Dog Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis is one of the most common health problems a dog will face. In fact at least 1 in 5 dogs will develop this debilitating disease. Degradation of bone and cartilage is what we call osteoarthritis and is the most common issue in dogs. Since cartilage has no nerves, the damage can progress with no outward signs until the joint is severely affected and the lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) has thinned and lost its ability to protect the bone surfaces. The joints then becomes inflamed and painful.

Dog owners have to realize that arthritis is one of the most common diseases in dogs. If your dog has it, well, you are not alone. A lot of dog owners are having problems similar to yours. Arthritis has long been a problem for dogs, as it is the root cause of pains in dogs. And veterinarians are treating a lot of arthritis cases to date. Statistics show that 20% of the dog population suffers from this disease and all the pains associated with it.

It might occur in your dog neck, shoulders, hips, elbows and back and can be extremely painful. Thus, it becomes necessary that you remain aware of the subtle changes in your dog behavior for an early diagnose of the disease. Identifying early indicators of the disease can save a lot of pain and discomfort for your dog. It will also help you to avoid fatal repercussions associated with long-term joint degeneration. Symptoms of arthritis include :

• Stiffness when getting up or lying down
• Limping slowing down on walks
• Pain after exercise
• Consciousness while climbing stairs or hesitancy in jumping fences.
• Difficulty while sitting, standing or other forms of movement.
• Increased hours of sleeping.
• Increased lethargy and inactivity.
• Less inclination towards playful activities.
• Sudden and unusual weight gain.
• Unwillingness to be patted, touched or picked.
• Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play.
• Lagging behind on walks.
• Difficulty rising from a resting position.
• Yelping in pain when touched.
• Personality change.

It’s important to recognize these signs and begin treatment early, to slow the progression and help preserve your dog’s quality of life. There are number of causes contribute to the arthritis in dogs. These causes are :

• Diseases like Cancer might also give birth to various arthritic problems.
• Improper bone development in young dogs may give birth to arthritis.
• In some dogs, the disease may be genetically transferred.
• Metabolic disorders and other hormonal problems lead to arthritis.
• Overweight and obesity may lead to swollen joints.
• Sometimes, a traumatic injury might also lead to joint instability.
• Lack of nutrition.
• Infection.
• Congenital defects.
• Abnormal stress on normal joints due to constant jumping over obstacles.