arthritis in dogs

Arthritis In Dogs
 

Arthritis In Dogs


Contrary to what may be believed arthritis in dogs is common.

If you think arthritis, that debilitating disease characterized by chronic pain in the joints, only occurs in humans, think again. The disease can also occur in dogs. In fact, arthritis in dogs is a fairly common pet disorder.

There are many factors where arthritis in dogs can be attributed to. The disorder could arise from destruction of tissue in the joints and around it that occurs subsequently often after an infection. It may also be congenital in nature, affecting structural architecture. Some forms of arthritis in dogs are due to stress and trauma to join surfaces and supporting structures. Other forms may be due to a disorder of the immune system wherein the body's autoimmune response is directed on its own tissue, leading to joint tissue inflammation and degeneration.

But no matter the cause of arthritis in dogs, one thing is certain: it causes your beloved pet to suffer heedlessly under chronic pain and stiffness, leading to immobility and sometimes even permanent disability.

How do you stop it?

As is most often the case with chronic disorders like arthritis in dogs, early detection may be the key to halting disease progression. So identifying the signs associated with arthritis in dogs is an important task and one that is easy enough to do, once you know what to look for.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

Unlike humans, dogs have no way of communicating the pain suffered because of arthritis. They cannot come right up to you and say that they are suffering pain. Neither are they prone to displaying signs of weakness. Dogs are still animals and animals are often stoic as a form of survival tactic. So the active role of recognizing the signs of arthritis in dogs falls on your shoulders and you must be vigilant in this task.

The first signs of arthritis in dogs are often subtle. If you notice any outright limping or vocalizing of pain, that means the end stage of long term joint degeneration. As it may be too late by then, try actively looking for subtle changes in your dog's behavior and appearance, such as increased weight gain, sleeping more, less interest in playing, and a change in attitude or alertness.

Some dog owners recognize that something was wrong when they observed that their dogs seemed more careful when lying down. It was not that the dog howled in pain. It was just that it was needlessly careful. After a visit to the vet and a couple of x-rays, it turned out that the dog was suffering from mild inflammation of the joints caused by arthritis in dogs.

Sudden weight gain is a sure sign that your dog is not mobile enough. Immobility may be due the fact that it is too painful for your dog to move around so it opts to spend its days sitting about, not moving at all.

The good news with arthritis in dogs is that there are many safe and effective medications available. Carprofen, the chemical found in Pfizer Animal Health's RIMADYL, is one of the most prescribed medications for arthritis in dogs.

Arthritis In Dogs
Related Articles
 

  • 8 Minerals Every Arthritis Sufferer Should Know About
    About The Author Emily Clark is editor at Arthritis Health News, where arthritis sufferers can find the most up-to-date advice and information to assist in arthritis in dogs improving their quality of life. Germanium This antioxidant helps with pain relief. Minerals are essential to maintain our bodies in top condition ... Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

  • Arthritis In Dogs
    In an uncontrolled 1992 Danish study, 56 patients who had either RA, OA or muscular discomfort took powdered ginger. arthritis in dogs Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup of warm water taken twice a day is good for curing arthritis. Drink carrot juice, cucumber juice, eat cooked vegetables and/or vegetable soups, and drink coconut water for a healthy body & massage your joints daily to cure arthritis.

  • Dog/Canine Arthritis
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR http://www.dog-pictures.co.uk/ A dog lovers website with plenty of dog breed information and pictures. He also needs to move the joints so the canine arthritis does not become severe. Signs to watch for are favoring a certain limb repeatedly, trouble when sitting or standing, not as active, stiffness in their joints, reluctance to run or jump, and lethargy. If you have noticed any of these signs in your dog, make an appointment with your vet so you can better know how to treat your dog if in fact he does have canine arthritis. arthritis in dogs

  • Osteoarthritis Diet
    Certain food items and drinks such as alcohol, coffee, sugar, saturated fat, margarine, excess salt, spinach, cranberries, plums and nuts need to be avoided. Copper and Zinc available through food sources such as oysters, crab, almonds, beans, prunes, lamb, pork, mushrooms, whole grains, beef, liver, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds help in reducing inflammation of the cartilage of joints. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Osteoarthritis Treatment provides arthritis in dogs detailed information on Osteoarthritis, Osteoarthritis Treatment, Osteoarthritis Symptom, Knee Osteoarthritis and more.

  • Arthritis In Dogs
    Glucosamine and Chondroitin can actually help to rebuild cartilage, arthritis in dogs therefore, improving joint health. Taking the two compounds proves to be a very easy way of maintaining joint health and helping to alleviate pain and disability. Cartilage is the key to healthy joints, and maintaining a healthy cartilage throughout life is critical to healthy joints and continued movement of joints.

  • Bextra and Vioxx -- Tips for Arthritis Relief Without Them
    Unfortunately, they have been linked to increased risk of strokes and heart attacks. While a good anti-inflammatory can certainly provide more comfort for arthritis pain, there are some non-medicinal steps that patients can take that may provide some relief from their pain. Low impact exercise like walking or water aerobics may help, however. arthritis in dogs Arthritic joints work best when they arent overly burdened.

  • What You Need to Know about Arthritis
    This generally happens in the knees, but can be found in the hips, spine and hands. A difference in OA and RA is in the way you arthritis in dogs swell. And most never need canes, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory devices.

  • Powerful Arthritis Pain Relief For All Of Us
    Really powerful stuff. These substances not only give symptomatic relief, but, actually intervene at the root of the arthritis arthritis in dogs problem and help the body to rebuild functioning joints. You get the feeling you're all alone facing the daily challenges caused by your arthritis symptoms. Modern medicine doesn't have much to offer for these chronic conditions... Offering only symptomatic temporary relief.

  • Arthritis Basics
    Regular activity combined with exercise also reduces risk of arthritis, strengthening joint muscles arthritis in dogs and reducing joint wear. Arthritis can affect any age group. If arthritis is left untreated, it can advance, resulting in joint damage that cannot be reversed.

  • Arthritis In Dogs
    The dozens of arthritis medications available are categorized arthritis in dogs by drug class. Keep a diary of the remedies you try, and their effects, good and bad. Usually only with prudent, thoughtful trials will you and your doctor discover whats best for you. Are you concerned about side effects? There are some treatments for rheumatoid arthritis that can slow down joint destruction.

Navigation