Dogs and Arthritis

Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is a condition in which the smooth cartilage that covers and protects the ends of your dog's bones begins to wear away. When this happens it leaves the bones exposed and, on the ends of joints where the bones meet, they begin to rub against each other. This makes the condition very painful and causes inflammation. The condition often worsens as your dog gets older.

Arthritis can occur as a result of normal wear and tear on a joint and progresses as your dog ages. This is known as primary degenerative joint disease. It's not unusual for many older dogs to have some small amount of arthritis as they reach their senior years. They may move stiffly when they first get up. They may feel the cold a little more. They may have a little trouble getting up and down from their naps. Your dog will probably find it harder to use stairs.

Arthritis can also occur as the result of other conditions that affect your dog's joints such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can show up even when your dog is quite young. This is called secondary degenerative joint disease. These problems can be the result of heredity, conformation, trauma, repetitive actions such as too much exercise on hard road surfaces, and so on.

Any dog who is born with a predisposition toward a joint problem will be more likely to develop arthritis at some point in his life. This would include dogs with poor conformation (such as poor hip joints), and dogs who come from families with other dogs who have had a lot of arthritis or hip dysplasia. Any dog who has had an injury to a joint will also be more likely to develop arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis will vary depending on the dog, the dog's age, the joints involved and the severity of the disease. The first thing most owners will notice is a change in the dog's gait. Dogs will usually try to avoid putting weight on the affected joint. There may be some muscle atrophy in the affected limb since the dog won't be using it as much. For example, if your dog has hip dysplasia in both hind legs, your dog's hind legs may begin to look thinner. He may begin to rely more on his front legs and shoulders to pull himself along so he can avoid using his rear legs as much.

Your dog may also show some changes in appetite if he is experiencing any pain. He may be touchy and irritable with other dogs in the household. In most cases the joints will not be swollen. Instead, the pain will be dull and aching so your dog won't cry out or let you know that he's hurting. Many dogs will seek out warm, soft places to sleep.

These changes may come about gradually so you may not notice them or you may attribute them to advancing age. However, if you call them to your vet's attention he or she will likely be able to confirm that your dog does have arthritis with a few tests.

In extreme cases arthritis can be treated surgically. This would include hip replacement. In most cases dogs are treated with medication for pain management.

Arthritis is usually a progressive disease but it can be mild or severe, depending on the dog. Your dog may only experience mild arthritis or he may have moderate or severe problems. Watch him and consult with your vet about treatment.

Liquid Glucosamine (Vegetarian)

Liquid Glucosamine for small dogs

Painful Arthritis can be eased in many cases by giving a glucosamine supplement to your dog.

Source:https://ezinearticles.com/?Dogs-and-Arthritis&id=8150991