Dog Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that affect many dogs as they age. The disease can cause pain, stiffness, and impaired mobility in affected dogs. It is essential for owners to understand the signs of arthritis in their dogs so that they can seek the necessary medical attention to manage the disease.
The Signs of Dog Arthritis - these can manifest in various ways, and then signs may vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some of the common signs of arthritis in dogs include:
Stiffness - they may exhibit stiffness especially after exercise or prolonged periods of rest such as sleeping. They may take longer than usual to rise or have difficulty to jump or climb stairs.
Limping - they may show lameness especially after exercise
Decreased activity - they may be less active and may experience a decrease in appetite, grooming and social interaction.
Pain - arthritis can cause considerable pain in affected dogs, leading to whining, crying or licking over affected joints.
Muscle atrophy - Over time, dogs with arthritis may experience muscle atrophy or a decrease in muscle mass due to decreased activity levels.
It is essential to note that the signs of arthritis may be subtle in the early stages of the disease. Therefore it is crucial for pet owners to monitor their dogs for any changes in mobility, behaviour, or activity levels.
What causes Arthritis? - there are variable factors including:
Age- ageing is a significant risk factor for the development of arthritis
Genetics - some dog breeds are more prone to developing arthritis due to their genetic makeup.
Obesity - excessive weight and obesity can cause undue stress on the joints, leading to arthritis.
Trauma - Dogs that have previous injury or trauma to the bones or joints may be at a higher risk of developing arthritis.
Treatment options - There is a wide and ever expanding treatment options available for dogs. These include:
Pain Management - these can be prescribed to help manage pain in dogs with arthritis. Non-steroidal antinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common type of pain medication. They can come in table or oral liquid form and can be varied between twice daily, once daily or once monthly depending on the medication type.
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy - Watch this space as it’s released in Australia in later this month!
Weight Management - managing the dog’s weight can help reduce the stress on the joints and improve mobility.
Exercise - low- impact exercise such as swimming or walking can help improve mobility in suffering dogs
Joint supplementation - such as glucosamine, and chondroitin can help to improve joint health and prevent further damage.
Arthritis is such a common condition and pet owners should be aware of the signs. Weight management is the first port of call, but there is an every expanding range of medications available to help our older pups, live happier and healthier lives.
Please contact Vet in the Valley if you require more information.