Canine Joint Health

 

Arthritis is a general term describing a specific abnormality in the joints. It is the result of the eroding of cartilage. While this process is normal, arthritis occurs when the cartilage wears away at a faster rate than it can be replaced. The result is a lack of cushioning between the bones. Joints swell and the region becomes painful.

Causal Factors

The onset of arthritis among canines is not the result of a single factor. In many cases, it is the result of several things. These include age and breed. These 2 you can do little to change. You can exert, however, some control in other areas. These include weight and accidents.

Excess weight puts increased stress upon limbs. This is particularly true of dogs that are already heavyset e.g. bulldogs, and big breeds e.g. German Shepherds. You can ensure they keep the weight off or down through proper diet and sufficient exercise.

Accidents can increase the damage to bones. Stress and trauma to the joints often result in the development of arthritis. While some accidents “just happen,” many are avoidable through proper care and vigilance. Be a responsible dog owner

There are 2 other possible causes of arthritis: congenital defects and infection. You may be able to prevent some instances of infection. It is often difficult, however, to know whether your dog has a genetic predisposition or condition that will increase the risk of arthritis later in life.

Indicators

The symptoms for arthritis can vary from dog-to-dog. They can be mild or severe in degree. Some canines begin with mild symptoms. These can progress overtime. The most common symptoms of arthritis are:

·        Decreased activity

·        Occasional lameness or limping

·        Stiffness of limbs

·        Touchiness of temperament and afflicted part

·    Lethargy

Age of Onset

People tend to think of arthritis as an “oldster” disease. This is not the case. It may strike dogs at any age. Young dogs and older canines alike may suffer from this debilitative health problem.

Susceptible Breeds

While all dogs may eventually get arthritis, some breeds are more susceptible to the disease than others are. These include

·        Bulldogs

·        Labrador Retrievers

·        Golden Retrievers

·        German Shepherds

·        Rottweilers

·        Boxers

Treatment

Arthritis is not curable. You can treat it, managing the disease. This will result in improved mobility and a significant reduction in pain. In some instances, the early use of medications or supplements will help decrease the intensity and arrival of an onset of arthritis.

Treatment of the condition does involve your vet. He or she may diagnose the condition and early indications. It is then up to you to decide what form the treatment may take. You may decide to feed your dog a nutritional supplement such as glucosamine. This is available in tablet, liquid and powder form from your vet or a pet supply store. It may also be an integral part of specialized dog food or cookies.

Flexicose and Arthri-Gesic are 2 producers of liquid forms of glucosamine supplements. MaxiLife, Expensive Joint Forumla, NutriVet Hip and Joint and NaturVet are pill or capsule forms of glucosamine. Hills, Iams, NutroNatural and Zukes all produce food with glucosamine. These are not the only manufacturers. Before you decide, talk to your vet and carefully check the formulation of glucosamine and MSM is sufficient and appropriate.

An alternative to pills is injections. Your vet may recommend you give your dog shots of cartrophen. Cartrophen Vet is a plant-based drug. Only your vet can administer the shots for the recommended period.

There are also alternative methods of treating arthritis. Acupuncture, Reiki and acupressure may prove effective. Certain naturopaths and homeopathic treatments are available. Talk to your vet and other canine health experts for suggestions.