The dog with Osteoarthritis
Canine osteoarthritis is the most common joint diseasethe-dog-with-osteoarthritis in dogs, mainly affecting middle and advanced dogs and it is estimated that 1 in 5 suffer from this pathology, approximately 45% of large dogs.
It is a complex and progressive disease that causes a degeneration in the articular cartilage (essential to avoid friction between the two bone ends of the joint) and the formation of new bone tissue in the joint margins, which can cause severe pain.
What causes osteoarthritis in dogs?
Osteoarthritis is usually due to a secondary cause , such as trauma, inflammation, obesity, or severe and excessive exercise. However, some breeds such as the German shepherd or the labrador retriever have a genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of canine osteoarthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs are diverse and our pet will be able to manifest one or another depending on the degree of the disease, which can range from mild to severe. Osteoarthritis can be manifested by the following symptoms and signs:
- Lethargy
- The dog hides
- Rigidity
- Grunts and groans
- The dog does not move
- Aggressiveness if you want to touch the affected area
- Limp
- Blushing after exercise
- Difficulty waking up
- Difficulty moving
- Loss of appetite
If we notice in our dog some of these symptoms we must go to the veterinarian urgently to evaluate the situation as well as the most appropriate treatment. To verify the diagnosis of osteoarthritis, the doctor will use an exhausted physical examination, although he / she can also make an imaging diagnosis using radiographs.
Osteoarthritis in dogs is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and occurs in all dogs that reach old age, regardless of the sex of the dog. It is a disease that has no cure, since it is due to the aging of the canine body, however, we can improve their quality of life if we follow some veterinary and habits guidelines in order to reduce the pain that our dog suffers with any Movement increasing, as I said, their quality of life.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs:
- The dog gets tired more often during the ride and even comes to a standstill.
- He has difficulty lifting or lying down, and may even complain slightly.
- Depending on what motions it may induce you to scream in pain.
- You notice that it limps or becomes very stiff.
- It costs you to go up or down stairs.
- Lose mobility.
A visit to the vet is essential, so that the doctor can check your dog and finally diagnose this disease. You can then put your dog on an anti-inflammatory treatment that will help reduce pain as well as give you titreatment-of-canine-osteoarthritisps for the new habits that your dog will need to have.
My recommendations for new habits to reduce the pain that causes osteoarthritis in your dog’s joints are:
- It reduces the daily amount of food. You have to try to reduce weight in your dog, in this way, your body will be more agile to deal with inflamed joints.
- Short and very smooth walks, without hurry, but it is essential that it be daily. It is very positive that he moves. You must be very strict in the duration, frequency and intensity of the ride. It should always be the same, even if you see your dog better, do not increase the intensity or frequency or duration of the ride because you could worsen his condition.
- Swimming is the ideal exercise: swimming with your dog with your help will relax your joints and muscles and with your exercises you can recoup the pain while staying fit.
- Avoid jerking: do not induce him to jump, run or get up quickly.
And remember, any signs or symptoms of illness that you observe in your dog, do not hesitate to take it to the veterinarian. It’s better to prevent than to cure.
Committing ourselves to the great responsibility of hosting a dog in our home will undoubtedly bring us significant benefits derived from a very strong emotional bond between the owner and the pet.
Throughout the life of our dog we will be able to observe many changes that occur as the physiological and normal process of aging advances, one of the anatomical structures of our mascot that can more suffer with the passage of the years is the apparatus locomotor.
In this article from Chondropaw we talk about the symptoms and treatment of Osteoarthritis in dogs , the most common joint disease that our pets suffer.
This article is purely informative, in Chondropaw we do not have the power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case you present any type of condition or discomfort.