 |
Home 
conditions and treatments
arthritis
types of arthritis
Canine Arthritis |
Canine ArthritisArthritis is a disease that is usually associated with people in their old age.
However, the word arthritis is actually a collective term for a number of ailments that lead to inflammation of the joints. This disease does not restrict itself to humans alone. It may even be found in man’s best friend – the dog.
Canine arthritis or dog arthritis is found to affect mostly larger breeds of dogs.
It usually strikes the pooches once they are past their middle age. In some cases it may also occur in younger dogs. The main types of canine arthritis are osteoarthritis, immune-mediated arthritis, infective arthritis, and idiopathic arthritis. The most common of these types of canine arthritis is osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that leads to loss and progressive destruction of the cartilage.
In dogs, it most commonly occurs in the hip. If left untreated it can lead to permanent loss of mobility in the affected joint.
It is important to identify the onset of this disease quickly so that treatment can be provided in good time before the loss of cartilage becomes irreparable. The biggest symptom of canine arthritis is a gradual lameness in the affected limb.
Your dog will be reluctant to go for walks and may experience difficulty in traversing steps. The joint may be visibly swollen and be painful to touch.
If you notice any of these symptoms of dog arthritis in your pet, do take him to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will make a diagnosis based on these symptoms, physical examination, radiography and analysis of the synovial fluid in the joints.
Once the diagnosis of arthritis has been confirmed, the treatment process can begin. Canine arthritis treatment is usually carried out with medicines that control the pain, reduce the inflammation and retard the destruction of the cartilage. This is usually combined with physical therapy. In severe cases where the joint is greatly damaged, you may opt for a surgical procedure.
There are also many prosthetic devices around that will help your pet walk again.
You can help your pet combat the effects of dog arthritis by ensuring that he or she gets a proper diet and plenty of exercise. This is especially important in the case of overweight dogs. Excessive weight places extra strain on the joints and causes them to wear down faster. Exercise is important, even for those dogs that are not overweight, as it strengthens the muscles and promotes nutrition of the cartilage. The ideal exercise plan should include non-strenuous activities such as walking and swimming.
|
|
| |
