must then be able to convey those symptoms to their homeopathic veterinarian to allow him to choose the correct remedies to use in treating the dog.

• HOD, Physitis and Epiphysitis

  Hypertrophic osteopathy is excessive bone deposition along the long bones of the legs which often also involves the toes. This condition occurs when there is a space occupying lesion in the thorax (chest), usually a cancer or infectious disease that produces granulomas in the lungs.

• Hip Injuries in Dogs

  The two most common types of hip injuries that dogs suffer from are known as hip dysplasia and hip dislocation. The latter is associated with trauma and generally occurs when the pet has been in an accident.

• Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: An Introduction

  Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common disease in large breeds and mature dogs but can affect any breed. Some breeds are more likely to inherit or develop this disease...

• Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

  Hip dysplasia literally means an abnormality in the development of the hip joint. It is characterized by a shallow acetabulum (the "cup" of the hip joint) and changes in the shape of the femoral head (the "ball" of the hip joint). These changes may occur due to excessive laxity in the hip joint.

• Hip Dysplasia

  Hip dysplasia literally means an abnormality in the development of the hip joint. It is characterized by a shallow acetabulum and changes in the shape of the femoral head.

• Helping Dogs Walk with a Dog Mobility Harness

  There are times where a dog's joints are too sore and stuff to walk and they may need the assistance of a dog mobility harness. These are usually used when a dog has recently been under surgery for a various joint problem, or if the dog has a severe case of arthritis.

• Glucosamine Joint Pain Relief for Dogs

  Glucosamine joint supplements are known to promote health in dogs suffering from arthritis or joint diseases. Arthritic pets suffer from severe joint pain, swelling and immobility.

• Four Glucosamine Products for Dogs Compared

  Glucosamine for dogs can be of great benefit in the relief of arthritis symptoms. Here are some of the leading glucosamine products compared.

• Fibrocartilaginous infarct

  Fibrocartilaginous infarcts are not a common problem but they occur often enough that most vets see a few cases in their careers. There is no really effective treatment for this condition that I am aware of. Physical therapy to keep the muscles of the rear limbs flexible and maintain some strength seems to help in the dogs that recover use of the rear legs.

• Femoral Head Ostectomy

  Information about Femoral Head Ostectomy for dogs and alternatives for dog shoulder joint surgery.

• Etodolac (Etogesic Rx) and Dogs

  Etodolac (Etogesic Rx) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication. It is a relatively new medication and it is considered to be less likely to upset the gastrointestinal tract than older NSAIDs, such as aspirin. This medication can be used long term but it is recommended to use the lowest dose

• Elbow Dysplasia

  Elbow dysplasia is the term for an elbow joint that is malformed on X-rays. The mechanism of the malformation is unclear but it may be due to differences in the growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow joint, particularly the humerus and ulna.

• Dog TPLO Explained

  Dog TPLO surgery is a newer technique to quickly repair a ruptured cruciate ligament. The job of the cruciate ligament is to hold the femur and tibia bones in place.

• Dog Spinal Injury Treatment

  Spinal injury treatment involves both medication and surgical intervention to treat various spinal conditions in pets. The leading causes of spinal cord damage in dogs are disease, genetic defects and accidents.

• Dog Massage for Arthritis

  Arthritis is a painful joint disease and there is no cure that can eliminate this condition. However, there are a few drugs that may be administered to relive the joint swelling and the pain.

• Dog Lyme Disease Symptoms: Six Indicators

  Lyme disease dog symptoms can be hard to spot. However, if you believe your dog may have contracted Lyme disease, compare your dog's symptoms to the indicators of Lyme disease below.

• Dog Limp Treatment with Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

  A dog limp can be caused by many different scenarios. Injuries, inflammation, bites and infections can all be a potential cause of pain in one or more of the limbs.

• Dog Limp Causes and Treatments

  If your dog has developed a limp, there are many possible causes and treatments. Limping can indicate pain, weakness, or possibly a serious condition in the affected leg.

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