Dog arthritis treatments have come a long way over the decades. A wide variety of options are available to either ward off the disease or lessen symptoms. While exercise is the number one prevention method for arthritis, over-the-counter medications and natural cures are helpful as well. Before selecting an appropriate treatment path, it is important to understand the nature of dog arthritis, types, causes, and symptoms. What is dog arthritis?
Dog arthritis is a bone and joint disease. It is degenerative and it causes stiffness in the joints and muscles. While the disease mainly affects older dogs, it can also affect younger overweight and inactive dogs. There are many different types of dog arthritis including: Osteoarthritis, Hip Dysplasia, Degenerative Joint Disease, Knee Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Osteochondrosis, Hypertrophic Arthritis, Wrist Arthritis, Shoulder Degeneration, and Kneecap Dislocation. While numerous types of dog arthritis exist, the most common type is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Dog Arthritis Causes
Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressing chronic condition characterized by gradual loss of cartilage of the joints. When this occurs, the bones begin to rub against one another causing pain and discomfort in your pet. Osteoarthritis, like many other arthritis types is caused by normal wear and tear on the joints as the dog ages, but it can also be caused by another condition that affects the joints such as elbow or hip dysplasia. If this is the case, the condition is called "secondary degenerative joint disease." Symptoms of Dog Arthritis
Symptoms of dog arthritis depend on the condition and the severity of the disease. The first sign of dog arthritis, however is an altered gait. This is the result of the dog attempting to put his weight on the healthiest limbs. Other symptoms include stiffness, difficulty getting up or lying/sitting down, inability to jump or climb stairs, changes in appetite, and behavior changes -- the dog may just want to be left alone. In some cases the dog will lick and bit the affected limb. Dog Arthritis Dog Arthritis Treatments
Dog arthritis may be treated in several ways. In mild cases, a number of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be effective as well as acetaminophen, cortisone, visco-supplementation (injections directly into the joints) or Recovery SA (supplement that improves healing). In advanced cases, surgery may be the only answer. Fortunately, surgeries for arthritis related conditions are becoming more common and the recovery rates are improving. Total joint replacement is becoming more common as well as surgeries that allow the vet to clean cartilage debris from the joint (arthroscopic surgery) and surgeries to repair bone deformity. Preventative Measures
To help promote healthy joints, there are several supplements that have proven to be useful. These include: glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega 3 supplementation or fish oil. Feeding your dog an all natural diet free of harsh chemical preservatives and byproducts is crucial to all over health and body condition as well. Purchase high-quality dog food with a 40/50/10 ratio. This means, 40% meat, 50% veggies, and 10% carbohydrate. Avoid dog food that uses ingredients such as animal by-products and preservatives such as BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin. Premium brand dog food and holistic foods do not contain fillers, by-products or harmful chemical preservatives. They contain 100% natural and nutritious human-grade ingredients. And finally, rest is just as important for optimal health in dogs as it is for humans. Adequate rest is important for optimum healing. Speak to your vet about how much rest your pet needs on a regular basis. The amount varies by size, gender, and breed.
For more information about dog arthritis and treatment, see:
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