It’s really sad when man’s best friend get sick, especially with a debilitating disease that limits their movement. Everyone likes canine companions that are active and playful. But then, dogs grow older too and time comes when ailments afflicting them prevents them from pursuing activities.
Any breed, size or class of dog can acquire canine arthritis or osteoarthritis in dogs. Like human beings, canine arthritis is a progressive disease that involves the joints which can lead to permanent debilitation.
When a dog is young, it can run and play the whole day since cartilage is very much present in the joints. As years pass by, cartilage in the dog’s joint may decrease thereby causing the dog to exhibit the following symptoms: limping, walking slowly, refusing to be touched, reluctant to play/walk or engage in physical activities and having a hard time to stand up from a resting position. If these symptoms show when the dog is already middle-aged, then most likely it is suffering from canine arthritis or a degenerative joint disease.
Veterinarians often point out to some causes of canine arthritis, including but not limited to: infection, poor nutrition or physical trauma which the poor dog has gone through. A dog that has been injured at some point in its younger years is a candidate for canine arthritis. There are some infections that can cause damage to bones of the dog.
Once canine arthritis symptoms are seen in your dog, schedule a visit to the vet clinic. A physical examination of the dog is helpful in assessing the extent of the arthritis. Normally, medications are prescribed by the doctor once canine arthritis is detected. The drugs fit the purpose of reducing pain, increasing range of motion as well as delaying the progress of arthritis so the dog can still enjoy some physical activity.
[ad name=”Adsense LU 468″]
Usually, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly known as NSAIDs are administered to dogs with arthritis to lessen the swelling and pain. Owners are also advised to let their pets continue activities that are not physically strenuous such as walking or swimming so the dogs would still benefit from exercise.
Canine arthritis is not really difficult to manage, the key is finding the appropriate treatment through a good veterinarian.
