Arthritis - Painful and Incurable
Your dog uncharacteristically begins to limp. You notice your pet is having trouble getting up in the morning. He or she no longer wants to play as long or as much. If he or she leaps to catch a ball, your dog may yip in apparent pain. The trouble – degenerative joint disease, commonly called arthritis.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It happens when the cartilage that is cushioning the connection between the bone and the joint begins to erode away. The pace is such replacement of the cartilage is not possible. With the vanishing of the cartilage, the bone and joint begin to grate. When this occurs, the joint begins to swell. The area becomes inflamed and sensitive.
Signs Your Canine Has Arthritis
The symptoms for arthritis may vary in terms of characteristics. Not all need be present. The impact may also differ in degree. Common indications your dog has arthritis include the following:
· Slow movements
· Less active
· Limping or sporadic lameness
· Stiffness of the limbs
· The region may be tender
· The dog may become irritable
· Pain shown through small yips
As arthritis progresses, the pain and joint stiffness will increase.
Causal factors
Arthritis is not the result of a single factor. There are several. The most prominent are:
· Increasing age
· Specific breed e.g. boxers, Labrador retrievers
· Weight
· Trauma
Treatment
Arthritis is incurable. It is only possible to manage the disease, although if caught early enough, your vet may be able to slow down the progression in some cases. In general, the adopted approach is to relieve the pain and improve quality of life. To accomplish this, you will need to talk to your vet.
A vet may recommend certain treatments. You can then decide which is feasible and which is right for your canine. Among the possibilities are:
· Nutritional joint supplements e.g. glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, Omega-3 fatty acids, avocado-soybean unsaponifiables.
· Injections including non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
· Alternative and complementary treatments - Reiki, acupressure, massage, acupuncture, homeopathy
At home, you can help the treatment by:
· Keeping the dog’s weight under control
· Making sure you exercise the dog regularly – light jogging, low-impact walks, swimming
· Provide your dog with the right environment – orthopedic beds, non-slippery floors, ramps to get into the car, onto the bed or couch
· Raised eating and drinking platforms
The intention is to take the pain out of the arthritic condition, to relive your companion’s discomfort. In doing so, you can continue to enjoy your life with your dog.
Conclusion
You cannot joke about arthritis. It is truly a serious health issue. It is not curable, but you can help alleviate the results and decrease the chances. Always keep your dog’s weight under control. This reduces the stress on joints and bones. Consider using supplements to help reduce future chances. Above all, talk to your vet if your dog shows any indications of this problem.
