Dog Arthritis
Recognizing and treating canine arthritis
Arthritis in dogs resembles the arthritis found in humans. While there are many forms of canine arthritis, the most common one is osteoarthritis. Symptoms include stiffness in the joints and muscles, joint inflammation and light to moderate pain. The pain occurs because the protective cartilage around the joints wears away, exposing bare bone. This exposed bone grinds against other exposed bone, resulting in inflammation which further degrades the joint's protective cartilage and synovial fluid. The joint inflames, and pain is the result.
Causes of Canine Arthritis
Canine arthritis most often affects older dogs as a result of the aging process. However, inactive and overweight dogs are also likely to become arthritic. Younger dogs may develop arthritis if they sustain an injury such as a broken bone, or if they have a bacterial infection. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, Cushings disease, and elbow or hip dysplasia, may also result in canine arthritis.
Certain dog breeds are more susceptible than others to developing canine arthritis. Be watchful with breeds like St. Bernards, German shepherds, bulldogs, beagles, bloodhounds, Rottweilers, terriers, spaniels, pugs, and golden retrievers.
Prevention and Treatment of Canine Arthritis
In order to prevent or delay the onset of canine arthritis, keep your dog fit and healthy. Walk and play with it, and feed it a lean diet of quality dog food. Certain supplements containing chondroitin, glucosamine, spirulina, devil's claw and other nutrients may also help to prevent or delay arthritis. Unfortunately, the exact reasons for and causes of canine arthritis are not completely known, and chances are still good that despite your best efforts, your dog will develop some arthritis.
The good news is that there are several forms of dog arthritis treatment. You may purchase dog arthritis medicine, which will help reduce the level of inflammation and pain. Be careful that your dog does not become allergic to the medicine or develop other side effects. You may also wish to put an arthritis dog harness on your dog. The arthritis dog harness is usually fitted to the bottom half of your pet, and it eases the leg strain of standing, walking and defecating.
DMSO dog arthritis treatment, available by prescription only, may be another option to consider. DMSO stands for dimethyl sulfoxide, and has been shown to be effective in treating canine arthritis, relieving arthritic pain on contact. It also helps stimulate the immune system. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
